Buca di Beppo Review »
Highly unusual in that it is indeed a chain, but the experience isn't what you'll find at a typical chain restaurant. The food served is done so family style, meaning you'll get heaping plates full and you will share them with those around you. At least, that's the intention. Whether you do so or not is entirely up to you. The food is generally good enough that you may not want to do so.
Beware that the menus are somewhat misleading with the simple descriptions of small and large. They do helpfully point out that a small serves 2 and a large serves 4, but you generally won't notice that, at least not on your first visit. You'll only make this mistake once.
The food is quite good, especially considering that this is a chain, and it is indeed plentiful. One option to consider is the Kitchen Table, which you may have to reserve well in advance. This allows you to actually sit in the kitchen and watch things as they happen. You will typically even get samplings of food as they pass by (you'll also be able to see most guests as they are led to their seats, so it's not for the faint of heart). But the experience is often worth it.
Our only bad experience at Buca is with the service. If you get a bad server it can be a nightmare. Generally they are quite friendly, but if yours goes missing it can seem like hours before they return.
