buco. — Restaurant in Karnataka

Why do we always assume that bigger cities or metros have better food choices? I had heard so much about Buco that I had to visit it when I was in Mangalore. What I experienced at Buco was something I haven’t experienced in any of the metros. So, I keep reminding myself not to judge food based on location. First off, the place is beautifully done, basic yet classy. The menu is minimal but spot-on with flavours. Our little nephew looked at the food counter and I could see his eyes gleam with happiness. It was like he tasted everything with his eyes. But when it came to choosing what he wanted, he picked Mr. Bob’s Fried Chicken Bun and a Tiramisu. We let the child place the order, and naturally, we all had a bite, because when food is in front of us, how can we resist? The Bob’s Fried Chicken was perfectly done, piping hot, crispy on the outside, and juicy inside. But what came next was the masterpiece, the perfect Tiramisu. The last truly memorable Tiramisu I had in India was eons ago at Tuscana when Chef Willi used to make it. We were not hungry since we went to buco after a big festival lunch but out of pure greed and curiosity we ordered the Chimmi Chicken. And boy, we loved the multi seed ciabatta with that juicy roast chicken and the cream cheese that gave it a unique flavour. It tasted even better than it looked. It was super warm and humid in Mangalore and the beverages were part of our plan, we had Kokum Fizz, Aam Panna Soda and Passion Fruit. I usually avoid beverages outside because they're overloaded with sugar and I always have to give specific instructions for less sugar. At Buco, I completely forgot to do that. When the drinks arrived, I braced myself, but what a surprise! All the beverages were packed with flavour and had just the right actually, perfectly subtle, level of sweetness. That’s what made our experience at Buco truly wholesome. Of course, what added to the warmth was the candid conversation with Shriya, and that spark in her eyes gave us the assurance that Mangalore, our home now has a great place for coffee, sandwiches,...

Buco. - Artisanal Bakery & Cafe, located on Arya Samaj Road in Balmatta, Mangalore, offers a delightful culinary experience that seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary flavors. Situated on the first floor of the GML Complex, the café provides a serene ambiance, enhanced by its airy and well-lit interior, making it an ideal spot for both casual meet-ups and quiet personal time.

The menu at Buco is diverse, featuring an array of freshly baked goods and savory dishes. Patrons have praised items like "Mr. Bob's Fried Chicken Bun" and the "Orange Chocolate Éclair" for their exceptional taste and presentation. Beverage options such as the "Passionfruit Soda" and "Sunset on Ice" hibiscus tea complement the food offerings, providing a refreshing accompaniment to the meals.

Customer reviews consistently highlight the quality of both the food and service. One reviewer noted, "Very refreshing beverages and delightful desserts! Even better than the food is the service—the host and wait staff is so friendly and really cares about your comfort!" Another mentioned, "This was a great experience. Central Mangalore and a pleasant airy first floor location just off the main drag. Friendly staff and a cool atmosphere."

While the café excels in many areas, some patrons have pointed out minor areas for improvement. Parking can be a challenge due to limited space, and the interior, though charming, could benefit from more spacious seating arrangements. Despite these minor issues, the overall experience at Buco remains highly positive.

In summary, Buco. - Artisanal Bakery & Cafe stands out as a must-visit destination in Mangalore for those seeking high-quality baked goods, savory dishes, and a welcoming atmosphere. Its commitment to culinary excellence and customer satisfaction makes it a noteworthy establishment in the city's...

This cafe clearly prioritizes larger groups to maximize profit, with no regard for solo diners. I visit cafes regularly, and I’ve never encountered such ungrateful and senseless behaviour from owners. I won’t be returning, and I definitely wouldn’t recommend this place to any of my friends.

I recently visited this cafe on a weekend around 8:30 pm, and it was quite busy. While there was a 6-seater table available, the staff refused to seat me there, insisting it be reserved in case a larger group arrived. Instead, they directed me to one of the two uncomfortable single seats. I mentioned my discomfort, and they initially seemed okay with it, so I moved to the counter to place my order.

As I was browsing the menu, another solo customer arrived. A different co-partner then came over and claimed there was no space available. I offered to share the 6-seater table with the other solo customer, but I was told I couldn't sit there. The entire experience made me feel completely unappreciated and unwelcome. I walked out and there was no retention efforts.

Response : Utter lie, The co-owner initially agreed to let me have the 6-seater, which is why I went to place my order. When another solo customer arrived and was ready to share, you suddenly revoked my seating. I never considered the single seater, as I made my discomfort clear from the start. Thanks for adding to my bad experience and you clearly dont know how to talk to your customers.

Regards, BEFIKRE Trio | Travel, Eat...