Walk into the Coolsprings Crossing development in Franklin, and you’ll see it. That red-and-white striped awning. The plastic grapes. The sort of unapologetic, kitschy maximalism that makes modern minimalist "sad beige" restaurants look like they’ve completely given up on having a personality.
Buca di Beppo Franklin is a weird place. Honestly, it’s meant to be.
If you’re looking for a quiet, candlelit corner to whisper sweet nothings over a single micro-green, you’ve come to the wrong place. This is where you go when you have ten people, three of whom are toddlers, and everyone is starving.
It’s loud. It’s chaotic. Basically, it’s like being at a Sunday dinner in a basement in Jersey, circa 1985.
✨ Don't miss: Kirkland Free and Clear Laundry Detergent: What Most People Get Wrong
The Myth of the "Standard" Italian Dinner
People often walk in here and try to order like it’s a Cheesecake Factory. They see a price tag on a pasta dish and nearly have a heart attack. $30 for spaghetti?
Wait.
The biggest mistake people make at the Franklin location is ignoring the "Family Style" warning. At Buca, a "Small" doesn't mean it’s for one person. It feeds three. A "Large" can easily feed a small army—or at least five very hungry adults.
If you order three large entrees for a party of four, you aren't just getting dinner; you're getting lunch for the next four days. The staff is usually pretty good about tempering your expectations, but sometimes the "everything looks good" hunger takes over.
Why the Decor is Actually the Point
There are over 2,500 photos on the walls of the Franklin restaurant. I didn't count them, but that’s the official word. It’s a sensory overload of vintage Italian-American memorabilia, Mary statues, and Frank Sinatra portraits.
You’ve got specific themed rooms that feel like different chapters of a fever dream. The Poster Room is exactly what it sounds like. The Cardinal Room feels slightly more "official."
But then there’s the one everyone talks about.
The Pope Room: A Franklin Legend
If you haven't heard of the Pope Room, you probably haven't lived in Williamson County long enough. It’s a circular room with a massive lazy Susan in the middle of the table.
And in the center of that table? A bust of the Pope.
Sitting in a glass case.
Rotating.
✨ Don't miss: Why Every Disney Fan Obsesses Over the Christmas Tree Minnie Mouse Trend
It is arguably the most requested table in the entire 1722 Galleria Blvd location. It’s quirky, maybe a little irreverent to some, but mostly just hilarious. It seats about 12 to 15 people, and honestly, if you’re planning a birthday, this is the only way to do it. Just be prepared for the Pope to stare you down while you’re face-deep in a meatball.
The Kitchen Table Experience
If the Pope Room is too much, there’s the Kitchen Table. You’re literally sitting in the back where the heat is. You see the chaos of the line, the steam from the pasta water, and the chefs yelling "Service!"
It’s less "chef’s table" fine dining and more "front row seat to a culinary circus." It’s great for kids who get bored easily because there’s always something moving.
What to Actually Eat (and What to Skip)
Not everything on a massive menu is a winner. That’s just the reality of chain dining. However, Buca di Beppo Franklin has a few hill-to-die-on classics.
- The Half-Pound Meatballs: They aren't joking. These things are the size of softballs. They’re dense, seasoned well, and usually the safest bet on the menu.
- Chicken Parmigiana: It’s standard, but it’s done right. Crispy, covered in enough mozzarella to bridge a small canyon, and served over a mountain of pasta.
- Apple Gorgonzola Salad: This is the curveball. You wouldn't think a place known for heavy carbs would nail a salad, but the Granny Smith apples and spiced walnuts actually provide a necessary break from the garlic.
I’d skip the more "experimental" seafood dishes if the place is packed. Stick to the red sauce. The marinara is the soul of the kitchen here, and it’s where they’re most consistent.
The Reality of the Cost
Let's talk money. Franklin isn't a cheap place to live, and Buca isn't a "cheap" place to eat if you don't know how to play the game.
If you’re a party of two, Buca is actually kinda expensive. You’re forced into larger portions, and your bill will reflect that. But if you bring a group of six and split two small pastas and a salad, you’re suddenly looking at $20-$25 a person.
Pro Tip: Check their website before you go. They almost always have a "Buca Bundle" or a $20 off $50 coupon floating around. If you pay full price at Buca, you’re doing it wrong.
Is it Still Relevant in 2026?
With so many high-end Italian spots popping up in Nashville and the surrounding suburbs, you’d think a kitschy chain would fade away. But it hasn't.
Why? Because it’s predictable.
In a world where you sometimes need a reservation three months in advance for a place that serves four tortellini on a slate board, Buca is the antidote. It’s for the soccer team. It’s for the graduation party. It’s for the night you just want to wear a hoodie and eat your weight in garlic bread.
Logistics You Need to Know
The restaurant is tucked right by the CoolSprings Galleria, meaning parking is a nightmare on Saturdays but totally fine on a Tuesday night.
🔗 Read more: Lime Green Maid of Honor Dresses: Why This Bold Color Is Actually a Wedding Game Changer
- Address: 1722 Galleria Blvd, Franklin, TN 37067
- Hours: They open at 11:00 AM daily. They stay open until 10:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, but close a bit earlier (9:00 PM) on Sundays.
- Reservations: Use them. Even if it looks empty online, they often host huge tour groups or wedding rehearsals that can clog the kitchen for an hour.
Moving Forward with Your Visit
If you're planning to head over, don't just wing it. Call ahead and ask if the Kitchen Table is open. It's often available for walk-ins if no one has specifically booked it, and it's a way better vibe than the main dining room.
Grab a "Small" portion of the Spicy Chicken Rigatoni—it’s got a kick that most people don't expect from a family place. And for the love of all things holy, leave room for the Tiramisu. It’s served in a bowl the size of a hubcap, and you will regret not having it.
Pack the leftovers in the fridge immediately when you get home. That lasagna tastes better the next morning anyway. Everyone knows Italian food is basically a two-day commitment.