The first time I tried Buca di Beppo was on my first trip to Cincinnati during my P&G Days. I remember enjoying the pizza and pasta in a very festive environment. After more than 100 stores worldwide, this popular Italian restaurant chain in America has finally opened its first store in Southeast Asia–in Manila, no less–thanks to entrepreneur Marcelino Florete Jr. of the Sbarro group.
The name is inspired by the original 1993 Italian restaurant in the basement of an apartment building in Minneapolis. Buca means “hole” or the Tuscan slang for basement, while Beppo is a nickname for Guiseppe, which is Joseph in Northern Italy.
Here’s what to expect and how to plan your own family celebrations at Buca di Beppo in Manila…
Buca di Beppo ®
Ground Floor, BGC Corporate Center, 11th Avenue corner 30th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Facebook: Buca di Beppo Philippines
Instagram: @bucadibeppoph
Telephone: +632 400-9301
Mobile: +63 905 443-6217
Email: bucadibeppoph@yahoo.com
We were here to celebrate Aidan’s Confirmation, a Roman Catholic tradition where one receives the gifts of the Holy Spirit in a solemn ceremony. The occasion also fell on the feast of St. Francis Xavier.
First Floor
The ground floor high ceiling area is called the Gangster Room, with a 20-person capacity and various images and memorabilia of the mafioso and other infamous Italians.
Buca di Beppo Menu: Antipasto, Pizza, Insalate, Soup | Entrees, Sides, Specialty Pastas, Traditional Pastas | Desserts
Their pricing is based on three sizes: a small portion for two people, medium for four to six people, and large serving for 10-12 people.
(Note: They only serve classic Italian dishes so they don’t serve ribs, steaks, or sandwiches which is more of American.)
Drinks Menu: Vino (Wine) | Bevanda (Beverages)
The wine room on the ground floor has a capacity of 20 people with a bar, a wine cellar atmosphere surrounded by photos of people enjoying their wine.
Antipasto
We always remind the kids not to eat too much bread. They often get excited about dipping it in olive oil, vinaigrette, and parmesan.
Buca Trio Platter (₱1,275). Fried calamari, fried mozzarella, and stuffed mushrooms served with our homemade marinara sauce.
The calamari was the best among the trio with the right crunch and flavor. I would recommend just to order this for your antipasto.
The mushroom stuffed with a ball of prosciutto, cheese, sage, and rosemary served on a bed of pesto cream sauce is something unique to try.
Red Sangria (₱690/bottle)
Order the sangria to stimulate your appetite and to get the conversations going.
Second Floor
You can tour the 2nd floor for the different memorabilia, artworks, and over 2,500 photos.
The 8-seater Pope-themed table showcases photos from St. Peter to Pope Benedict, two niches featuring Pope John Paul II and Pope Paul VI, and a bust centerpiece of Pope Francis.
The Poster Room can be a private function room good for 30-40 people surrounded by pop culture and other important personalities.
This is a nice comfortable lounge corner inside the poster room for a more intimate dining experience.
Reserve the lover’s table for that special date.
The 8-seater Chef-themed corner features notable Italian Chefs and the different ingredients used in Italian cuisine.
My favorite is this corner chef’s table overlooking the kitchen.
Everyone is invited to take a peek inside the kitchen…
…and say hi to the friendly culinary staff.
Pizza & Pasta
Spaghetti with Meatballs (₱1,100 – Medium). Our famous half-pound meatballs with our homemade marinara sauce.
I like how they stay true to the flavors of this Italian pasta. You can really taste the tomato in the marinara sauce.
The meatballs are quite big! You can slice them into smaller bits to mix into the pasta, or take huge bites–either way works.
Supremo Italiano (₱995 – Small). Spicy Italian sausage, pepperoni, red and green bell peppers, yellow onions, mozzarella, provolone, and meat sauce.
The small size is actually big and good already for our family. The pizza is served as a flatbread cut into a grid. This is a meat lover’s favorite.
The pizza is quite filling with generous toppings. Best to eat it immediately when served.
Shrimp Florentine (₱565 – Small). Garlic shrimp, Roma tomatoes, and spinach with linguine in garlic butter sauce.
We love the garlic shrimps with Roma tomatoes and the garlic butter sauce.
Bianca (₱595 – Small). A white pizza with ricotta, fresh mozzarella, provolone parmesan, garlic, oregano, and garlic-infused olive oil.
This is their all cheese pizza with a thick cheese layer made with ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cheese.
Chicken Saltimbocca (₱675 – Medium). Topped with prosciutto & sage, served with artichoke hearts, lemon, capers & lemon butter sauce.
This chicken is different because of the combination of artichoke, capers, and lemon butter sauce. We’re not used to our chicken having these flavors.
Tiramisu (₱325). Homemade ladyfingers soaked in dark rum and espresso, layered with mascarpone cheese, and topped with cocoa and hazelnut biscotti.
Served like a loaf and is big enough to share with the family, but I like my Tiramisu to be a bit moist.
This is definitely a great place to satisfy the appetite of hungry boys.
Buca di Beppo is a great venue to celebrate family milestones, reunion dinners with friends, or even Christmas parties this season. I personally like the ground floor Gangster room because of the high ceiling and large windows.
I recommend ordering the Fried Calamari for Antipasto, Supremo Italiano Pizza, and Spaghetti with Meatballs. Even the small serving size is quite big and designed for family sharing. Budget about ₱800/head.
The location is a bit hidden facing Serendra along 11th avenue. The service is a bit lax and inattentive, so you’ll need to be patient, but I do hope it improves moving forward.
Thank you, Buca di Beppo, for finally opening in Manila!
Buca di Beppo ®
Ground Floor, BGC Corporate Center, 11th Avenue corner 30th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Facebook: Buca di Beppo Philippines
Instagram: @bucadibeppoph
Telephone: +632 400-9301
Mobile: +63 905 443-6217
Email: bucadibeppoph@yahoo.com
Live an Awesome Life,
Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com
Disclosure: Our meal was courtesy of Buca di Beppo. I wrote this article with my biases, opinions, and insights.
P.S. Don’t order the Fried Eggplant Parmigiana.
