Buca di Beppo at Excalibur Review
Overview
Buca di Beppo at Excalibur offers a quintessential Italian-American dining experience right in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. Known for its family-style portions, vibrant atmosphere, and classic comfort food, this restaurant delivers a fun, shareable feast perfect for groups and families. While it may not be fine dining, it excels in providing a lively, memorable meal with heaping plates of pasta, saucy meats, and decadent desserts.
Atmosphere & Ambiance
Step into Buca di Beppo and you're immediately enveloped in a boisterous, celebratory vibe. The dining room is adorned with checkered tablecloths, vintage photos, and kitschy Italian decor that feels both nostalgic and energetic. The open layout encourages conversation and laughter, though it can get quite loud during peak hours. Seating includes large circular booths ideal for groups, making it a popular spot for birthdays and gatherings. The restaurant's location inside Excalibur means it's easily accessible from the casino floor, though the constant foot traffic can sometimes make the entrance area feel crowded.
Food Quality
Buca di Beppo's menu is built around shareable, family-style dishes that emphasize quantity and comfort. Standouts include the Chicken Parmigiana—crispy, generously sized, and smothered in marinara and melted mozzarella—and the Spaghetti with Meatballs, featuring tender, well-seasoned meatballs the size of baseballs. The Garlic Bread is a must-order, loaded with garlic and butter and perfect for sopping up sauces. However, some dishes can be inconsistent; the Fettuccine Alfredo occasionally arrives overly rich or slightly grainy. Portions are enormous, so come hungry or with a group to avoid waste.
Service
Service is generally friendly and efficient, with staff adept at handling large parties and explaining the family-style concept to first-timers. Servers are prompt with refills and recommendations, though during busy times, attention can wane, and orders may take longer to arrive. The team works well under pressure, but expect a bustling, no-frills experience rather than personalized care.
Value
Given the massive portions, Buca di Beppo offers solid value, especially for groups. An average meal per person ranges from $25–$40, including shared appetizers and entrees. While not cheap, the quantity justifies the price, and leftovers are common. The lunch menu provides smaller portions at reduced prices, making it a better option for solo diners or couples.
Practical Information
Hours: Open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM (hours may vary seasonally).
Reservations: Recommended for dinner and weekends via phone or website.
Parking: Validated parking available at Excalibur with a minimum spend.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with ramp entry and spacious seating.
Recommendations
For Families: Ideal with kids—loud, casual, and plenty of crowd-pleasing options like spaghetti and pizza.
For Groups: Perfect for celebrations; book the Pope’s Table for larger parties.
For Couples: Better for casual dates; opt for smaller portions or lunch to avoid overordering.
For Solo Diners: Less ideal due to portion sizes, but lunch specials work well.
Final Verdict
Buca di Beppo at Excalibur is a reliable, festive spot for hearty Italian-American fare on the Strip. It won’t win awards for innovation, but it delivers exactly what it promises: generous, satisfying food in a fun environment. Come with a group, embrace the chaos, and leave with a full stomach and maybe some leftovers.