- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Buona Gente
Categories: Restaurants Pizza Restaurants Italian Pizza, Italian [Edit]
5205 E 2nd StLong Beach, CA 90803
(562) 438-8763
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
76 reviews for Buona Gente
Review Highlights
-
"We both opted for the Lobster Ravioli." In 3 reviews -
"...enough dipped in the rosemary olive oil with a lil' black..." In 6 reviews -
"The Alfredo sauce was wonderfully creamy and cheesy." In 3 reviews
Loading...
76 reviews in English
-
Review from enea o.
Updated - 5/15/2012
I had the Shrimp Diavolo and my husband had the lasagne tonight. Funny thing because I was initially going to order the Shrimp Primavera but I am glad I did order what I would normally order at a restaurant that provides this dish--just to see and taste the difference. The pasta was fun and the marinara was nice and chunky and tasty--something I never had in this kind of dish before--loved it! the shrimp in it was normal sized, not puny like some places I have been to, and the dish was spicy but not overbearingly so--just the right tempo!!. The great part about this Italian restaurant is that the owners are actually Lebanese, but if you don't know your geography--Lebanese are from the Mediterranean and actually derived from the Greek culture in their history, so the foods are very tasty and very similar to what we know as Italian food. Anyhow, we also had the crispy calamari to begin with and I like it because it was thinly sliced rings that we topped off with juice from the lemon slices provided and also poured marinara (yet another good one that was delicioso!). the meal ended with a sufficient cappucino (less than half a cup which seemed a bit odd, considering it usually is put to the top) and also a very generous tiramisu that was shared by both of us (it was really tasty and I was happy we ordered it after the waitress suggested it!). This is our second visit here and we were not disappointed. I am not sure why it's not a packed house---but it should be!!!!!!! Oh and also we ordered pizza to go for our son and he loved it, as did our daughter. I think we all loved the minestrone. It was clear tomato based with vegetables. Recently I have been to a Greek restaurant that has a pasta based one which I don't like because this dish is supposed to be vegetable based and this one satisfied because it's like home!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
10/6/2011
10/1/11 My husband Steve and I have been dying to go here for ages but with small kids long ago we… Read more »
-
-
Review from Emily K.
Long Beach, CA
1/8/2012
The food here is pretty good. Their lasagna and meat sauce is good.
But can the waitresses get their act together?
When I was there, there was a specific waitress that would call me honey like I was a freakin dog or their pet sister or something.
Your customers are not your significant other nor are you an either year old woman serving food. I am not your honey, sweetie, sugar, dear or babe. DO NOT CALL ME THAT. It is RUDE and condescending.
The food may be good but I will probably avoid this restaurant. Tonight I went to Papalucci's that place was horrible too. The next restaurant I plan to visit on 2nd street is La Strada. I hear it's really good. that of Cafe Gazelle. =)
Happy eating!
BTW they offer a bread basket when you come here. DO NOT EAT IT. It's cardboard crap! Tastes like communion wafers. Might as well have free wine passed around with it. -____- -
Review from Solomon L.
Long Beach, CA
1/2/2012
this is the reason I'm beginning not to trust yelpers anymore, tell me I'm not alone...
I got a look at the kitchen and got a bad feeling.. ordered pizza and pasta, both were GROSS, I got SICK, I am suppost to be getting ready for work rite now but had to make a public service announcement.. Avoid*** -
Review from Samantha M.
Marina del Rey, CA
10/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
I wanted to like this place, I really did. I came here one night to get some pasta before my half marathon the next day. I was picking up the order to go, so I was mainly dealing with the hostess. She was SOO sweet and friendly. After I told her why I was getting pasta, she was sincerely interested in trying to suggest things on the menu that I might like. I appreciate this kind of service.
I ordered some sort of chicken artichoke pasta because she said it was one of her favorites. I also asked for a small side salad; in the event that I didn't like the pasta, I would eat the salad and breadsticks to make sure I had some carbs in me.
We waited at an empty table until the food came. This is where everything went down hill. Once I arrived back home, I realized that my bag had no salad. While, yes, I guess I should have checked the bag before I left, this still shouldn't have happened. Then, when I went to eat my pasta, there was no chicken (my protein) in my pasta. It had shrimp and they still had the tails on, making it extremely difficult to eat.
All in all, the pasta wasn't out of this world, and I would never order it again. The service was great, but what is good service if you can't get your order correct? I'll probably never return here again, unfortunately. -
Review from Trishia P.
Fairfield, CA
10/4/2011
Decided to have some good ol' Italian with a good friend.
This place is conveniently located in her hood...2nd street Belmont Shore, so it made for a good choice. I ordered the margherita pizza 12". Thin crust, lots of cheese, tomato sauce and lightly topped with fresh basil.
As stated by the yelpers below, it is true...it is average. The food here is good, quick and simple. But combine that with a basket of bread with olive oil, glass of wine (which I had the Rose Marche), decent service, plus good conversation and that's a recipe for a great night! -
Review from Diane V.
Long Beach, CA
4/21/2011
This Italian restaurant is located in beautiful Belmont Shores hidden among all the other restaurants and shops that line 2nd Street. It really is hidden as its so tiny, for as long as we've been going down Belmont, I barely notice it only now after 2 years!
The sidewalk menu caught my and my bf Chuck's eye because of the pretty decent prices for pasta (some were $5.95-$6.95). I decided to get the beef lasagna while he got the Portabello ravioli. Both were delicious and very filling that we had to bring some leftovers back home. We each also ordered the Minestrone soup and that was tasty without having to add salt/pepper to flavor it more.
It really is a nice scenic view of 2nd Street if especially if you decide to eat at their outdoor seating like we did. It only fits about 3 tables but if you get the opportunity and weather permits, I would highly suggest enjoying your meal this way. We sure did and will definitely be back to try other new dishes. -
Review from Chuck A.
4/12/2011 3 photos
.., my gf & I have been eating on 2nd street for about a yr. now. We never knew this place existed, til' now!
We were walking by coming from the AT&T store as Phee/Fee (not sure how you spell her name) our server was outside tending to patrons. It didn't take much for her to lure us in w/ their tasty menu & their tasty price$ haha.
The specials they had written down on a chalkboard menu were ridiculously cheap for Italian food, we had to check this out. I ordered their Portabello raviolli w/ pink sauce (which is Alfredo mixed w/ marinara) & my gf Diane had their lasagna.
Service was awesome, wait wasn't long. We had their Minestrone prior & it was really good, had great flavor. Our meals were excellent as well, good portions & everything tasted excellent. We will definately be back. They have half off wine specials on Mon & Wed. Check em' out!Listed in: Can't beat this meat!
-
Review from Alex L.
3/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
It was my second time here. I came here some two years ago...strangely, I think I ended up ordering the same thing both times...
Either way, this is a nice little Italian restaurant where the food and service are very good. The restaurant is kinda sandwiched between more popular places like the two Open Sesame's so if you don't look for it, you may miss it (the big crowds waiting for tables at Open Sesame can be sorta distracting).
I enjoyed an outside table so I could watch all the people and dogs stroll 2nd Street. A space heater kept the temp comfortable. I ordered the Pollo del Romano which was a couple of pieces of sauteed chicken, artichokes, and Roma tomatoes, all over a bed of noodles. The chicken was cooked very nicely and the artichokes were nice and tangy. The sauce was not too overwhelming, which I prefer. A half carafe of Chianti complemented the meal.
Like most places on 2nd Street this is a casual place where you can choose to sit inside to have a more intimate dining experience or you can sit outside and watch the world go by. Whatever your choice, this restaurant will satisfy. -
Review from Henry R.
Torrance, CA
6/21/2011
This is one of our favorite places. It's cute, casual and the food is great. We just love Italian, so this is just perfect. It's not too noisy too, so we can have great conversations during dinner. The best part is the PRICE! It's so affordable that we can afford to go back there anytime we want.
It's perfect for dates. The place is so cute, big groups are not advisable to go. But the good thing is that even it's just a small place, you won't need to wait too long to be seated. The service is awesome too. -
Review from Danyell W.
Fullerton, CA
12/6/2011
Great place to have lunch on a sunny day. I love occupying the patio seats and getting some fresh air& sunshine with my meal. Their pizza is absolutely delicious, partly because they top it with fresh basil. Their pasta is so-so, but pizza is great! I've been coming here since I was a little girl. Must try!
-
Review from Brittany G.
Long Beach, CA
5/15/2011
Open Sesame was packed so we decided to try this place. Setting was cute and quaint, they had the NBA play-offs on a tv, nice staff, good bread.(there's my 2 stars)
So it started off well, but then the food came, a huge plate of it (yay) but it was completely bland, taste-less, and I make better pasta. (0 stars)
I don't care to ever come back. -
Review from Catrina H.
Long Beach, CA
1/20/2011
A hidden gem on 2nd Street!
I never have to wait to be seated, the food is always good... and so is the wine. Sometimes I eat inside, sometimes the patio. Take your pick by either enjoying the dimly lit restaurant or quaint patio to people watch.
You will find good service, tasty bread (to start), and a nice meal, all at a reasonable price. Great place to go on a date or when you want to spend quality time with good friends.
I detour to this place over others on 2nd Street and I leave happy every time. -
Review from K G.
Orange County, CA
1/25/2011
I think this place probably loses business being next door to Open Sesame (it's actually sandwiched in between the two restaurants), which is too bad because they've got really good food at really good prices. We actually ended up here because the Sesames were full, and this place was pretty empty. We started off with pizza-crusty bread with oil and vinegar. It was dry and more crackerlike, like crust that had been baked and was sitting out awhile. For lunch I had the grilled salmon Caesar salad and my friend had the portobello mushroom ravioli with alfredo rather than marinara.
My salad was really good, I really enjoyed their tasty Caesar dressing. Lots of Parmesan cheese. The salmon was about a 4oz piece, a perfect size for me for lunch, and was well seasoned and delicious. It wasn't dry, it was very well cooked (for me it was perfect, if you like your salmon pink in the middle, it would have been a bit overdone for you). At $7.95 the price was right, too. My friend's ravioli (you know I had to try some) was packed full of rich mushrooms. It really tasted like it had just been freshly made. The Alfredo sauce was wonderfully creamy and cheesy...very decadent. Everything was seasoned so well. Our server was wonderful.
I was very pleasantly surprised by this place and sad that I've walked by it so many times without stopping in. I definitely want to go back and try something else soon. -
Review from LB to the C.
Long Beach, CA
2/7/2011
Favorite italian food on 2nd st. We go here regularly.
The bread and salads are always good.
Try the artichoke past with the pink sauce.
mmmmm -
Review from Kara Z.
11/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
It's my first day on my solo visit to Long Beach and I was happy to find this little place. I don't know why it wasn't packed- it was really good!
They have great lunch specials- good variety and excellent prices. And you get yummy bread too- I can't remember the last time I got a whole bread basket to myself (I thought it was nice that they gave me the regular size basket even though I was dining alone- they let me take the rest home too!)
The service was excellent- friendly, frequent check-ins, an apology for the wait for the bread (that I didn't realize I was waiting for) and refills on my drinks without me asking.
I got the chicken caesar salad. It was good but the chicken was kind of dry and bland. The dressing had good flavor. I was kind of hoping for homemade croutons but I don't think they were. My meal (with a soft drink) was $9.80.
I looked over the menu and think I might stop back near the end of my visit so I can try their pasta and meatballs. I'm already looking forward to it! -
Review from Tina F.
Long Beach, CA
2/14/2012
I eat here because I live down the street. As I can tell the owners hire girls that have no experience but look cute. I too run a restaurant and I know it is not just about looks. I will eat any where even if the server was a guy or fat or ugly, it seems that some owner never get that, they just want young dumb but pretty girls to look at, well let me tell you I will not go there again. The waitress was so bad, we arrived there and she already had three tables, so we were the forth and on a special night, it was half off bottle of wine so you know the locals are going to come here so staff for it, anyway we sat there and waited she took the party's order first and then went to the other table and help them, i did over hear that the table wanted a bottle of wine. It has been about 10 minutes and still not server. Finally she came over we order 2 bottles of wine and appetizer. Sorry before we order two more tables walked in now she has 6 tables with no busser or manager to help. Not even a another server. Then she took the other tables order, the two new ones that come after us, then she started to serve every who has order there salads and soups, now remember we do not have anything yet which is another 10 minute. Then she came to are table and asked are we ready to order, we still have not received any thing to drink, which tells me she has never waited on a table before, I said no but we would like our drinks. Did she run to get them no, she started to take out salad again to another table then the last table that came in she took there order. By then I am just pissed off. This is our Valentine's dinner being in a restaurant I know not to go out on Valentine's day so we decided to go out before. Finally the owner showed up. Did he help no. So i got up and told them to cancel my order and went to papaluccis. So we arrived at 6 pm and as we were leaving the second waitress was showing up for here 6:30pm shift, we sat there and did not get anything but bread, sorry but we will not be back until they hire servers with experience. Not young and dumb. I guess they do not need our money. p.s that table that order wine never received there wine while we were there so we were not the only ones getting bad services. The reason they got 2 stars is because there foods is good, but this is not the only time we have had bad services. Please do something, I do not know if you will do anything.
-
Review from Hazel Q.
12/23/2008
A three star review is a funny thing. It can either swing negative or positive. In the case of Buona Gente, it swings mostly positive. Don't you scoff at me either. I know you all eat at three star joints everyday because they are familiar, easy, and convenient. Hmm...like a booty call.
So, when I need a booty call for some Italian, I dial up Buona Gente for some pasta carbonara or lobster ravioli. The service is always great, when I order delivery, it always arrives rather quickly, but the food is always, without a doubt - blah. That's why you order the carbonara though, anything with bacon in it is at least a blah-plus.
Prices are superbly low. The waiters are amazingly friendly, almost to the point of "okay, can I eat my greasy pasta in peace? Thanks." Speaking of which, yes. Greasy, greasy pasta. So be sure to save some of that deelish bread to sop it all up.
Thumbs Up:
-Cheap.
-Delivery! I'm far too lazy to drive anywhere on a rainy night.
-Crazy, friendly Italian servers.
-Bacon!
Thumbs Down:
-Well, definitely not the best Italian around. But an a-ok standby. -
Review from Robin B.
1/2/2009 1 Check-in Here
The first time I ate at Buona Gente was back around 2002 when BJ's had a huge line and I didn't want to wait. My fiance and I have always enjoyed this restaurant, and I'm not a big fan of "going out" for italian food.
As others have said, the food is on the greasy side, but at least the grease is yummy extra virgin olive oil. (did you hear EVOO has made it into Webster's in 2009? dear God what has this world come to) Especially drippified with oil is my favorite, the capellini pesto. THEE BEST pesto sauce I've ever had. It is so creamy and evil. I have to really be in the mood for it though, because it is such a heavy meal.
We stopped in a few days ago and for once I perused the specials board. I should really do this more often. Chicken pesto lasagna caught my eye and it was fabulous. Usually dishes like this are laden with alfredo sauce (not a fan) but this baby had marinara. The chunky red sauce really cut the richness of the pesto, and my leftovers were big enough for lunch the next day. Scott equally enjoyed his usual, penne with shrimp in a light alfredo sauce.
All this main dish hullaboo is neither here nor there though because the real star of the show at Buona Gente is the evil, addictive, hey fatty you are too fat if you're fat you can't wear that BREAD. Sometimes it's crispy, sometimes it's doughy (depending on the day, depending on the chef) but it's always finish the whole bowl before your meal comes delicious. On this night it was burning hot from the oven doughy and I just couldn't get enough dipped in the rosemary olive oil with a lil' black pepper. Maybe empire waists will be in in 2009...Listed in: The Hill, The Beach & The Wood, Pizzapalooza
-
Review from Sam N.
6/7/2009
Utterly Mediocre
The chicken marsala is very very good from here.
Order the Lobster Ravioli, its very tasty and garlicky but very very rich.
the Pasta with red sauce was lacking, overall a good stand by if everything else is crowded.
However, I have to be honest... I only ate here because Open Sesame had a 1 hour wait! -
Review from Sam O.
Redondo Beach, CA
12/27/2008
Quick & Dirty: Food, good. Service, bad. Location, good.
Long & Pissy:
So has it become that noticeable? Does it now show on my face? I mean I know I'm an a-hole at times but can someone now just look at me and know it? Is that why she practically ignored us? Well, the waitress here is right, I AM an a-hole and here's why...
She stunk. No greeting or anything, just a "You ready to order?" We sat there for like 5 minutes and never even had a drink order taken. WTF? Whatever. So we ordered and the food was delivered by NOT HER and she checked back on us once. She had zero personality and and it showed. She gave us strange looks too as if we were bothering her. She had 4 tables. Get over it.
The food was decent. I had an antipasto salad that was really big and had HUGE cuts of cheese and ham but that was about it. My buddy had Veggie Lasagne and he really liked it. But you know what? Her pissy a$$ attitude made the food taste worse. Has that ever happened to you?
I wanted to slap her across the face with one the big pieces of ham from my salad. WHAP!
Would I go here again? Probably not.
Should you go here? Why? The service is so much better at Cafe La Strada across the street. Go there instead.
WHAP! -
Review from Lupe S.
Long Beach, CA
1/12/2011
We come here at least once a week. My husband is in love with the vodka gnocchi special, before that it was the mushroom stuffed ravioli. The food is fresh, soup and salad will do for a meal. Love the crusty bread, it has a buttery taste and is perfect to dip.
We sit at the front table and look out to see the people walking by. I usually get a cafe latte and enjoy the view. It's a very casual place, I love spending time here with my hubby. -
Review from Anita S.
7/7/2009
The food was just alright. We all ordered pasta w/meat sauce. One had w/vegetables, other w/meatballs and mine added sausage. Not bad and the portions are huge. The bread was good.
My two star review is due to the server. She was not happy to be there and she made it very clear. It was 4th of July and I asked what time they close, her reply "it depends" and walked off. WTF? Then I changed my spaghetti order to capellini I apologized for changing my order and mentioned that I didn't notice it on the list of pastas, her reply "it's all listed on the top" then walked away.
Normally I would have been pissed but the three of us thought it was hilarious. We felt like we were in a bad movie. I drank my tea very slow because I was afraid of what her reaction would be if I asked for a refill. My mom ordered linguini and wanted to change her pasta but was afraid to ask her because she knew she'd get a dirty look from our dear waitress.
I don't know if this is how that waitress is all the time or if we just caught her on a bad day. But actually I think she should go with that attitude. She made our dinner entertaining. I mean come on, how often do you go out to dinner and get a sigh and roll of the eye when you ask for a few more minutes to look over the menu?! That is classic!
Hands down, the worse waitress service I've ever had. Don't go here if you want to enjoy a nice evening out. -
Review from Andrea L.
6/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
This tiny Italian bistro is very near and dear to my heart. I have been a loyal devotee since my collage days at CSULB. For more than 10 years, in this darling cafe, over the addictive garlic bread, baked and cut into perfect little pieces & served with balsamic vinegar and e.v.o.o., my girlfriend Ayesha and I have discussed every important event in our lives. Its our date spot. The pizza is fantastic, and the traditional Italian soul food dishes: spaghetti and meatballs, chicken parmigiana, lasagna etc- never ever disappoints. If you find yourself on second street, hungry, alone, on a date or among friends- you will find a little happiness on a plate at Buona Gente... xo
-
Review from Debbie Y.
Torrance, CA
2/11/2008
I couldn't tell ya much about the food...
...other than the fact that it was completely TASTELESS!
I'm all for the au naturale thing, but when your dishes taste like absolutely NOTHING, it doesn't take an Iron Chef to figure out you've got a problem.
So, why the 3 stars? Two words: Carbs, yo!
The bread was amazingly delicious. Fresh out of the oven and the servers never fail to keep your bread baskets full. Probably cuz they know you'll be getting full off of the bread and not whatever nothingness you have in front of you.
I'm tempted to think the chef forget the salt. In BOTH our dishes. So I'm willing to give this place another shot.
Tiny, tiny, T I N Y dining space. Don't go with a someone you wouldn't want to be sucking face with. You'll be THAT close. -
Review from Monica D.
Los Angeles, CA
12/12/2006
We walked into a small yet bustling restaurant. I was prepared to enjoy an evening out eating yummy Italian food. The waitress finally made her way over to us and she was just completely overwhelmed, frazzled and half greeted us in a hurried fashion. We ordered a pizza for us to share but my husband had to call after her to come back so we could order some starters (soup/salad). Given that the place is so small, the tables are jammed packed next to each other so you can clearly hear your neighbors etc...(this was no problem actually made me reminisce of my days in Europe) but what bothered me was the completely different dining experience my neighbors were having. Their waiter walked over and cheerfully greeted them, explained the specials of the day ( what specials?), was attentive and an overall awesome server. My husband and I joked that we were going to tip their waiter instead.
As for the food, the pizza was good. Crust was delicious. I would have rated this place 4 stars had it not been for the amateurish service. -
Review from Joseph Z.
Rochester, NY
5/3/2007
I've been to my fair share of chain italian restaurants (olive garden, buca di bepo), and i can't say this place was much better. i might be biased due to my grandparents authentic italian cooking but my non-italian-american friends agreed with me: the food was just ok. if the average price per plate at buona gentes was about $5-7 cheaper id probably give them a 3 star rating. when it came down to it, the food on my plate didn't taste much better than a frozen tv dinner. however, the table bread with oil/vinegar was really good.
the reason i didnt give them a 1 star rating is because the server we had (Liam) was very polite, quick, and friendly (although they werent very busy at all). also, as the location is in the middle of 2nd street belmont shores, its a nice area to spend ones dinner.
so, id say the only reason one should eat here is if you cant get into a better place or because you dont feel like eating the frozen dinners from olive garden. -
Review from Benjamin M.
Palo Alto, CA
8/13/2006
Buona Gente is great: a little hole in the wall, but some great food. I highly recommend the alfredo sauce on anything: it's some of the best anywhere. The atmosphere is good (quiet, dim, lots of people on the weekends) and the service acceptable. The price is right up my alley ($5-$15) and they take credit :). I wasn't amazed with their presentation of the food, but it was great grub! I must admit to a bias towards the servers though, (I wanted to say they were great), they are open to chatting up, and often recognize you after the first visit.
Fun Story: Meeting my friend at Buona, we were introduced to our waitresses neice and sister: cute kid!Listed in: My Neighborhood, Top Restaurants
-
Review from Vincenzo F.
Long Beach, CA
10/30/2007
Better than Papalucci's, so if you're on Second Street and develop an immediate need for pasta, this is OK. But it's not great, it's just passable, and being better than Papalucci's is admittedly not an enormous accomplishment.
Be warned that this is a small place and you'll be sitting way too close to everyone else.
Honestly I found this place so unremarkable, in either a positive or a negative sense, that I don't have much else to say about it. There are much worse places, and much better places as well.
Upon glancing over the Yelp survey questions, however, I am drawn to wonder about my fellow reviewers: you people consider a small sit-down restaurant with close-together tables to be "good for kids"?? Ugh!Listed in: Italian Food @ Long Beach
-
Review from Michael R.
Lakewood, CA
2/9/2011
We have been going to Buona Gente for years! The bread is Awesome!
We have had several different dishes and they are all good. If I had only one complaint, it's they need to get rid of the Gypsy Kings CD. It seems to play every time I'm there (but that's a small complaint). Very friendly staff! -
Review from Danny O.
Long Beach, CA
1/13/2011
When you dine at Buone Gente, expect to have an average experience. Monday and Wednesday they offer half off bottles of wine so if you're a wine drinker those are the evenings to dine here. Everything they serve is kinda plain, but never bad. Pizza, pasta dishes or salads just OK.
The service sometimes seems rather uninspired but the good thing is you can at least depend on getting an average meal - not a 1 star and not a 5 star but a solid 3.
Buona Gente is still on my Monday / Wednesday list. -
Review from Heather M.
Huntington Beach, CA
5/21/2008
I was saddened by all the bad reviews. (minus a star)
I've always had the best service- this blonde guy with a Italian accent that falls over himself to serve me. And this cute lil Italian hostess that makes my husband drool. (worth a star)
The Bread is divine - and I'm not just saying that cause i only eat Carbs once a month. Dipped in that Oil-Vinaigrettes stuff - dang, too grand. (worth a star)
The Chicken Parmesan is the better then anywhere else I've tried.
The rest of the food? Like i said- I only eat Carbs once a month and I always get the same thing. (worth a star)
And the "its too small of a place complaint" Hello! Thats the best part- No room for brats to run around and stare at you while you eat. No room for groups of annoying high school girls to come and park all day and tell the world about "what he like, said, and what she like, texed". (worth a star)
Swear. -
Review from momo l.
Long Beach, CA
9/21/2010
Small place, big portions, delicious food. Highly recommended.
The wait for neighboring Open Sesame was 45 minutes so we ducked into Buona Gente. There was no wait, and I have no idea why. The service was friendly, they kept refilling the bread basket with really delicious bread, and the main dishes were excellent. My boyfriend had the veal with mushrooms-- yum. I had the shrimp primavera-- the best I've ever had. -
Review from alexis b.
6/20/2010
3.5 Stars
Came here on a Friday night, didn't feel like walking around 2nd street a bunch and waiting to be seated forever. We parked right across the street and said " Oh this looks good" No wait, picked wherever I wanted to sit. The hostess was nice and I liked our waiter.
We ordered the full carafe of the house wine and it wasn't bad, I got a little tipsy off that :) Ordered the Parmasean rolls ,those were yummmmo nice and soft and not over seasoned. They were still fresh and yummy after you nuke them in the microwave the next day. Our meals came with either soup or salad, we choose both caesar salads, pretty basic but still good. My dated customized his meal, ordered the " Lemon chicken" But made it Lemon Veal and it was pretty tasty. I ordered this one dish that had fetticuini noodles and the cream sauce with sausage , very good!
No room for dessert. Overall I'd come back here and try the many things on the menu, I was satisfied and I'd come back!
Oh and they only have one bathroom unisex, through the damn kitchen, still clean though and thank god I did'nt have to wait and do the pee pee dance lol -
Review from Summer G.
Long Beach, CA
12/6/2009
Pretty good. That sums it up. Not great, but good.
I just went here tonight, which is the night of the Belmont Shore Christmas parade. 2nd street was utter madness, but I live close by and walked. My husband and I were craving Italian and didn't want to drive anywhere for fear of losing our parking spaces in the mad rush, so we went into the first Italian place we came across: Buona Gente. Despite the madness outside, it was pretty calm inside. We were seated right away, by a blank hostess. She seemed neither happy nor upset that we were there.
So . . .
The food: pretty tasty. My husband had the pesto and linguine. Pesto was creamy and delicious. I had the eggplant with linguine. Also tasty. Nice and garlicky with mushrooms and a flavorful marinara. But I'm dropping them a star because their minestrone soup is made from chicken broth. Boo!!! Neither my husband nor I eat meat, and minestrone is almost ALWAYS vegetarian. So I had to get salad instead of soup, which was not what I was craving on a cold night.
The service:
Very, very meh. I never got a refill on my soda (and it was served in a small-ish stemmed glass, so you don't get much to begin with). We waited close to 10 minutes before our order was taken and the place wasn't busy. We got our bread and salads well before we got our drinks, leaving me mighty thirsty. The server chick was pretty inattentive overall. She was never rude or anything, just . . . absent. Nothing enough for me to complain over, but enough for me to be a little irritated.
So . . . bottom line. Will I go back? Yes, probably. Food is tasty and very decently priced. Nothing spectacular, but if you live close by and you want something that tastes good, is decently priced, and will fill you up, go here. So there you go. -
Review from Sharon E.
Long Beach, CA
7/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Portobello mushroom ravioli was great and only $6.95! GREAT lunch specials. First Italian restaurant i've been to in LBC so I can't compare. Good service, great prices, yummy food.
-
Review from Alex A.
Long Beach, CA
8/9/2007
I passed this place on many occasions on of my frequent strolls along the 2nd street. I never really went in, the place just never stroke my fancy (striking fancy, I like that expression!). However, Bee and I have decided to try their pizza one day, and we were NOT dissapointed! Pizza is not as cheap as it would be at Papa Johns or Dominos, but it tastes and looks really great. Satisfied with my first take out experience from this place, I decided to check it out on Wednesday night, which is when they have half off bottles of wine (they have it on Mondays and Wednesdays).
I sat down outside, deciding that Bee would join me once he lands from yet another one of his extravagant "work"-related trips. I ordered a bottle of house cab, which was surprisingly really good, and with a discount turned out to be $10. They brought out some tasty bread and I had some olive oil and vinegar with it.
Bee finally showed up, reaking of Mesa Airlines finest beverages served in, no doubt, plastic cups. We ordered antipasto salad and bruschetta. The salad was great, lots of italian meats and cheese in it, quite tasty and well presented. Bruschetta was very good too, took the leftover home.
Service was fantastic. I actually felt like I am in a fine dining establishment somewhere, and not in a pasta joint on 2nd street. Hats off to our waiter!
Overall, great value for the money, good food and excellent service. I'll be back. -
Review from Huana P.
Laguna Beach, CA
9/19/2007
I'm not a big Italian food person, but I actually really loved this place! Their prices are great, and for the quality and quantity of food that you get, this place is worth at least 4 stars!
This place is easy to miss. With the huge lines in front of Open Sesame, you might miss this place because it is tucked in between a flower/gift shop and a steak place. It's a small restaurant too, but quaint. The walls are painted a warm Tuscan yellow and there are cute little tables in the rectangular space around it.
I got the mushroom ravioli, one of their specials for the day, and golly, it was good!! The mushrooms were mixed in with some sort of cheese and there was just enough of ravioli filling in each ravioli. The sauce was a cream sauce and the mild flavor complemented the mild, aromatic taste of the mushroom filling. This is a must-have!
My friends got the chicken pesto penne and the bolognese penne. Their dishes were much more common Italian dishes, so I recommend going out of the box and getting one of their specials.
Portions are large. Be prepared to take some home for lunch the next day. Prices are cheap-fair. I think this place is better than the other Italian restaurants down the street. Check this place out. It's great for a casual dinner out with friends! -
Review from Jessica R.
Seattle, WA
10/31/2009
My friend and I were staying with one of her friends who lives right down the street to run the LB half marathon the next morning. We, of course, wanted to go out for pasta before our run and the friend who lived in the area recommended Buona Gente. We went over about 8 pm on Saturday night and half expected to have to wait... but we didn't! We got seated right away and the place was only about half full.
The server wasn't rude... nor nice... just sort of there. She was extremely, hmmm how should I say this, efficient? in taking orders. There were no extraneous words used.
Example: my friend: "Can I get the pasta carbonara?"
server: "Noodle?"
friend: "Linguine, please."
server: "Soup or salad?"
friend: "I'd like a salad, with ranch."
server: "Drink?"
friend: "Just water, thanks!"
That was pretty much how it went. All the food was good. Not amazing, but good. I got penne with pesto and chicken and the pesto was a kind of creamy pesto - surely terrible for you, but tasted quite good and hey, like I said, we were running in the morning, who cares how many calories I just ate!
I wouldn't go out of my way to make a stop here, and I might not want to eat in the restaurant again because of the service, but if I'd consider doing takeout or something if I was craving some simple italian food. -
Review from J and L V.
Anaheim, CA
6/9/2008
The waitress was a sweetheart. My boyfriend and I decided to drive for a bite last night and found this restaurant by chance. We had pizza and a pasta. The pizza was great, but the lemon chicken pasta was a bit on the bland side. I was shocked when I saw the table next to us leave $2 and some change for tip.
Honestly, tip is tax times 2 at the VERY LEAST. -
Review from Anthony T.
Buena Park, CA
12/13/2010
Pretty stoked that a friend and I found this little sliver of space in Belmont Shore to enjoy a perfect lunch. $5.95 got me 2 slices of pizza (1 topping) and a drink. Plus eating out on the patio with the sun burning my already tan skin was perfect for us and my dog. The complimentary bread that they served was effing delicious. If this was Indecent Proposal and Robert Redford was the bread (Robert Breadford, nyuk nyuk nyuk) and offered me a million dollars for a night with him/it, I'd do it for free. Lame reference I know, but I watched it for the first time last night, can you blame me?
