I'd give this place 3.5 stars if I could. Had been meaning to try the original Buca for a couple years. Finally went on a Friday, sat in the back area, surprisingly not very full.
Our server was semi-helpful with the menu, maybe I didn't ask the right questions. "Everything is good" doesn't help much. The sommelier was helpful and narrowed our wine choices down and we were happy with the med-bodied red blend we chose
Cocktails to start were decent but not memorable. Charcuterie plate was overpriced for what was served. Flavor was good with the meats but not stand out, portions super skimpy. Next time I would skip charcuterie and try something else like the pig ears
Pastas were excellent. Bucatini and the spaghetti. Cooked perfectly, wonderful flavours. Possibly better because I got to try both and enjoyed the contrast.
The tiramisu dessert wasn't my preference. I like more traditional tiramisu.
Had to ask for water refill twice (and waited to see if one of many people who came by/bussed/refilled wine/checked on how things were going would notice, they never did). The server finally noticed on his own to refill as we were settling up the bill. A simple but important detail like this in a finer dining establishment is very disappointing.
The space is gorgeous and the pastas as good as people have raved about. I'd return and hope for a better server.