Osteria La Buca — Restaurant in Los Angeles

I used to love this place - not anymore. I've been a long time patron here as I do find the food here exceptional.

Brussels sprouts - amazing. Carbonara - breathtaking. All the servers - lovely.

The new General Manager - Miguel - rude. Consistently. Ever since he was a server.

I have marveled over the years as to why he would be placed to interface with the public as his people skills are sorely lacking.

This most recent visit was the worst.

Upon walking in the door for our reservation we were greeted by him in a huff.

Not even a hello, not a greeting, not a 'nice to see you again' - but him sternly muttering something about our needing to eat quickly and leave in 1.5 hours.

I looked at him and the hostess quizzically, trying to make sense of his words as I was confused by this sort of welcome.

Again, him insisting we will be required to leave after an hour and half - completely out of context as this was his way of welcoming us to dinner.

After an awkward pause and many blank stares from all in my party, the hostess jumped in and tried to apologize for his behavior.

Then the other girl at the hostess stand also tried to apologize.

The girl that led us to our table apologized.

Then our server apologized.

Mind you - this happens often with Miguel. I also asked the hostess and she too said it's common feedback.

When I asked her why he was so rude - she said he must get flustered easily as it's common feedback from customers and they regularly need to clean up for his rudeness.

I've experienced this personally from him often so I know it to be true.

So tell me - why is he GM? The past three visits have required that somebody apologize for his poor behavior - except himself?

I do hope Steven or the other owner sees this as unfortunately, third time is the charm. As much as I love the food - this used to be my favorite restaurant in LA - I cannot imagine returning as I do not care to be treated like a nuisance.

This is becoming part of the reputation and far too consistent.

Oh - and when we were leaving I went to the restroom and my husband, trying to make light since it was such an awkward welcoming - joked with Miguel and asked if we got a discount since we left under 1.5 hrs.

At this point, I walked up from behind Miguel and overheard him telling my husband that I was interrupting him earlier which is why he was rude! I could not believe my ears since I barely even said one word!

It unfortunately overshadows the delicious food, how talented the chefs are and the formerly flawless legacy.

Such a pity. Let me know when new management steps in as I would...

I’ve been coming here to pick up food to-go during the quarantine because I love the food, and the restaurant is in very close proximity to my home.

Last night, I called your restaurant and ordered the grilled salmon. I was told that it would take about 35 minutes because they were extra busy, and I said that is “perfectly fine.” I showed up to the restaurant approximately 35 minutes later; and the young, tall guy who is usually facing the customers and drivers started yelling at me before I was even able to tell him I placed an order. He was clearly extremely frustrated with the drivers and customers that day. He was upset that people were not lining up the way he wanted despite the fact that everyone WAS practicing social-distancing. After I waited a while, he called me up, and I told him that I ordered the grilled salmon for myself. He continued to use sarcasm in a condescending way. I told him that the next time I come here, I do not want to hear this from the staff. He then went on a rant about trying to keep everyone safe and that people were not following how he wanted everyone to line up. He said that this has been happening all day. If it had been happening all day, there is obviously something wrong with the restaurant’s “system” of helping people as they pick up food, or as delivery drivers collect their orders. The other customers/drivers looked on, confused and astounded, as I told him that I know that this is hard, but there is a nicer way of speaking to people. That made him even angrier, so I picked up my bag after signing my credit card slip, and I left in silence.

I can’t fully explain how uncomfortable he made me feel. I’m terrified of covid-19, and I take every precaution to stay safe, which is why I approached the restaurant with latex gloves on and a face mask, which I never removed during the confrontation. I would like to come back when I want a well-prepared, delicious dinner, however, I don’t think I’ll be back...

This spot is hands-down my favorite local eatery when it comes to the food. I’ve dined here many times, and from the first bite of the starters to the final spoonful of dessert, the flavors are consistently outstanding. The menu is creative and satisfying, and the kitchen clearly takes pride in what they serve. The waitstaff is equally impressive—friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable.

But—and this is a big but—the dining experience is seriously hampered by the extremely loud music. It’s not just background ambiance; it’s at a level that makes conversation nearly impossible. Even the servers, as wonderful as they are, have to ask for orders multiple times because they can’t hear us—and we can’t hear them. Several of them have even acknowledged that the volume is frustrating for them, too. Unfortunately, the manager explained that the volume is set by the owner, and their hands are tied.

It’s honestly the one thing that keeps me from coming more often. Lately, we’ve just been getting takeout to enjoy the amazing food in the peace and quiet of home.

I get that loud music might be part of a business strategy—maybe to encourage faster table turnover or higher spending—but this crosses the line into discomfort. It feels like it could even exceed safe noise levels. A great meal deserves a setting where people can enjoy it and each other’s company.

I hope the owners reconsider. Turning the volume down just a notch would make this place absolutely perfect.

This would have easily been a five star review if it weren’t for the huge flaw of the uncomfortable noise levels.

——— Had to revise this review after revisiting and found the owner finally acquiesced and turned music to a very reasonable yet still upbeat and fun level. This was definitely the best experience we have had there. The staff also seemed super pleased with the new sound levels and the place was packed. Changed rating from 3...