We are fans of their sister restaurant, Buca Di Beppo but we also enjoyed cafe buca italiano. There were 5 of us so my kids ordered from the dinner buffet and my husband and I ordered from the main menu. The buffet for the kids was pretty lackluster in terms of selection but for them it was fine. I would have been starving.
Now for the main menu I was impressed. They had a lot of similar items from Buca Di Beppo but they also had some new unique ones of their own. I started of with a chocolate vixen cocktail that had whiskey in it, but I wasn't loving it so I ordered a Jameson on the rocks and that was much better. Our server was pleasant and happy to fix it.
We started off with a Caprese salad that was the freshest I have ever had. OMG the tomatoes and basil were so colorful and tasty! Then we had the Italian salad which I loved because it had green olives it in and it was topped with crispy prosciutto. Their dressing is incredible! Next up was the cheesy garlic bread! Delicious.
For our main entrees we had chicken picatta, garlic mashed potatoes, mac and cheese for my little one and a dessert so huge the 5 of us couldn't even finish it! Chef Shaylee is the executive chef and she came out to check and see how we were enjoying our meal. (there was hardly anyone in the restaurant at the time) which i thought was really nice!!
We would go back again for sure! There is a tequila/taco place next door that shares a kitchen and we want to try that next time!!