Cucina Buca - Yonge & St Clair

Name: Cucina Buca - Yonge & St Clair
Address: 2 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON, Canada, M4V 1L5
Telephone: (416) 840-9822
Price range: CAN$31 to CAN$50
Rating: 4.5

4.5

181 Reviews

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Italian

Top tags:

Cucina, a new restaurant concept from the Michelin Guide-recommended, Buca restaurant, at the
northwest corner of Yonge and St. Clair in the heart of the Deer Park community. The elegant two-
storey restaurant creates a relaxed environment home to Buca’s celebrated hospitality,
unrelenting commitment to fine ingredients, and acclaimed inventive modern cuisine made in the Italian
tradition. Menu headliners include the Focaccia di Recco, an Italian IGP* dish composed of soft cheese
enveloped in a delicate pastry that took four years to recreate; Pasta Al Burro with house fermented
butter and hand-cut pasta, and Bistecca Alla Fiorentina grilled in our charcoal oven.

Chef Fabio Citrullo says of the menu, “Guests will experience simple food perfected - Simplicity in the
dish, innovation in how it’s made – with the finest quality ingredients.”

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 2, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 16 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Italian
Hours of Operation
Tue–Fri 11:30 am–10:00 pm Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(416) 840-9822
Website
http://www.buca.ca/
Dress Code
Business Casual

Location
2 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON M4V 1L5
Neighbourhood
Midtown / Uptown
Parking Details
None
Additional
Banquet, Counter Seating

Pane$7.00
semolina focaccia, olive oil
Nodini$10.00
warm bread knots, rosemary, garlic
Alici Marinate$12.00
sicilian white anchovy, olive oil
Salumi Affettati$19.00
selection of cured meats
Ricotta di Capra$15.00
house made ricotta cheese, sea salt, olive oil
Carpaccio di Polpo$23.00
thinly sliced moroccan octopus, aioli, peperoncino
OLIVE ASCOLANE$12.00
crisp cerignola olives stuffed with sausage
CARPACCIO DI MANZO $18.00
black pepper beef tenderloin, cured egg yolk, arugula, parmigiano

Insalate

Finocchio$17.00
shaved fennel, baby kale, citrus, pomegranate, white balsamic, walnuts
PUNTARELLE$19.00
roman chicory, sicilian anchovies, mauro olive oil, pinenuts
INSALATA DI POMODORO$18.00
ontario heirloom tomato, stracciatella cheese, focaccia crouton, basil

Focaccia di Recco

Focaccia di Recco$24.00
Unleavened ligurian flatbread, layered with stracchino, topped with olive oil and sea salt. Tak ing its name from the town of Recco, this dish consists of two sheets of dough stretched paper thin. In between the dough is a layer of stracchino cheese, a cow's milk cheese typical of Liguria. The cheese is soft and creamy in texture and mild in flavour
- With Nduja and Rapini$26.00

Pasta

Spaghetti al Pomodoro$19.00
rummo pasta, DOP tomato, basil, mauro olive oil
Mezze Maniche All'Amatriciana$25.00
pecorino romano, guanciale, DOP tomato, black pepper
Tagliatelle al Ragu Bianco$29.00
white ragu bolognese, saint brigid's butter, aged balsamic
CAVATELLI $25.00
hand-rolled pasta, braised pork shoulder in tomato sauce, pecorino romano
RISOTTO AL POMODORO FRESCO$26.00
carnaroli rice, heirloom tomato, pecorino romano, burratina, white anchovy
LINGUINE AL NERO DI SEPPIA $32.00
squid ink pasta, argentinian shrimp, caper, tomato, chili, colatura di alici, pangrattato
LASAGNA CON RAGU DI AGNELLO$35.00
ciociare spiced lamb ragu, preserved tomato, salsa bechamel
BALANZONI$26.00
hand-made pasta filled with ricotta & mascarpone, brown butter, parmigiano reggiano, walnuts & honey

Pesce e Carne

Pollo Arrosto$32.00
smoked giannone half chicken, grilled lemon
Piccata di Vitello$33.00
veal striploin, butter, caper, lemon, parsley
Polpo Brasato$45.00
grilled moroccan octopus, frisee, radish, citrus vinaigrette
Branzino$48.00
whole grilled branzino, cerignola olive, capers, peperoncino, lemon, olive oil
TAGLIATA DI MANZO $52.00
10oz AAA striploin, ontario arugula, parmigiano reggiano, aceto balsamico
BISTECCA DI MANZO $180.00
32oz bone-in prime ribeye, served with sicilian anchovy & herb butter

Contorni

Patate al Rosmarino$12.00
roasted new potato, rosemary, fried garlic
Rapini$14.00
grilled rapini, peperoncino, garlic
Peperonata$14.00
mixed roasted peppers, cipollini onion, oregano
Melanzana al Forno$15.00
whole roasted eggplant, peperoncino, vinegar

What 181 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.3Ambience
4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Toronto
Good for business meals
Toronto
Good for business meals

181 Reviews

E
Erin
Toronto
10 reviews
vip
3.0
10 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall3food3service3ambience3
We dined at the restaurant for my birthday and were not overly impressed. The service was quite slow and the food was very bland. The server was not very attentive. The decor was nice, however the open concept made it very hard to hear my partner when having a conversation as the couple beside use were seated so close that all we could hear was their conversation.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
22 reviews
vip
4.0
22 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall4food5service5ambience4
Had another great evening!! Thank you, Lauren and Tiara, for great service, perfect wine selections. And to Desiree for custom Negroni! Food was soooo good, as always. Volume of full restaurant of people enjoying could be called noisy, or better yet a happy buzz!
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S
Sourodeep
Toronto
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Very unique Italian food combined with outstanding service and wines.
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T
Taylorisl
Toronto
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall4food4service5ambience3
Menu is limited and over priced .Very noisy . Food good
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JK
JamesK
Toronto
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall3food3service4ambience3
Your restaurant is much too stark and also too, too, too noisy. Please install some noise dampening material.
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TI
TIZIANAC
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
4 of us dined and tried a couple different salads and entrées. All were very good. Creation of dishes were different from all places I have tried and so delicious ! Only con was was temperature in restaurant was very cold , making it a bit uncomfortable.
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C
Chocolatefoodie
Miami - Dade
11 reviews
vip
4.0
11 reviews
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
Very nice dinner with friends. Enjoyed the patio.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 22, 2023
overall3food5service2ambience5
Our party of four thoroughly enjoyed our dinner at this restaurant. We were particularly impressed with the delicious food and drinks. The ambiance was delightful, and the music was at a perfect volume, allowing us to have a pleasant conversation throughout our meal. However, our experience took a turn for the worse when our waiter unexpectedly brought the check without asking, seeming to rush us to finish our meal. It’s important to note that the restaurant was not about to close, and it wasn’t crowded; there were plenty of empty tables around. To make matters more uncomfortable, the payment machine was brought just 10 minutes later, which we found rather unpleasant and unnecessary. This unexpected hurry to conclude our dining experience was a disappointing aspect of an otherwise enjoyable evening.
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LD
LeeD
Toronto
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Based on our first experience at Cucina Buca, our party of three unanimously agreed we will be returning, not just for the delicious food, but extremely friendly & informative service and overall ambience which made for comfortable conversation and matched the website description of “approachable sophistication”. Molto delizioso! Grazie!
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B
Bdavis64
Toronto
118 reviews
vip
5.0
118 reviews
Dined on September 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
we opted for a simple meal this time at CB. tomato salad, a side of roasted peppers and onions and two different pastas (white ragu tagliatelle and spicy chili rotini with lardo. everything was just great. service was attentive without being too much. so great to have this restaurant within a short walk from home.
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BB
BgBl
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience3
There were only five tables occupied for lunch but can hear everyone talking. Need to think of some sound dampening (plants, a few more bits of soft wood to absorb sound). I don't want to hear what people are saying several tables away...! For this reason alone I can recommend the resto for a boisterous, fun group of 4-8, but I would not recommend it for a quieter date night/special occasion meal. Thanks.
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t
tanyat
Toronto
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a great lunch with clients here. Service was great and the food was delicious. Would definitely return!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
15 reviews
vip
4.0
15 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience3
Open & airy design and a fun vibe. Excellent service. A bit noisy. But the food it DIVINE!!! Especially the pasta. Can’t stop thinking about it & will be back soon.
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B
Bdavis64
Toronto
118 reviews
vip
5.0
118 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
cucina buca has become one of our favourite restaurants. modern twist on classic italian. we will be back.
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S
Showmetheyummy
London
28 reviews
vip
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was excellent. Fresh, inventive and satisfying portions. Our server Adrian was cordial and helpful. We will be back.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and place deserve a Michelin star! Outstanding!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
2 reviews
vip
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
Awful experience - food was below average as was the service and the atmosphere
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CS
CynthiaS
Toronto
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 4, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Beautiful interior architecture. The very high ceilings and tall windows convey a lovely sense of peace. Tables are well placed and spaced so there is a sense of privacy.The menu was Italian, and the food that we had was excellent. Pasta is homemade and perfectly cooked.The salads were tasty and the vegetables in them, were crisp. Our respective mains were first class, and the coffee after lunch was also well made. This is a restaurant for adults. For those just out for a drink and some of their unique Ligurian flatbread and cheese, there is an elegant bar and outside it ,a shady patio is set back from St Clair Ave,protected by hedging to dull city sounds. A return is planned,next time to try dinner on the second floor.The main floor dining room and washrooms are accessible.
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H
Hello123
Toronto
12 reviews
vip
1.0
12 reviews
Dined on August 3, 2023
overall1food1service3ambience3
This was my second visit to Cucina Buca. The first visit wasn’t good (food and service were bad and the room was FREEZING) but was within the first month the restaurant was open. I was convinced to go again by friends. The room is lovely and airy and the service is ok but the food is so disappointing. On this visit I ordered two appetizers. The Arancini were okay and while the interior was mushy it was not worth mentioning to the wait staff. I also ordered the ricotta. I did not realize that it would just be a plate of cement textured cheese positively drenched in ordinary olive oil and that bread was not included. Once I received the rather unappetizing plate, I had to order a side of bread at an additional cost because I could not conceive of just spooning oily fresh cheese into my mouth. The bread was nice and hot but …. I did not eat the cheese. It wasn’t good. I was still charged for it. I did not fuss as they clearly didn’t care. My friends were underwhelmed with their meals. We did like the tiramisu. It was good.
1 person found this helpful
TG
TimG
Toronto
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 1, 2023
overall4food5service3ambience5
Service is getting a bit slow for lunches. Love the spot and enjoy the food but last few times we have taken clients, the overall meal has lasted closer to 2.5 hours.
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AT
AdrianT
West Palm Beach
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Far exceeded my expectations! Was so impressed with food and service. Bravo
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F
Frank
Toronto
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on July 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
As always great food and service. The white ragu is the best thing on the menu IMHO.
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KH
KellyH
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on July 27, 2023
overall2food1service4ambience2
The food was very salty, and overpriced for this quality.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on July 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great buzz at this restaurant. Food was excellent and the venue is amazing. Great to eat out at another top rate Deer Park restaurant!
1 person found this helpful
GG
GordieGord
Toronto
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A wonderful opportunity for sharing plates~all delicious!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and service. The tiramisu for dessert was divine.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had an amazing time, outstanding food and cocktails! We had an amazing server by the name of Desire’e who completely transformed our experience! Highly recommend her cocktail which is named after her!
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RC
RicaC
San Francisco
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 15, 2023
overall2food1service3ambience3
The food was awful!!!! I would not recommend this restaurant
1 person found this helpful
JR
JosephR
Montreal
7 reviews
vip
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on July 14, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Food was fantastic. Service was equally great. But the value wasn’t there for me. I guess this is what I should expect for a Yonge and St Clair corner location. Great for people watching too.
1 person found this helpful
A
Alejandro
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything I ate was great; cocktails and wine pairing was also excellent. A bit pricy for two people, but makes sense since you’re dining at the corner of Yonge and St Clair. Also you can wear whatever you want; don’t let the suits fool you. Most likely going to pull up again.
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G
Gary
Toronto
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on July 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Second visit. First was great, second even better
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PN
PNelly
Milwaukee
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I enjoyed a wonderful evening at Cucina Buca. The staff greeted me with warmth and enthusiasm, checking my reservation and gave me very thoughtful seating as I was dining solo. Service was great, I enjoyed a white wine recommendation from the server and could sip a taste to confirm that was my choice, excellent. Their little garlic rosemary bread balls are legendary, I had an octopus carpaccio which stretched my adventure eating that was delicious as it was beautiful. I enjoyed an outstanding green pea risotto, vibrant to taste and look at, highly recommend this dish. My shaved fennel salad was refreshing with pomegranate seeds etc. I followed with a stuffed ricotta and squash pasta that really was excellent, fresh squash blossoms, mandolined squash slices, coated with a fluffy lemony butter, just exquisite, I highly recommend this dish. Beautiful warm professional staff and a gorgeous restaurant, I look forward to return .
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JG
JohnG
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 7, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Portions could be larger, there could be more food choice and prices could be lower, but a great place for a special occasion
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EI
EsIf
Toronto
14 reviews
vip
4.0
14 reviews
Dined on July 6, 2023
overall4food5service3ambience5
Service could have been better, the water and wine were not consistently refilled and empty shared and individual plates were not removed from the table in a timely manner. However, the food and ambiance were lovely I would give them another shot.
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GC
GuillermoC
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was very good. Not a lot of variety but tasty. Location and restaurant set up is nice. Service was very good as well. I made a mistake with the reservation ( made it for the wrong day) but called in the morning and they were able to accommodate us the same day. You get a confirmation email right away.
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MH
MaryH
Toronto
13 reviews
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on July 4, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
interesting menu with sufficient variety. food is excellent
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LN
LuisaN
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience1
I have been only for lunch. the food is exquisite My favourite pasta a la Matriciana. Friendly service.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on July 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I always love dining at BUCA. The look is fresh and airy. There is a pleasant buzz of patrons enjoying. Our server Stephanie was knowledgeable, professional and cheery. Lauren found us the perfect wine again. Our food selections were delicious. Pasta could have been a little warmer but was delicious nevertheless. Looking forward to our next meal there.
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PD
PaulD
Vancouver
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent experience. Waiter was pleasant and attentive, sat in the patio which was nice, food was amazing and just the right portions. My guest and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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DL
DavidL
Toronto
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
was a great night. It was my wife's birthday and was so impressed that our server asked what her name was , sang with us and said her name and then wished her happy birthday when we left. very nice touch.
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FAQs

Cucina Buca - Yonge & St Clair is rated 4.5 stars by 181 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 2, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 16 times today

Google Map for Cucina Buca - Yonge & St Clair

2 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON M4V 1L5

Additional information

Neighbourhood
Midtown / Uptown
Hours of Operation
Tue–Fri 11:30 am–10:00 pm Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Italian
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress Code
Business Casual
Parking Details
None
Additional
Banquet, Counter Seating

Website
http://www.buca.ca/
Phone number
(416) 840-9822

Cucina Buca - Yonge & St Clair

Make a reservation

Additional information

Antipasti

Pane$7.00

Nodini$10.00

Alici Marinate$12.00

Salumi Affettati$19.00

Ricotta di Capra$15.00

Carpaccio di Polpo$23.00

OLIVE ASCOLANE$12.00

CARPACCIO DI MANZO $18.00

Insalate

Finocchio$17.00

PUNTARELLE$19.00

INSALATA DI POMODORO$18.00

Focaccia di Recco

Focaccia di Recco$24.00

Pasta

Spaghetti al Pomodoro$19.00

Mezze Maniche All'Amatriciana$25.00

Tagliatelle al Ragu Bianco$29.00

CAVATELLI $25.00

RISOTTO AL POMODORO FRESCO$26.00

LINGUINE AL NERO DI SEPPIA $32.00

LASAGNA CON RAGU DI AGNELLO$35.00

BALANZONI$26.00

Pesce e Carne

Pollo Arrosto$32.00

Piccata di Vitello$33.00

Polpo Brasato$45.00

Branzino$48.00

TAGLIATA DI MANZO $52.00

BISTECCA DI MANZO $180.00

Contorni

Patate al Rosmarino$12.00

Rapini$14.00

Peperonata$14.00

Melanzana al Forno$15.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

FAQs

How is Cucina Buca - Yonge & St Clair restaurant rated?

Is Cucina Buca - Yonge & St Clair currently accepting bookings?

Make a reservation

Additional information