Buca or Scaramouche Pasta Bar - weigh in!

[eatravel]

I have competing reservations at Buca and Scaramouche Pasta Bar when my parents come to town in a couple of weeks. My parents are in their late fifties and enjoy Italian food.

I have eaten at Buca before, but not lately. I have really enjoyed the food in the past, and find the diverse menu to be accommodating to most people's tastes. I do dislike, however, the crowd and noise.

I have eaten at Scaramouche before, but never in the pasta bar. It seems a little pricier than Buca, but since I can't find a menu online for Buca, it's hard to tell. I like the service at Scaramouche, and the food in the main room is really good too. The coconut cream pie is worth the trip alone!

What say you, chow-universe?

[Idas]

My 2 cents on Buca: I find the leather aprons, um, too Dexter. (Creepy.) We had a super early dinner (around 6pm) and it wasn't that noisy on Saturday night too.

[JennaBean]

I like Buca better but your folks may prefer Scaramouche as it is a bit more fitting to parents in terms of the room and the overall vibe. Not at trendy or loud but good food and service.

[Dean Tudor]

+1
+2
+3

Scaramouche, hands down. Also, valet parking wins the day.

[JennaBean]

Good point. I never drive when I go out so I don't even think of that. I keep taxis in this city in business.

[eatravel]

Thanks, everyone! Scaramouche pasta bar it is!

[millygirl]

Good choice. You won't regret it. It is very romantic. Last time we were there, actually last weekend, there were 2 proposals. Apparently it happens often there but rare to have 2 in one night.

[Baelsette]

I was just at Buca for a friends birthday. There were 3 of us and we were really disappointed. Service was friendly but VERY slow and some of the food came out cold.
Portions were quite small and truthfully while it was ok to good the food was not memorable at all. I was really disappointed after hearing so many good things about Buca. For a $400 dinner I expect MUCH better.
Scaramouche is consistently good, spend your money there, enjoy the view and an amazing dinner.

[MeMeMe]

Scaramouche pasta bar. I agree - Buca is super noisy. I love Scaramouche Pasta Bar - it can be a fun vibe with great food and service and can get hopping. It's just not a hip place to be.

[millygirl]

I love Scaramouche Pasta Bar.

I disagree that it's not a hip place. It is very hip it's just not in your face, it's much more subtle.