You’re standing in that weirdly charming, kitschy lobby in Franklin, surrounded by enough black-and-white photos to fill a museum, and you’re trying to figure out how much food to actually order. Honestly, it’s the classic Buca struggle. You want the Buca di Beppo Cool Springs menu to make sense, but then you see "Small" and "Large" and realize a "Small" might actually feed a small army.
Located right across from the CoolSprings Galleria at 1722 Galleria Blvd, this place is basically a landmark for soccer teams and birthday parties. But if you’re just hitting it up for a Tuesday night dinner or a business lunch, the menu can be kinda overwhelming. Most people default to the same two pasta dishes, which is a mistake because there’s actually some nuance to the way they do things in Franklin.
The Secret of the Buca Small vs. Buca Large
Let’s get the size thing out of the way. It’s the #1 thing people trip over.
At the Cool Springs location, the menu is built on shared plates. A Buca Small is designed to feed two to three people. It’s not "small" in the way a side salad is small; it’s a massive platter. Then you have the Buca Large. That thing is meant for groups of five or more. I’ve seen families of four order three "Large" items and leave with enough leftovers to feed their entire neighborhood for a week.
If you’re eating solo or with just one other person, look for the "Best of Buca" individual portions. They finally started offering these for the lunch crowd and smaller groups. You can grab an individual Chicken Parmigiana or Lasagna for around $19 to $21, and it usually comes with a side of pasta. It’s way more manageable.
The Meatball Factor
You can’t talk about the menu without the meatballs. They’re literally the size of a grapefruit. They call them "half-pounders" for a reason.
If you order the Spaghetti with Meatballs, you aren't getting those tiny frozen things from the grocery store. You’re getting three massive, 100% premium ground beef meatballs topped with their signature marinara and a dollop of ricotta. Pro tip: if you’re a smaller group, just order one meatball as a side for about $13. It’s often enough to give everyone a taste without ruining your appetite for the main course.
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Navigating the Cool Springs Specialties
While the menu is mostly standardized, the vibe in Franklin often leans toward the big "Buca Bundles." Right now, they’ve got a $40 bundle that’s a total steal for families. It feeds four people and usually includes your choice of a heavy hitter like Fettuccine Alfredo or Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, plus a massive salad and that addictive garlic bread.
Speaking of garlic bread, don't just get the regular kind. The Mozzarella Garlic Bread is the move. They brush the loaf with garlic-infused olive oil, then bake it with a ridiculous amount of mozzarella and poached garlic. It’s messy. It’s greasy. It’s perfect.
The Pasta Breakdown
If you’re looking for something with a kick, the Spicy Chicken Rigatoni is arguably the most popular dish on the local menu. It’s got chicken breast, garlic, and crushed red pepper in a spicy rosa sauce. It’s not "burn your mouth off" hot, but it’s got enough of a bite to keep it interesting.
For the traditionalists, the Lasagna is a literal tower. We're talking layers of meat sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan. Heads up: they usually don't start serving the lasagna until after 12:00 PM because it takes so long to prep and bake those layers correctly.
Beyond the Pasta: Entrées and Proteins
Sometimes you don't want a carb-induced coma. The Chicken Limone is surprisingly light (for Buca, anyway). It’s got a lemon butter sauce and capers that cut through the richness of everything else on the table.
If you want something heartier, the Pork Osso Buco is a sleeper hit. It’s slow-roasted pork shanks served over creamy polenta. It feels a bit more "upscale" than a giant bowl of pasta and usually runs about $50 for a portion that easily satisfies three people.
Why the Lunch Menu is Different
If you’re working nearby or shopping at the Galleria, the lunch specials are the best-kept secret. From Monday to Friday, they offer smaller "lunch" sizes of the classics for around $15 to $17.
- Baked Ziti: $15.49
- Chicken Parmigiana: $16.99
- Eggplant Parmigiana: $15.99
These aren't the giant platters, so you won't need a nap immediately after eating. They’re perfectly sized for one person and usually come out a lot faster than the dinner service items.
Catering and Group Events in Franklin
Since this location is so close to the business hubs in Cool Springs, their catering menu is huge. They do these "Celebration Packages" that are priced per person (usually starting around $13 for a basic pasta/salad/bread combo).
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If you’re the one tasked with ordering for the office, the Primo Pasta Bar is the safest bet. It lets people customize with different sauces (Marinara, Alfredo, Meat Sauce, or Rosa) and proteins like spicy sausage or meatballs. It’s much easier than trying to guess if everyone wants Spicy Chicken Rigatoni or if Steve from accounting is still avoiding gluten.
Dietary Restrictions (Yes, Even at an Italian Joint)
Honestly, Buca isn't the first place you think of for health food, but they’ve gotten better. They have a Gluten-Friendly version of the Chicken Limone and Salmon Sorrento—just make sure you tell them not to dust the meat in flour.
For vegetarians, the Eggplant Parmigiana is the go-to. It’s topped with Roma tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella. If you want something lighter, the Apple Gorgonzola Salad is actually one of the better salads in the area, featuring Granny Smith apples, spiced walnuts, and dried cranberries.
Don't Skip the Ending
You’re probably going to be full, but the Tiramisu is non-negotiable. They soak ladyfingers in dark rum and espresso. It’s rich, it’s authentic, and it’s big enough that you’ll need at least three spoons. If you want something more "grab and go," the Chocolate Chip Cannoli are stuffed to order, so the shells actually stay crispy instead of getting soggy.
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Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the "Bundle" status: Before you order a la carte, ask your server if the $40 Buca Bundle is available—it's often the cheapest way to feed a group of four.
- Join the eClub: If you know you're going for a birthday, sign up on their website at least a few days before. They almost always send a coupon for a free pasta or a significant discount on a small platter.
- Call ahead for the Pope's Room: If you have a group of 12-15, call (615) 778-1321 and ask if the "Pope's Room" is available. It’s the circular table with the rotating bust of the Pope in the center—it's a Cool Springs tradition and makes the meal a lot more memorable.
- Order individual portions at lunch: If you're visiting between 11 AM and 4 PM, skip the family-style platters and go for the individual lunch specials to save about 40% on your bill.