La Buca is just divine!!! Simply delicious Italian food. We always order bruschetta, ceasar salad with the best garlicky dressing and al forno. YUM! Love how they offer a great kid's menu for our son too. Ugh and their dessert case always has something I can't resist! read more

We have been enjoying LaBuca for about 14 years. Thought it was time to add a review. If you're in the mood for some great Italian food where the flavors are robust and flavorful, you found the right restaurant. Located close in on the southeast side, this is a wonderful little neighborhood spot where the service is great and the food is consistently delicious. Our visit tonight was on a busy Friday and so we decided to sit at the bar and it was perfect. Great service, wonderful dishes. My husband always enjoys the Pomodoro with added meatballs. I had the pasta special tonight which was a meat dish. Excellent. Though we shouldn't have done it, we had to split a bread pudding with the whiskey sauce. There is no better bread putting in Portland Oregon. If you ever want to have a bread pudding throwdown call me I will meet you at LaBuca! The entire dinner with drinks two full entrées a bruschetta appetizer and bread pudding was only $36. Enjoy! read more

La Buca - LaBuca is a true gem on the near east side. We've been going to the LaBuca for years and it never disappoints - Italian Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Excellent Alfredo and chicken! Very creamy and thick sauce. Nothing to complain about. Servers were attentive and nice. I went in on a weekday during dinner time. Plenty of seating to choose from. read more

If I could give it two and a half stars, that's what I'd give. I'm sure if you live in this neighborhood, it's nice to have a reasonably priced Italian place within walking distance. That being said, if you find yourself here and look at this restaurant based on just the merits of it's food and service, it's about as average an non-descript as it gets. I had the Al Forno with shrimp, which came out burnt from the oven. The shrimp was big and savory, but the dish itself was fairly average in flavor and presentation. The waitress asked if we wanted fresh Parmesan, and when we said yes, tossed a container on the table walked away. It was just a little odd. Also, we both drank water with our meal, and they kept it filled which was nice, but it was a hot day and the water was warm, which, with a meal, kind of sucked. Overall, reasonable, and not offensive or horrid, but about as average as Italian food can be. Nothing special here. read more

Seafood pasta hermahgerd Staff is super nice, food is awesome, drinks were pretty good too read more

What's with the 40% $10 tip on a $26 takeout order? I was told that it was the same as the door dash charge. no it's not! Plus, I drove 6 miles to pick it up! What if I only had $30 in my pocket? Just raise the price of the food, but don't put some ridiculous door dash charge on my bill read more

Good food. Huge portions. I had the mushroom and beef ravioli. It was excellent. Had enough for lunch the next day.

This was an amazing little find. We were originally heading to another place but my daughter really wanted Italian. We got really lucky! We had a bruschetta appetizer that was a special. The bread was delicious and it was topped with caramelized onions and feta cheese. It was a great way to start our meal. Our waiter comped it because we had to wait for a bit although we weren't out of sorts at all so that was a nice surprise! For my entree I had a nightly special. It was a seafood pasta dish with a cream sauce. It was light and extremely flavorful. I am not usually a big pasta eater but had a hard time putting my fork down.... it was that good! We had dessert as well which was a delicious way to end the meal. Everything was outstanding from the service to all of the food! read more

How have I missed this place? It's right next to another favorite place, and another, and still another.. but still.. We had to wait for a table since they were busy which is a good thing in serious retrospect. Check Bread and dipping oil which is FREE Check Their menu does not have the "usuals" in all respects so there is a lot of variety. Check Not meat centric which seems to be the fad these days. Check Prices are pretty darn good as well. Check They also have "specials" which are wonderful for regulars so you never get bored with options. Check Service was super. Check We ordered up some italian red Valpolicella and they use the little juice glasses for drinking out of which remind me of beautiful italian Sophia Loren drinking out of one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k24hdfInnkA... I've never gone to Italy. Do they use them there? OK I had to have the Puttanesca. I don't see that choice very often and I LOVE anchovies and garlic so I asked them to double up on... none of this "with a touch of anchovies" business for this girl. The meal was decent, flavorful, hearty, good sized. It's kind of a comfort food place especially if you live in the neighborhood.. All in all it all checks out including the checkered tablecloths.. I think they were there. If not, they should be. read more

The flavors that I experienced at this restaurant were amazing. it was like the food was having sex in my mouth. I'm so happy that ate here I will definitely come back. Sarah was our waitress and she was so pleasant. read more

La Buca - Italian Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Sometimes when I'm looking for good food I feel a bit like Holly Golightly, peering into the window at Tiffany's lusting over expensive things I cannot afford. Unlike Holly, however, I can do more than get a cracker jack box ring engraved at Tiffany's. I don't need to go to an expensive place and get the cheapest thing on the menu when we have plenty of places here in Portland that offer quality eats on the cheap! When my date suggested we hit up this little Italian spot last night for dinner my first thought was that I'd have to check my bank account, but I was pleasantly surprised at the menu and prices! We got bruschetta and two entrees for only $22!! He had the risotto and I had the ....something with a weird name that resembled penne alla vodka. The noodles were cooked to a perfect al dente texture and the tomato cream sauce was delicious! It was plenty of food as well, they didn't skimp on portions which I expected they might for the price. I am definitely a fan and next time I want italian on the cheap this is my new go to spot! I'm so glad I am discovering places like this that don't break the bank but still deliver in terms of quality! read more

This was a wonderful little restaurant to find, which was a short drive and was close to a open parking lot. I had a wonderful dinner and found it a great place to sit down and talk with family while also enjoying a professionally made meal. Definitely would suggest this place if your from or visiting Portland. Thank you La Buca for the good food! read more

La Buca - Italian Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Andrew C. knows Mexican food. Don B. is the guru of all Asian. I know Italian food. I grew up one of the culinarily spoiled brats because my mom cooked the authentic goods on a regular basis. You know how Gordon Ramsay talks about Italian food being rustic, simple, and hearty? That's the stuff. My mom is the goddess of all things Italian and scratch, from sausage and ravioli and gnocchi to pita fritas and biscotti and pizzelle. We never dined out Italian growing up (or even now), because no place could ever compare. And it's still pretty much like that. My taste-test food for Italian restaurants is the gnocchi. Anyone can make a decent ravioli or tortellini, but gnocchi...that's an art. Not only in the making (and creating of the right shape), but in the cooking. Most places tend to make gnocchi either too soft (and it sticks to the roof of your mouth), or too hard. Surprisingly, La Buca happened to serve gnocchi cooked correctly. So kudos! It was between the two, with a little chewiness, and enough soft. They weren't shaped most awesomely, but taste is taste, I suppose. I got mine prepared with pesto and chicken. The chicken must have been from a whole bird, as it wasn't cut in strips, and the pesto had a very mild flavor. I'm used to my pesto being bold and beautiful, and while it was definitely visually stimulating, it could have had more garlicky zing or more basil flavor. Beware...the polenta looks more like a stew. And it kind of tastes like it, too. The salad special was tasty and light, with gorgonzola, candied walnuts, and apple slices...on par with other restaurants. I've got to say, though, that was NOT bruschetta. While bruschetta really is by definition a grilled bread with olive oil and garlic, it traditionally has some sort of tomato-y topping (I liken it to Italian salsa, without the spice). La Buca's came with a crispy bread topped with either a ricotta or some sort of hummus and cheese. Uhh...yeah. I mean, it was quite tasty, but not what anyone expected. Finally, seeing that we were celebrating a birthday, we decided to indulge in dessert. The bread pudding was rich, but not as full of caramely flavors, like I'd prefer. The tiramisu followed suite...it was definitely rich and decadent...but I thought there was supposed to be espresso-soaked ladyfingers. I tasted no coffee goodness! The service is okay, but be prepared for a lengthy wait for a table (they don't take reservations). Overall, I'm impressed by the modesty of La Buca's prices, but the food just wasn't the kind of Italian I prefer...the hearty and simple and delicious Calabrian fare. But that's fine. Not everyone had the privilege of being raised by my mom. read more

"A girl went back to Napoli Because she missed the scenery The native dances and the charming songs But wait a minute - something's wroooong ..." Oh Rosemary, what is wrong is that I am not in Italy. And because I am not in Italy but Portland instead, I must settle for pranzo on NE 28th. Don't mistake me, Rosemary. The menu offers a lot in the way of drink and molto pasta choices. Plus, two glasses of merlot cost more than the alimento. Pancetta and creamy garlic sauce, spaghetti with marinara, all stuff you could offer a bambino without making the little one gag upon sight. The east-most seating area feels a lot more intimo than the front. The other side of the coin is that there are no mind-blowing flavors, which makes me long for L'Italia all the more. In other words, not mambo-worthy, Rosemary. Song-worthy, sure, but not so much the happy in the feets. Tre e una metà stella, for sure. Italiano courtesy of Babelfish. "Mambo Italiano" courtesy of Rosemary Clooney. read more

I've been to La Buca twice now, my first visit was few years ago and recently I just made my second visit there. We went there for father's day dinner with my family. I was surprised that nothing really change much from this place. Their price is still cheap for Italian food, but with a much better quality than Pastini. The service is still friendly and the waitress was nice and very helpful. From the request to reheat my mom's roasted red pepper soup to water refill, she was on top of it even though seems like they are short on staffing. I love the complimentary bread and my Creamy Salmon pasta. For $9, it was a good deal. The pasta was perfectly cooked, el dente just like how I like it. There were good amount of salmon in it and the cream sauce was not too heavy. I didn't have any problem chowed down the whole plate of it. La Buca is on my list for cheap and good Italian food. Now, who wants some pasta? read more

In a town so saturated with great food how is that that I've been ending up at places that are so painfully blah! How did this place get 4 stars? I think people (myself included) are entirely to generous with there stars, a habit I intend on breaking! From now on, I'll be that bitch, given out the low stars even if the place is adorable and family owned. REAL TALK! La Boca is adorable and once you see the prices, you absolutely want to love this place. I ordered the Al Forno. I added salmon for an extra 2.75, you could add all kinds of things like chicken breast, spicy meatballs, sausage, etc to any meal. I love being able to customize! The presentation of the food was good, the taste did not compare. I'm not a big salter..but on this occasion it was called for. Oh and the salmon...looked like it was just dumped straight from the can into my pasta, I couldn't be more serious. I love inexpensive dining as much as the next guy (or lady!), perhaps even more because I overworked and underpaid! However when the damage is about 40$ I think you can find something with a little more pizazz! So it's not A-Ok, It's Meh, I've totes experienced better. read more

A lot of what I want to say has already been covered in detail, and I'm not feeling particularly hilarious at the moment so.... deal with it. My first impression as I walked in the door was grim - you ever go places and you feel like everyone in the joint saw an episode or two of Portlandia and decided Portland was the Promised Land and moved here? Yeah it was like that. Then I noticed the decor seemed like... I dunno soulless strip mall meets some half executed attempt at "classy?" That's kinda so far from my idea of fun that I wanted to throw a seasonal depression temper tantrum and go hide at Holman's until my dining companions were finished with their strip mall Italian food meal. (Maybe it's just me, but the more over the top tacky an Italian restaurant is the more I'm at home.) But I restrained myself and thought that maybe what the joint lacked in anything I find awesome or comforting would be made up for with killer Italian food. Sadly, this was not to be. The caesar salad was ok but was overkill on the dressing. I ordered cheese ravioli with marinara (it had some fancy name, but who gives a fuck? Let's just call a spade a spade shall we?). And have to say, I was glad it was cheap because, well for the same price I could have just bought a bag of frozen ravioli and a bottle of Classico and made it at home.... and it still would have had more flavor. My dude ordered some other thing, which also has some fancy name, that I didn't recognize and the minute we hit the car I noticed he had his hands curled into fists and then pounded the dashboard with a food rage only stoner's are capable while wailing the word "BLAND" over and over again. And then there were the servers - man.... what robot zombie cold weirdo waitresses were those? I think they may have all been hypnotized into serving the La Buca god or something and have no ability to have or express any kind of emotion. Perhaps fear... the waitress seemed very on edge around us... but then again we don't look like Saw and Episode of Portlandia and Moved Here People - maybe the threat of people from the region scared her shitless.. who knows.. I have no idea where I'm going with this anymore - so in short - don't eat here. Unless well, you just saw an episode of Portlandia and moved into town last week. Then you should be fine. read more

Here's my impression of the menu at La Buca: (ahem) Prices are all, "Well yeah, sure, you can totally make comparable pasta at home, but nobody's forcing you. We're totally worth it." Then Pasta is like, "Whatever, Prices. You're just jealous. You know you're not the only reason they want us. We're reliable. We're solid. We don't disappoint. We taste good, and we've got that perfect bruschetta to back us up. Screw you, Prices." And while Pasta and Prices vie for validation, Service nods at you, that knowing nod, and, reflecting the efficiency and tact that come only from years of experience, quietly invites you to take your time as you prepare to chime in on the conversation. read more

Went there on a Monday and found it busy! Be prepared to wait a little bit for seating. The menu is short, but with a good selection of pastas, salads, entrees and paninis. I went with a meatball panini ($7) and my date had roast pork over polenta ($8.50). Both were delicious. The quality of the food was definitely beyond what we expected for the price! Be forwarned: when we say it's 'good for kids' we mean that it was packed with them. Made it a little loud. They have a separate area with a bar for grown-ups, though it was kind-of small. A good place to take your family, or your date if they like kids. Overall, La Buca would get my business again and if you're out on 28th they should get yours too! read more

This is one of my favorite laid-back dinner spots in Portland, the kind of place you can go for a Saturday night date without a reservation and get Italian classics that are not only good but also affordable. Favorites include the olive bruschetta (four generous pieces), the abituale and the spaghetti pomodoro with spicy meatballs. The special tonight (pork and beef bolognese) was also delicious. You can get by with two entrees that have meat in them (vegetarian is cheaper), an order of bruschetta (plus bread comes with most entrees) or salad and two or three glasses of house red wine for less than $50 including tip. I'd give it more stars but the service wasn't great the last couple of visits. It's not the servers' fault necessarily - they might just be a little understaffed at times. read more

MMMM... The #9! I have been to La Buca several times now and I just keep getting the #9. Fresh penne, the perfect pink sauce and spicy sausage! Life is just SOO good sometimes! The Caesar salad is fresh with house croutons, and everything is very reasonably priced. I would go here 7 days a week if my gut wouldn't explode. Beware: The wine list and the beer selection could use a little expansion and is on the more pricey side of things. If you are going to La Buca for a cheapy meal, this is the perfect way to blow it. All in all, La Buca is the ideal pasta dinner located in inner NE PDX read more

My wife and I tried La Buca tonight after the typical "We live in Portland and there are too many awesome choices" dilemma we usually go through. We thought we'd try it at least once, but after tonight it's on our list of great date spots! The food was terrific, with great prices and just-right portions. I had a caesar salad to start, and my wife ordered the bruschetta. So far so good. We ended up both getting the abituale, and it was top notch. We saved room for dessert and ordered a flourless chocolate torte with coffee gelato, along with coffee. Really hit the spot. So two appetizers, two pasta dishes, dessert and coffee for less than $40? Terrific. The food was probably 3.5-4 stars, but the service was also really excellent. Our server was not only polite and professional, but genuinely kind as well. Not too often you go out to a spot in Portland and get that kind of service. We'll definitely be going back! read more

I haven't been to an Italian restaurant for a while, so I was happy when we went to La Buca for Sunday dinner. La Buca is a smallish place, with few tables that can accomadate large groups, but they are family friendly. The food is quite cheap for the quality given; with entrees ranging from $6.25-$10, even I could afford to eat there. While the menu is a little limited (only 3/4 of a page), it does provide some great highlights. I had the Al Forno, which consisted of a very tasty tomato, garlic and basil marinara, combined with baked penne with three cheeses (all three names escape me at the moment). In addition to the entree, you get a plate of Italian bread, with an oil/vinegar dip that is to die for. So you may be asking, "why only 3 stars?" Well the answer is simple: the service was as slow as mollasses on a cold winters' morn! The waitress was polite, but not warm, and that goes a long way with me. A happy staff (or staff that can pretend to be happy) can save a mediocre meal for me. In short, I would recommend this resturant because of the value, location, and taste - just not necessarily for the service. read more

First of all, I probably get better service than you do because I'm incredibly good looking. So I can't agree with some of the reviews here about the service at La Buca. I've also eaten in Italy, and it's just such a different experience than eating anywhere in Portland that if you hold Italy (or some Platonic ideal of Italy) as the standard for La Buca, you'll be disappointed (in everything, all day). I eat at La Buca at least once a week. I usually order one of two dishes, although I've been eating there long enough to have tried almost everything on the menu. The food is good. The pasta is cooked properly - even the risotto, which I rarely eat except at home, is cooked well. The sauces are fresh and balanced, the caesar dressing is "real" and made from scratch. Occasionally a bit of romaine looks a little tired, but occasionally, so do I. What I love about La Buca is it's utter lack of pretense. It doesn't try to be "great" or fancy. Some restaurants have to "stretch", and La Buca isn't one of them. The menu never changes (there's a daily special, but even it rarely seems to change). For LESS THAN THE COST OF PREPARING A NICE DINNER AT HOME, you and your girlfriend and your kids (if you're me) can have a couple salads, plates of pasta (you never have to ask for a spoon), and a glass of wine and a cocktail, and a non-moody server (there's virtually no turnover in waitstaff, so the waiters must be genuinely happy to be there) cleans up after you. I'm giving La Buca 4 stars because it does so much and asks so little in return. read more

I hardly get to eat Italian. I love it though so I was very excited to try La Buca out. You can typically never go wrong with pasta and bread (or paninis and other entrees if you so desire). Since I hardly ever get to eat tasty pastas I always seem to be drawn to alfredo. It is never cooked in the H. household so I'm always craving it when I step into an Italian restaurant. I, of course, already had my mind made up before I perused the menu. I decided to add the broccli and chicken for the added charge because I figured it would be worth it. It wasn't. The whole dish was a big fail. The alfredo was basically just a white sauce with no flavor to cover overcooked chicken and undercooked broccli and a whole heap of pasta. At least the noodles were cooked to perfection. Other dishes at the table were delicious. I'm glad there was a large group of us so I could see what else there was to offer. My alfredo dish doesn't scare me from going back again at least. I just now know to stay away from their alfredo... If my memory serves me correctly, the staff was pretty efficient. They were also pretty welcoming of such a large crowd. This is why they are just A-OK in my book! read more

A friend who is a local Portland resident took us to this out-of-the-way neighborhood-y Italian restaurant. It's not pretentious, and the decor leaves a bit to be desired, but it's serviceable and the food is delicious. Our server wasn't particularly friendly, but she did her job well, and after all, isn't that what it's all about? I meant to start with a spinach salad (olive oil as dressing on the side), but it came out at the same time as my meal. I still ate it first and enjoyed it, although it was pretty basic. It was a hefty portion, which I was very happy about...need my greens!!! It turns out that they prep their alfredo sauce (not sure how that all works with the possibility of it separating, but okay) and it has garlic in it. Oy. Not only is that not traditional, it meant I couldn't order it, given my garlic allergy. Luckily I COULD order the pork with carmelized onions and peas in white wine sauce over polenta...except I substituted the polenta for penne, for which I was more in the mood. It was DELICIOUS!!! I could've finished it, if it wasn't for the little voice in the back of my head chastizing me and saying, "No, darling, really, you're already full, it's time to stop!" Darn that little voice, darn it to heck!! My partner got a meatball sub on ciabatta bread that he thoroughly enjoyed and our friend got his usual, penne in a spicy pink sauce, which he apparently loves! Good, basic, unpretentious food in an unassuming environment. If I were a local, I'd probably eat here a lot! read more

The three reasons to put La Buca in "high rotation" are simple: 1. Straightforward. 2. Fair price. 3. Scott Mapes. Everything is different in my world. Let me explain it to you. (cue music) I see things the different. (Not a typo just an arcane reference to sorta disturbing English television.) 1. Straightforward means that this is not some fancy schmancy place, nor is it a "look at how Italian I am" place (nudge to Piazza Italia). 2. Fair price means you can eat dinner and drink wine and not have to cancel your cable. 3. Scott Mapes means the guy who owns this place is a solid, homegrown, local good guy who treats his employees right and cares about the neighborhood. Sure, he could be taller but not everything is in our control. I get the number 9. But the salmon special is always great too. I like the chicken ceasar salad with light dressing and hot chicken. I don't know why they ask you whether you want hot or cold chicken but I forgive this minor trespass. In the summer, SIT OUTSIDE until the sun drops between the buildings and bask in your wine soaked thoughts. One more thing. I like cats. But I don't have one. Weird. read more

I'm going to give it to you straight. Is this an epicurean experience in life-altering italian food? No. Is it a good evening matched with a decently sized bowl (make that two, one for the husband, one for myself) of pretty fantastic pasta that goes down easy with a $13 bottle, yes bottle, of smooth Sangiovese, a delicious simple appetizer (caprese bruschetta, like the kind you whip up at home in the summertime) and a large cesear salad (not overly dressed in the least, by the way, light and not uber creamy) - enjoyed in a dimly lit restaurant? Fuck yes. Enjoyable food. Friendly staff. Not the horrible atmosphere other uber snobs (of which I'm guilty at times myself) will lead you to believe. A bottle of wine, two big entrees, an appetizer, salad and dessert to talk home, all within walking distance of our apartment for under $50? Holy crap! Shut your mouth and stop whining. Don't expect a culinary mastepriece, but know you'll leave pretty darn happy and satisfied for a low price. Their tiramisu? To quote my husband who is not fond of sweets, it's like walking on the moon. Light, creamy, not overly sweet, a perfect treat to take home and enjoy lounging in your bed after stuffing your face full of pasta-laden carbs. It's not to be missed. read more

It was one of those nights where I didn't feel like cooking, but I also didn't feel like going someplace real nice. I was stuck. So I typed "pasta" into Yelp and headed for La Buca. It was alright. The salads were actually pretty good. Luckily La Buca understands that salad isn't worth eating if it doesn't have cheese. The pastas were nothing I couldn't have made at home, but like I said, I didn't feel like cooking or going someplace nice, so that's to be expected I suppose. I was hoping for fresh pastas, but I'm pretty sure my penne came out of a box. The wine list was fairly low end. Fits the place I guess, but I would have really appreciated a big glass of good red wine. When we walked in I saw chocolate cake in the dessert case, but they were out by the time we finished eating. They still had some carrot cake, but this was a chocolate cake kind of night so we passed. All in all a pretty 3 star meal, which is exactly what I felt like. read more

After quaffing two pints of beer from neighborhing Beulahland, my man, two newfound friends and I headed happily to La Buca for dinner. We waited about 10 minutes, a pleasant enough wait. Our server was exceptionally nice, smiley and good-natured. We ordered the $10 bottle of Sangiovese (a bargain!), and bruschetta to start. The wine came, appropriately, quickly, and was served in small water glasses (a la Uncle Vito's of San Francisco). The bruschetta was fine, exactly what one would expect. Next we mowed down a fresh and simple (the way I like it) insalata verdi. By the time my putanesca arrived (ordered due to a former yelper's suggestion), I was three sheets to the wind, high on the fabulous company, and totally in love with my pasta. The anchovy taste was cleverly subtle, the pasta cooked nicely al dente. My squeeze had some sort of salmon cream spaghetti dish, which I tried and also fell hard for. We finished our meal with dessert drinks. Honestly, I don't really remember all that went in it. It entailed vodka, ice, and some coffee flavors. The rim was cinnamon kissed. It was a grand experience. Casual, comfortable, affordable, friendly, unpretentious italian dining. It's actually a combo that's hard to find. read more

La Buca is the perfect alternative to chain Italian restaurants that spring up in every suburban mall. The menu is fairly simple including basic pesto, alfredo, and marinara dishes. The menu does include some innovative dishes but it gets its polish from serving Italian comfort food. The daily salad is usually familiar yet creative combination of ingredients. La Buca has a full range of vegetarian dishes, innovative cocktails, and killer deserts. In fact, real Italians even like it. If you want pomp and circumstance, walk down the street. If you want cheap and damn good food, try La Buca. read more

Originally went here for lunch - was fine - nothing really to note either way. However just went back for dinner with my mom & had a more distinct experience. I had the putenesca pasta - I really recommend it! Flavorful and fresh. Everything else on the menu looked good as well. A bunch of various pasta dishes (meat & veggie options), dinner salads & fresh fish entrees. Good selection of beer and wine by the glass or bottle and even better prices. You can get a good glass of wine for under $4! DEAL. One thing to know is that if you go for an early dinner be prepared for family time. I was there at 6PM on a Thursday and the place was jam packed with tiny tots. It's really cool that there is a good restaurant for families but if it's not your scene come much later. All in all good times at La Buca! Plus dinner for 2 plus wine was only $24 TOTAL. read more

Wanna go out for tasty tasty Italian food? Totally poor? Still wanna feel like a classy diner yet spend under $8 per person? La Buca is awesome and the price is right. read more

Some places really knock your socks off, and some places excel in their simplicity. La Buca is in the latter category. Walk in, have a bowl of pasta or a panini, have a glass of something, chat, and relax. That's how to best enjoy this place. The decor is really minimal, not particularly lush but not ultra-contemporary or sterile. I don't know what it is, but if you led me here blindfolded I could still tell from the way the interior looks that it's a pasta place. The service is such a pleasant surprise, they are very friendly and observant, relaxed and yet efficient. What I honestly love about this place though, is their substitution policy. Basically, I can trade this vegetable for that vegetable, throw a little something else on my pasta to give it some feeling, whatever. I like how I can do this without feeling that because of my outrageous request for eggplant or whatever, all hell is going to break loose in the kitchen. Substitutions are going out of style in Portland it seems, so go ahead and be yourself here. My favorite thing is the carciofi panini with salad. I also like the alfredo here, so simple but so good. No one seems to like alfredo because of the over cheesed, over peppered gravylike version we've all been subjected to once or twice, but try it here. The cream is light, with just a tang of cheese and a subtle warmth of spice. Perfect. Oh and one more thing that just pulls the entire experience together: outdoor seating. Just do it. read more

Oh but to review some places can be so very complicated sometimes! On the one hand, the prices and service were La Buca's major strengths-- appetizers were under $4 (we had the olive bruschetta and non descripta zuppa, along w/a generous and seemingly neverending disbursement of their tasty bread), and entrees ranged in the $6-$9 range, plus a couple extra for meat. We had their linguine alfredo w/the spicy meatball, and the pancetta w/ funghi and salmon (a surprisingly large chunk of salmon, btw), as well as the polenta w/roasted pork and carmelized onions. On the other hand, the overall quality of their wares left La Buca we felt well behind the front runners of an already crowded pack in the Greater Metro area. While it can't be denied that nobody on a National level--- let alone International--- equates Portland w/world-beating Italian fare, there are some worthy nominees to be found here. A Cena, BTG perhaps Di Carli's, but, especially Enzo's are some personal favorites that come to mind most immediately, and IMO are on par if not better than some Italian I've had in NYNY and even Mama Italia herself. So where does that leave La Buca? 3 stars aren't meant as a slap, though to many propieters reading these critiques of their businesses, they must surely feel like them. So if this be a slap, let the fine folks @ La Buca consider this a slap on the back. It certainly isn't that we didn't enjoy our experience w/you, just that we know there are other options out there we simply love, and the difference could never be adequately expressed by a single star. If I were running a restaurant, one of the most important bits of customer feed-back to me would be, "Would I spend money to eat here again?" and this, I can confirm, we respond with a defiite "Yes Indeed!" Ciao La Buca! read more

Oh, lordy. Just walking by the place and looking inside makes one wonder why the heck anyone would ever go in. This has to be the worst restaurant interior I have ever seen...it's almost a laundry-list of 'dont's. Cheap and uncomfy schoolroom chairs ? - check Cheap tacky tables, poorly situated ? ~ check Horrific carpet ? - check Bad acoustics ? ~ mmmmm, yeah..... Bad lighting ? - check Kitchen pass-thru completely exposed ? - check Bad art ? - check Prefab metal storefront windows ? - oooh, yeah ! Display fridges set right in the middle of the floor, so you feel like you are stepping into a quick-serve deli ? - check Now...we went in, because the place was, in fact, about 2/3 full (and because the chinese joint down the block was permanently closed and the very wonderful Tapalaya next door was full). So...I was hoping what we had found here was one of those "place has no charm at all but it's a neighborhood mainstay because the food is so good" sorta joints..... ...... ....... .....oomph. Our server was inattentive and humorless. The food was downright bad. I mean...granted, it wasn't expensive...so I suppose if what you want is cheap, bad Italian food in a soulless environment with surly service and a glass of wine from a bottle which had been uncorked for far too long.... ...hey....knock yourself out. Dudes...if anyone tells you this fare is somehow 'authentic'...it'd beg the question: "authentic WHAT ???" It is one of those sorta places where once you leave you cannot help but think "I could have made something much better at home". Yes, that forgettable.... It didn't help that as soon as the waitperson cleared the table of our pastas (a salmon spaghetti made with frozen salmon and what seemed to be a canned red sauce, and a penne with spicy sausage which was almost inedible; both pastas straight from a box, I might add)...she just plopped the check down without asking if we wanted dessert or coffee...whilst ...other tables around us were apparently graced with the inquiry... ...charming...... Now...before you get the idea that our experience and this review is just carping on a bad waitress....I wanna reiterate: the food is darn bad. Seriously...if what you like is Italian food....don't bother. Hands-down the worst Italian place I have ever been to in PDX..... I mean, I suppose it'd be a good place to take a first date if she didn't turn out to be at all what you had hoped or she had led you to believe...because after an hour at La Buca...I could pretty much guarantee she'd want nothing to do with your (apparently) sorry#ss, tasteless, classless self..... ever again. So maybe it does have a purpose..... read more

I've always liked this place. I don't come here a bunch, and I'm the kind of person who usually gets the same thing at restaurants they don't frequent, if I liked it the first time. I get the pesto dish here. It's delicious. Looking over some of the bad reviews here reminds me of how terrible some of the bad reviewers on yelp can be. You're gonna write 4 paragraphs about the decor you don't like? Just sit down and eat, dude. I give these reviewers zero stars. If you are looking for some quality casual dining for not a lot of money, come here. I give this place 5 stars because that's what I always want, and that's what this place has. If you can't enjoy yourself because there's a display case featured prominently as you walk in, I don't know what to tell you. Good luck, maybe? And that I hope you're not as unpleasant in real life as you come across on yelp. But I think that's probably true for all of us. read more

OMG am in LOVE with La Buca! As a gluten free girl, being able to eat pasta is rare. Their gf pasta was amazing and the sauces to die for. I will return again an again. read more

This place is a neighborhood staple for families in need to fill the offspring with cheap carbs, chug a glass of wine with the Xanax while getting ready for temper tantrum No.214 Family friendly, Cheap noodles, Cheap wine, Great service, The main eating hall reminds me of a cafeteria, which suits the concept of feeding larger groups. Not a romantic place, a bit noisy, as the acoustics are just not favorable to an intimate conversation. Try getting a table for two in the little separee. Much bettaaah. Now, for the food: People praise La Buca as an authentic Italian restaurant, which is like saying Mc Donald's serves authentic American burgers. Me thinks not. It's "OK pasta, but truly nothing to write to Mamma about, nor anything to crave. Unless you're already addicted to cheap carbs.) To sum it all up: If you ever had authentic Italian food, you'll be disappointed. If you know how to cook authentic Italian food, you'll be outraged/amused. If you love eating at Mc Donald's, La Buca is a nice change of pace, and a bit more upscale. (Note: NO DRIVE-THRU!! They do offer Take Out, though parking can sometimes be a bit of a hassle.) read more

I love La Buca. LOVE. Great food, wonderful service, charming, delicious, affordable. There are several things I would like to point out: 1. the owner is almost always there, he obviously enjoys what he does 2. the waiters and waitresses have been working there forever--very little turn over which means that the people who work there enjoy working there and are well taken care of. 3. the tuaca sidecar is delicious! I'm not really sure why anyone would give this lovely restaurant anything less than five stars. read more