The chefs share their six favorite dishes to order when dining at Buca Di Beppo.
At Buca di Beppo, bigger is always better. Known for its family-style portions, over-the-top kitschy decor and Italian-American classics, the menu is full of crowd-pleasers—but not all dishes stand out in the same way. “Buca Di Beppo is my favorite restaurant because it celebrates big, bold Italian American flavors in a fun and social environment,” said Dennis Littley, Chef and Nutritionist at Ask Chef Dennis. “It’s a place where generous portions and classic recipes come together to create a dining experience meant to be shared and enjoyed at the table.” To help you order like a pro, Eat This, Not That! asked Chef Dennis to share his favorites. Here are six dishes that came out on top.
Mozzarella Garlic Bread
Whether you’re eating pasta, salad, or a heavy meal, Mozzarella Garlic Bread fits in well and makes the meal feel extra delicious. “This is a classic starter that will never go out of style,” says Chef Dennis. “Warm bread topped with garlic butter and melted mozzarella delivers a rich, flavorful meal that sets the tone for the meal.”
Chopped Antipasti
The Chopped Antipasti is fresh, flavorful, and hearty enough to hold its own—a perfect counterpoint to Buca’s heavy menu. “This salad is a well-made antipasti that brings balance to the table,” says Chef Dennis. “You get a mix of cured meats, cheeses and crisp vegetables that make for a delicious and satisfying starter with a variety of flavors in every bite.”
Chicken Parmigiana
Chicken Parmigiana is a dish that many people already love, and Buca delivers a consistent, unsurprising version that satisfies that craving every time. According to Chef Dennis, “This is one of those dishes that defines comfort food.” He explains that the dish consists of “a crispy breaded cutlet topped with marinara and melted cheese, giving you that perfect combination of crunch, richness and acidity.”
Shrimp Fra Diavolo
Under “pasta,” you’ll find Shrimp Fra Diavolo, which is bold and a must-try, according to Chef Dennis. He says: “This dish is all about bold flavors. The shrimp are cooked in a spicy tomato sauce that brings heat and depth while letting the natural sweetness of the seafood come through.
Italian sausage Pappardelle
Italian sausage Pappardelle is another spicy pasta that Chef Dennis loves. “A hearty pasta dish like this is all about richness and texture,” he explains. “Wide ribbons of pappardelle cling to the sauce while the sausage adds a deep, nutty flavor that makes each bite satisfying.”
Italian Crème Cake
An Italian Crème Cake is everything you could want: moist, creamy, and indulgent with a decadent, homemade feel. Six layers of lemon cake with a decadent, delicious mascarpone filling. Chef Dennis says: “To round off the meal, this dessert offers a smooth and luxurious experience. It’s rich and slightly sweet with a hint of cream making it the perfect end to a delicious Italian feast.”
Heather Newgen
Heather Newgen has twenty years of experience reporting and writing about health, fitness, entertainment and travel. Heather currently freelances for several publications. Read more about Heather
