Il Buco Ristorante

Il Buco's rustic Italian authenticity will impress anyone from the Jersey Shore, yes, even them. Their menu is peppered with home favorites, such as pumpkin-filled ravioli, thin-crusted Neapolitan pizzas, and osso buco. Don't forget their extensive wine list, too. more

This is hands down my favorite, local restaurant in LA. The food is spectacular and shows tremendous inspiration from the chefs. The menu is creative but the specials often have you miss out on them because they are so great as well. The gnocchi is absolutely tremendous. I've been here numerous times with friends, family and even our little one (his first was at 6 weeks old; he's now 2 and LOVES the gnocchi in truffle sauce). As far as neighborhood Italian goes, you can't beat it. Pros: Excellent, creative, delicious food; atmosphere Cons: Service, location more

I've even had the luxury of living in Rome, Italy when I was growing up and going to the best restaurants with my folks..and this place is the best Italian food i've ever had. The owner is always extremely personable and gracious. I love taking my girlfriend here for a romantic evening. Try the Lasagna Della Nona or their pumpkin Ravioli...Pizza is incredible too!!!! Pros: incredible food and intimate atmosphere Cons: wish i could eat there every night more

At one time, I used to enjoy going to this place, but I won't be going back again. It's an Italian restaurant but nobody who works there is Italian. I get a sense the staff lack proper training, like maybe the owner is too busy with his other restaurants. Too many times I've gone here and sent food back. The time before last I ordered chicken and was served a charred, overcooked piece of meat. Last night I ordered a salad with a calamari steak and the calamari tasted like it had been cooked on a dirty grill. It tasted like old charred grease. Someone came around and asked how my meal was. I told them the calamari wasn't right. He said, ""Okay, I'll go check with the cook,"" but that was the last I saw of him. My waiter was friendly but unpolished. When it was time for desert, he just came over and tossed desert menus at us and walked away, never asking if we wanted desert or not -- we didn't. Anyhow, I can't go back there again and pay good money for terrible food and lousy service. This restaurant is going downhill. The owner has several successful restaurants in Beverly Hills, and it's clear he is just standing back and collecting a check on this one. Pros: Convenient location, friendly staff Cons: Subpar food more

I went to Il Buco for the first time with my parents recently. We were seated promptly and placed our orders within a few minutes, so initially I would have ranked the service at average or above. After enjoying some of their seasoned bread and a glass of delicious Prosecco, I was eager to experience what else this simple, casual establishment had to offer cuisine-wise. My enthusiasm would dissipate with time. LOTS of time. Ninety minutes to be exact before our food arrived (apparently they were harvesting the semolina to make our pasta dishes?). Our server also neglected to apologize or even ask us if we wanted our drinks refreshed. Upon the eventual arrival of my food, I discovered they'd used the wrong kind of pasta in my pesto (The menu promised lasagnette, which is hard to find so I was excited. What did I get but run of the mill linguini.). The food was good enough I am open to going back but I'll obviously block out a whole evening. more

It's been a long time (more than a year) since I've eaten here, but it still sticks out in my mind as one of the better restaurants I've ever been to. Good food, good wine selection. The decor could use a little boost, but hey, I'll take a place with better food and mediocre decor any day over one that looks nicer with worse food. Pros: food, service, value more

I went to this place with a friend of mine, and after the meal here.....I thought I was in love with him. I'm kidding...anyway..the food is so fresh, and authentic. The servers there are very well informed with the wine lists, and listened to what I was wanting, and came out with a perfect wine with our meal. The kicker though was the gnocchi with the truffle sauce....if you don't like truffles...then don't order this dish....but if you do, then "" OH, my GOODNESS""...every bit was like biting into a piece of flavorful heaven. The pasta is obviously so fresh here, that I wanted to go back there, and kiss the chef....The service here is accomodating to everyone, and I always have a great experience here...can't wait to go back. Pros: Food, Ambience, and Service Cons: There isn't one in Brentwood more

I went there for lunch and was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the food. I had insalata verde, pappardelle, and apple pie with a glass of wine. I varied a little bit from the menu and they had no problem accomodating my requests. The service was very good. Pros: Tasty Food, Good Wine List, and Friendly Staff Cons: Parking more

Went on a Thursday night and service was terrible for a near empty restaurant. Of course, the two cute young things who came in after us were postively fawned over. Took forever to get menus, water, wine, bread, etc. I don't mind the prices, but the food was just not worth it. I tried risotto with meatballs, thinking they might be able to do something interesting with it. But no, it was just risotto with some meatballs and tomato sauce splashed over it. This combo just did not work. And the gnocchi was not great either. I didn't bother staying for dessert - I didn't want to wait! more

I love this restaurant. It's a bit expensive but the food is delicious! The salads and pastas are really good. The food is so good that I never have room for dessert at the end. Definitely go check it out...you won't be disappointed! more

BUYERS BEWARE. Before you go: This place was B rated by Los Angeles County Department of Health Services Restaurant Rating. That must mean something to you!! I certainly would not enjoy having my date taking me to a B rated place! Cons: B Rated more

Had dinner there early before the theatre last weekend - the food was amazing and the service was friendly and efficient. I figured we'd be the only ones eating at 5:30 pm, but there were several other tables seated when we arrived. By the time we left around 6:45 pm, the place was half-full. I highly reccomend going early! Entrees for two with wine, coffee, and shared dessert was less than $75 including tax and tip. A great deal - good for a date. Pros: Fairly priced, Super service Cons: Might get crowded more

Little place but the food is amazingly delicious! the server friendly and the price is affordable/inexpensive. If you want o find a good food without fancy but yet is quite romantic. the risoto mushroom and the wine list are excellent! Pros: food, wine, server Cons: parking more

Great Italian places here are hard to find. There's no Little Italy or North End about LA, so we usually opt to just order in chicken parmisan or something from one of the pizza counter places. Until we found Il Buco. It is just wonderful! Everything I have had is amazing. The polenta appetizer is to DIE for. The gnocci is unbelievable (those truffles!), and the pasta bolognese is wonderful. And the olive oil they bring to the table is absolutely addictive! more

The food was so very tasty! The service was impeccable! The atmosphere is romantic, albeit a little claustrophobic! What more could you ask for? Make sure to make reservations as they fill up quickly! Pros: great food, great ambiance, wonderful service Cons: tight space more

Good food, friendly service, nice soundtrack. The pastas are fresh and really good. Soups are the only thing I would stay away from. Tables are on top of each other, but they do the best they can with the small space they have. Pros: Good Food, Atmosphere Cons: Parking, Small more

This was a great restaurant. The atmosphere was really cute, and they had great, great food. Outstanding service. They had the best olive oil I have had in my life. Really good romantic place and very good pizza. Pros: romantic, great service, good food more