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Il Buco Reviews List

Il Buco

Il Buco is one of Barrie's best kept secrets. It is fine Italian cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Come and enjoy a relaxing lunch or dinner while taking in the beautiful view of Kempenfelt Bay.
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36 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
(36 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 36 reviews
5 stars
(18)
4 stars
(12)
3 stars
(6)
2 stars
(0)
1 star
(0)
Food 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Service 
4.4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.4 / 5
Ambiance 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Noise Level
1.9 / 3
Moderate
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Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • scenic view(29)
  • special occasion(19)
  • romantic(17)
  • great for outdoor dining(14)
  • fit for foodies(13)
  • neighborhood gem(13)
Il Buco Reviews List
Review 1 for Il Buco
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Who would of thought....

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Not meant as a job towards Barrie, but I was really impressed to find a place that really strives to serve quality food leaning towards the higher end.
But in the end was very pleased the prices were very reasonable...I was blown away by this. I do know my food as I am a serious foodie (chefMarkus.ca)
The next day I ate in Yorkville, the food was much more expensive but the food was not superior at all so the Barrie wins!!!
If in Barrie, visit this place... eat there, we need to keep great restaurants in business.
I will most definitely be back.
"
Dined on 6/15/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, scenic view, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 2 for Il Buco
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service makes the difference

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 6/06/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"My wife and I went out for our 21st wedding anniversary and were thrilled with the food, the atmosphere, but were blow away by our server (Jen) who really made the night special. No rushing us, taking the time to understand what we wanted and serving it to us in a professional manner. Really enjoyed our night out - highly recommended to anyone looking for great food and great service."
Dined on 6/06/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 3 for Il Buco
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

mothers day experience

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Il Buco has become our favourite dining spot for at least four years. We've also introduced the place to some friends who enjoy it as much as we do. It is always in the forefront when we plan a pleasant dining outing.
Sincerely, Aline and Claude Lamarre."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, scenic view, special occasion
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Review 4 for Il Buco
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Before theatre dining

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/04/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We were met by our extremely helpful and friendly waiter at the door. He was very knowledgeable about menu items. Food was delicious! View was lovely. We will definitely return and are looking forward to dining on the patio."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, scenic view, special occasion
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Review 5 for Il Buco
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/01/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Lunch took over 2 hours. They did not have enough staff to ensure a quick lunch."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 6 for Il Buco
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Superb Service and fresh pasta

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
"Superb Service and fresh pasta melted in your mouth - light and tasty."
Dined on 19/04/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, scenic view
0points
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Review 7 for Il Buco
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Excellent as always. We will

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Excellent as always. We will be back!"
Dined on 17/04/2013
 2012
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 8 for Il Buco
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Had a great time, food was

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Had a great time, food was excellent"
Dined on 18/04/2013
 2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 9 for Il Buco
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Waiter was a goof and there

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Waiter was a goof and there was a large party in there being quite loud. Not what we would expect for noise level in this restaurant. Waiter disappeared for a good twenty minutes after we were done our appetizers. I love this restaurant and will still go back but disappointing evening"
Dined on 13/04/2013
 2012
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
0points
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Review 10 for Il Buco
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

on line reservations

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"if your going to use reservations on line, someone should check them. Last two times I made reservations on line and when we arrived, we got a table ok but no one had checked the on line reseration and did not know we were coming. Last two times we requested window seat on line in plenty of time, however no one read the on line reservations."
Dined on 07/04/2013
 2012
Special Features: special occasion
0points
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Review 11 for Il Buco
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Yes! This is the place.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"4th time at this restaurant and we have not been disappointed yet. Excellent wine selection, exceptional food and the servers have been outstanding. We had one small problem with one entrée and it was taken care of immediately and with nothing but apologies. We will be back many times over."
Dined on 23/03/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 12 for Il Buco
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Fresh, authentic Italian

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"I have never been to a restaurant so accommodating with the menu. They went above and beyond expectations. I love that everything is made from scratch, including the fresh pasta. They were so accommodating to just "whip something up" for me that was not on the menu. The food I could describe best as being Italian comfort food. The flavours are very authentic Italian. I only gave 4 stars because I like my food with unexpected flavours that I can't put my finger on but is just delicious. The flavours were more typical fresh authentic Italian. The restaurant is nicer on the inside than the website pictures show. We had great seats by the window and I can't wait to take advantage of the summer patio when it's open for the season."
Dined on 13/03/2013
 2012
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, scenic view
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Review 13 for Il Buco
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I have used the Open Table

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I have used the Open Table twice with this restaurant and found it to be easy and useful. I received an email right away confiming my reservation as well as a reply from the restaurant confirming as well.
I requested a table by the window and was pleasantly surprised to see us seated where I expected.
Atmosphere excellent, views (although we have only been in the winter) will be even more fantastic in the summer months. Fantastic service, fantastic food and wine.
"
Dined on 09/03/2013
 2012
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 14 for Il Buco
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We are regulars since we moved

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We are regulars since we moved to Barrie and took a dozen of my staff there for xmas. Everything is excellant and especially the servers.
Thank you
Gary Phillips
"
Dined on 05/03/2013
 2012
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 15 for Il Buco
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We loved Il Buco - always

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We loved Il Buco - always do - such a wonderful spot in downtown Barrie."
Dined on 02/03/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 16 for Il Buco
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Give your review a title (optional)

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The food was absolutely delicious. We had a wonderful, relaxed evening - our group of 10 took up the table for the whole night and never once felt rushed or unwelcome."
Dined on 22/02/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, scenic view
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Review 17 for Il Buco
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

I enjoyed the dinig experience

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I enjoyed the dinig experience over the past weekend!! Our waitress was quite interesting in her own quirky way!! The Enrico' Famous Roasted Garlic Bread was fantastic and just the right potlrtion for sharing. The ambiance of the restaurant was very relaxing and romantic. I would definitely return there when I visit Barrie again. I believe that in the summer time the view would be perfect and we could enjoy the beautiful view of the water!!"
Dined on 15/02/2013
 2012
Special Features: romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 18 for Il Buco
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

With it's unassuming storefront

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"With it's unassuming storefront Il Buco could be easily overlooked as a exquisite dining experience...until you enter. From the greeting at the front door to the minute you leave, you are treated as if you are the only customer they have. You get their full attention and service and you haven't even gotten your meal yet. The food was amazingly good and filling, but not to the point of feeling as if you've had too much. The server was very helpful in choosing a wine and explaining the menu. She did not hover and only showed up when it was appropriate. Overall a very enjoyable evening for a late Valentines Day date with my wife."
Dined on 16/02/2013
 2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 19 for Il Buco
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

pasta was almost cold :O(

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"The ambiance and service was excellent and my salad was wonderful but my Gnocci dish was disappointing.
The pasta and the sauce were lukewarm at best and the chunks of garlic were so big I thought it was pieces of onion at first. I have had the gnocci before and enjoyed it and dont recall the garlic being so prominent in the dish
My husbands pasta was not hot (temperature wise) either.....but he did enjoy the taste.
We dont like to complain and we dont go out much so I didnt want to ruin the evening by complaining to our waitress, but in the future I would send my main course back if it not served hot."
Dined on 16/02/2013
 2013
Special Features: romantic, scenic view
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Review 20 for Il Buco
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great for a romantic evening!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"A great spot for a romantic evening. Beautiful view of Kempenfelt Bay. Delicious food in generous but not overwhelming portions. Outstanding service. Our server Russell was perfect. There when we needed him and not when we didn't and a playful but respectful sense of humour. We will certainly return!"
Dined on 15/02/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Il Buco
Based on the average of (16) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
5 out of 5 recommend this product
Food 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Service 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Ambiance 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Noise Level
1.9 / 3
Moderate