Walk into the Buca di Beppo in Davie, and the first thing that hits you isn’t the smell of garlic. It’s the visual noise. There are photos of Sophia Loren, Frank Sinatra, and random Italian grandmothers covering every single square inch of the walls. It’s a lot. Honestly, if you’re looking for a quiet, candlelit corner to whisper sweet nothings, you’ve probably picked the wrong place. But if you’re trying to figure out where to feed fifteen people without losing your mind or your entire paycheck, this spot on South University Drive is basically a rite of passage in Broward County.
Most people think Buca is just another chain. Kinda like an Italian version of a themed diner. But the Davie location has this weirdly specific energy because of its proximity to Nova Southeastern University. You’ve got students celebrating passing finals, families visiting for graduation, and locals who just want a half-pound meatball.
The Portion Size Trap
Here is the thing about Buca di Beppo Davie FL that trips up first-timers every single time: the menu is a lie. Okay, not a lie, but it’s a trick. They offer "Small" and "Large" portions. In most restaurants, a small is for one person. At Buca? A small is meant to feed three people. A large is meant to feed five or more. I’ve seen two people order a large lasagna and look at it like they were staring down a mountain they weren't prepared to climb.
It’s communal. You don't get your own plate of food; you get a platter that the table fights over. It’s messy. It’s loud. And if you don't go in with a strategy, you’re going to end up with enough leftovers to feed a small village for a week.
What’s Actually Worth Ordering?
Let’s get real about the food. Some stuff is "meh," but some of it is legit comfort food that hits the spot when you're craving that heavy, red-sauce Italian-American vibe.
- The Meatballs: These things are the size of softballs. They’re made with 100% premium ground beef and topped with a dollop of ricotta. Are they the best meatballs in the history of the world? Maybe not, but for $31.09 for a set of three, they are a massive crowd-pleaser.
- Spicy Chicken Rigatoni: This is probably their most popular dish. It’s got that kick from the crushed red pepper and a creamy rosa sauce. It’s heavy, sure, but it’s addictive.
- Apple Gorgonzola Salad: People sleep on the salads here, but this one is actually surprising. The Granny Smith apples and spiced walnuts break up all the heavy pasta. It’s the palate cleanser you didn't know you needed.
The pizza is okay, but honestly? You’re here for the pasta. The Lasagna is a literal tower of meat sauce and ricotta. It’s so dense it could probably be used as a structural support beam. If you’re at the Davie location on a Friday night, expect a wait, even with those "buy one, get one" deals they occasionally run on Uber Eats or Postmates.
The Secrets of the "Pope Room" and the Kitchen Table
If you want the real Davie experience, you have to know about the rooms. Most people just get sat in the main dining area. Total amateur move.
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There is a table called the Chef’s Table. It’s literally inside the kitchen. You have to walk past the line of cooks to get to it. You get to see the chaos, the steam, and the yelling. It’s fun, and the chefs will usually chat with you or toss a sample your way.
Then there’s the Pope Room. It’s exactly what it sounds like. It’s a circular room with a bust of the Pope in the center of the table. It’s kitschy as hell, but for a birthday party or a rowdy group of friends, it’s the best seat in the house. You have to call ahead specifically to request these. You can’t just roll up at 7:00 PM on a Saturday and expect the Pope to be available.
Logistics: Getting There Without the Headache
The address is 3355 South University Drive. If you know the area, it’s right across from Nova Southeastern. This means parking can be a nightmare during peak graduation season or big campus events.
Hours of Operation:
- Monday–Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Friday–Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
If you’re planning a lunch, they have individual portions until 3:00 PM for around $15-$20. It’s the only time you can eat here alone without looking like you’re taking on a competitive eating challenge.
Is It Actually "Authentic"?
Look, if you want a Michelin-star experience with hand-rolled pasta imported from a specific village in Tuscany, go somewhere else. Buca is about nostalgia. It’s about the "red sauce" era of Italian-American cooking. It’s the kind of place where the music is always Frank Sinatra and the wine comes in big jugs.
A lot of critics call it "tacky." And yeah, the recorded sounds of people laughing in the bathrooms is definitely a choice. But there’s something deeply satisfying about a place that doesn't take itself seriously. In a South Florida dining scene that’s becoming increasingly obsessed with "aesthetic" over actual substance, Buca is refreshingly honest about being a loud, over-the-top pasta house.
How to Hack the Menu
Don't just order a bunch of stuff. Start with one salad and one pasta for every three people. If you’re still hungry, you can add an entree like the Chicken Parmigiana.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Join the eClub: If you’re planning to go for a birthday, sign up on their website a few weeks early. They almost always send a coupon for a free Colossal Brownie Sundae. It’s huge. You’ll need four people to finish it.
- Request the Kitchen Table: If you have a group of 6-8, call the Davie location at (954) 577-3287 and ask specifically for the Kitchen Table. It changes the entire vibe from a standard dinner to an "experience."
- Check for BOGOs: Before you go, check the delivery apps. Often, the Davie location runs "Buy One Get One" deals on specific pastas like the Chicken Parm or Spaghetti with Meatballs. You can order it for pickup and save a ton of money.
- Avoid Graduation Week: Unless you are part of the graduation, stay away from University Drive during NSU’s commencement weeks in May. The traffic and wait times at Buca will be triple what they normally are.
Skip the fancy stuff and lean into the chaos. Order the meatballs, grab a carafe of the house wine, and make sure you walk through the kitchen on your way to the table. It’s the only way to do it right.