Little Buca Restaurant — Restaurant in Little Silver

Don't get me started about this place-- we had an unqualified FANTASTIC time-- full stop blast! And the BYOB made it even better. I like to bring what I like.

I was shocked when I got in and found Franco was in the kitchen from il Mulino's, NYC downtown in the Village. Totally random find. I hosted so many Business dinners there over the years, they should have given me an honorary bathrobe like what's his name who I can't name.

The food here this night on the NJ shore was out of the world, which is the usual case with chef Franco. I was a hero for finding the place, but didn't know anything about it until I got there.

Franco brings a whole next level from Compagnia, Naples; coming to NY decades ago-- very talented, like his cousin at il Mulino-- the Head Chef Michele Mazza. Franco comes up with the most incredible plates I've had, and I've been taking people out to gorge themselves for 30 years on the sales trail.

And yet, what do I always order to get me tucked away into my comfort zone? Chicken Parm! It's like a UFO from the planet Flavor. Perfect Neapolitan sauce, great cheese, and I'm not even a Red sauce guy. Little under salted, but I'd rather add my own, like my Dr. tells me.

The drink mixes were like high end NYC cocktail caliber, which was a nice; especially with this group. We had a big table, celebrating our daughter's birthday and going to college. We ordered a lot of sides and special requests... this one on a diet, that one's a vegan, the other one is Fish only, and the staff made it all work, like watching Olympic figure skaters.

If I could give it 10 stars, I would not hesitate. My wife has been raving about it for a week; but I think maybe she wants a break.

I got to meet and sit with the owners, who were delightful. Lot's of laughs and very accommodating. I know I'll be going back a bunch of times... Maybe I should negotiate a...

Always excited for a new restaurant in the area. The restaurant itself is beautiful inside (once you find it- sign still reads Little Silver Seafood) and has a nice darkish ambiance.

You are welcomed with an Il Mulino style amuse board- focaccia, parm, sun dried tomorrow crostini, fried eggplant. Very nice start, all was good.

You then get the menus, and might need to blink a few times before fully believing the prices. We are talking big city prices… but maybe times 2. Pretty shocking for an unassuming local Italian just starting out. Understood that inflation is high these days, but unfortunately the prices will likely turn off a lot of customers for a second go around (I was wondering why I couldn’t find a menu anywhere online- maybe this is why?). I’ll be specific. The cacio e Pepe pasta special clocked in at $48 and the Triofe with 4 or 5 shrimp and pistachio pesto was $52. I’m sorry, but this just borders on obscene. For reference, the cacio e Pepe at Lupa in NYC, arguably the benchmark and northeast’s intro (reintro?) to the simple Roman dish, is $21. I’ll reference another simple but expensive dish (but truly special)- Scarpetta’s spaghetti tomato basil, $34- still much lower than Buca’s cacio.

I can’t remember how much our apps were but yes, they were high as well. The mozzarella I believe was $32 (we did not get that).

The food was good but in no way justified the prices, even if you factor in the nice amuse board and the complementary parting cookies and grappa. Total bill with tip was $205 for 2 apps and 2 pastas.

I wish Little Buca well, I would love to see them succeed, but the prices surely need to be adjusted to keep people coming back with...

The ambiance and hospitality were spectacular! The quality of the ingredients of our meal was the freshest and most delicious meals we’ve ever had. We went for Christmas Eve dinner and all agreed it was the PERFECT place for such great food and “face time” as a family.

The incredible generosity of Antonio to discuss each dish and its ingredients with our table was such a sweet time spent with us and very much appreciated. Diana was as charming and personable as well, discussing the restaurant as well her hometown of Rome.

This will be our GO-TO restaurant and absolutely loved everything about it. FYI the fresh made pasta, red snapper and lamb chops rounded out our tables orders and EVERYTHING on the dessert menu was also ordered (don’t judge us! ha!).

The BYOB is great to being your favorite bottle(s) to save a bit of $$.

SO GREAT WAS OUR EXPERIENCE… THANK YOU A MILLION TIMES TO LITTLE BUCA AND THE STAFF FOR SUCH A MEMORABLE CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER WITH FAMILY!!

We absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE it … Don’t miss out on this treasure… make your reservations now and often. We love you Little Buca!!

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