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: 4.4

4.4

203 Reviews

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Italian

Top tags:

Cucina is an exciting new restaurant concept born from the culinary excellence of Buca (Michelin Guide-recommended establishment). Located at the northwest corner of Yonge and St. Clair, this elegant two-story restaurant offers a relaxed and inviting ambiance where you can savour Buca's renowned hospitality, unrelenting commitment to using the finest ingredients, and exceptional modern Italian cuisine.

Notable highlights on the menu include the Focaccia di Recco, an Italian IGP* dish featuring fresh stracchino cheese enveloped in a crisp dough. Additionally, the Tagliatelle Al Ragu Bianco, the Mezze Maniche Amatriciana, and the Tagliata di Manzo are sure to delight your palate.

Chef Jorge Fiestas describes the menu as an experience of 'simple food perfected.' It encapsulates the essence of simplicity in the dish itself while incorporating innovation in the preparation process.

Please note: we are a two floor restaurant. Kindly inform us of any accessibility needs when booking.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Nov 30, 2023

8:00 p.m.

Booked 26 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Cuisines
Italian
Hours of Operation
Tue–Fri 11:30 am–3:00 pm Tue–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 BARBABIETOLE $18.00
roasted beets, stracciatella, pistachio, wildflower honey

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
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 203 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.6Service
4.3Ambience
3.9Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Toronto
Good for business meals
Toronto
Good for business meals

203 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food4service5ambience5
Service was great. Waitress was knowledgeable and super efficient. We ordered a beet salad and the knotted dough bread was fabulous. The rappini was quite tough,and branzino although delicious still had bone around the sides. A little disappointing for this level of restaurant. But overathe restaurant is a beautiful space and menu has a lot of choices.
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m
mangiatroppo
New York Area
12 reviews
3.0
12 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall3food2service4ambience4
Limited menu and portions on the smaller side for the price
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RP
RulanP
Toronto
12 reviews
vip
3.0
12 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall3food5service3ambience2
It was disappointing that there was a smell of gas where we sat and the door had to be opened. The ventilation in the kitchen was not good enough for a full restaurant and the smoke /gas came into the dining area. I would now ask for only upstairs seating. Also the service was spotty from entry to departure.
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E
Eatoutalot
Miami - Dade
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall2food1service1ambience1
Our food was very ok. Nothing was distinctive. Very Mondale flavour The service was inconsistent no real sence our waiter was actually keeping track of us The room looks like a cafeteria in a Swedish sauna. Monotone and boring and certainly doesn't resound of a fine dining establishment
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a
at24
Toronto
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great ambiance and food! Perfect place for a lunch to catch up with friends.
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JC
JohnC
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 21, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
The food range from excellent to good. The spagetti pomadoro was plain but good, the pasta with squid ink and shrimp looked excellent and apparently was. The desert was superb and enough easily for two, Service was first rate. Not the first time I’ve eaten here and won’t be the last
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R
Rawb
Toronto
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 21, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience3
Best grilled octopus I've had. The thing I like the most about Cucina Buca though; their attempt at accommodating diners' specific wants. Servers are specifically aware of what the kitchen can do. Definitely a welcomed change from pat answers of "no we can't do that" or "I'll have to check".
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PN
PNelly
Milwaukee
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
I went to Cucina Buca with a dear friend, we sat at the Kitchen Bar so we could watch the gracious Staff preparing and cooking our dinner, wonderful experience! The Focaccia Di Recco is a MUST order for anyone dining here or just enjoying an apertivo, watching it go into the fired oven was great. This is a hit. We ordered the sausage-stuffed olives, Olive Ascolane, another hit, these are hard to find as they are a complex item to prepare, highly recommend them. My friend enjoyed Balanzoni pasta and I had Cavatelli with sweet braised pork shoulder, divine. A whole grilled branzino was flaky and delicate, with a side of grilled lemon and a side of fresh capers and pepperoncino sauce, very nice. Can you believe it, we also enjoyed a Tiramaso dessert! I look forward to a return visit, Thank you Cucina Buca and Staff!
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FM
FrankM
Toronto
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 17, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Generally quite satisfied Found tables long but comfortable
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My experience was very good everything was great food and service was great and delicious, special thanks to both chef bradley and the floor manager gabby they both were wonderful and made the experience ever so enjoyable. Thank you once again
1 person found this helpful
a
ashleyb
Toronto
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on November 10, 2023
overall1food3service1ambience3
Waitress was not nice. My friend asked to put a candle for me and she didn’t. She also kicked my friends purse.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 8, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience3
Food was nothing special - could have had better at much less expense. Ambience is quite sterile. Servers were wonderful, though.
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BR
BarbaraR
Toronto
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on November 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love this restaurant. Will go back again and again. A neighbourhood gem.
1 person found this helpful
N
Nitsan
Toronto
16 reviews
vip
1.0
16 reviews
Dined on October 31, 2023
overall1food2service4ambience1
The food was terrible. The nodini was not as good as in the Yorkville location. The branzino was burnt and dry. The pasta was terrible. The potatoes served not in the right temperature. The drinks were good.
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CM
ChristineM
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service was excellent and the food delicious. A bright and comfortable spot.
1 person found this helpful
GD
GreekDiner
Toronto
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 29, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience3
The room was a little cold and the music volume made it difficult to hear the person sitting across the table. Service was amazing.
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x
xxyy
Toronto
9 reviews
2.0
9 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2023
overall2food2service1ambience2
Super slow service, super noisy, extremely limited menu with little imagination - lots of ragu and tomato heavy choices but without even a single classic Italian dishes to choose from. No gluten or dairy free alternatives. Incredibly limited selection of wines by the glass so sommelier lacking in ability to suggest great matches for the menu items we chose. No music just incredible noise from patrons talking (and note we do like loud music so is not because we dislike sound). Shows a total lack on the design aspect since no soft fabrics to absorb so much sound. Rosemary plants were in a terrible state. Quite disappointing overall.
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A
Anya
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on October 21, 2023
overall3food4service1ambience5
Service was really slow, I arrived at 6 and was attended to at 7pm, and it wasn’t that busy. 2 cokes were flat so we had to request new ones. The portion sizes were really small and the food came out cold.
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KB
KaylynnB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Our server (I forgot his name) was wonderful, he was so knowledgable about the menu, and wine options, and he also gave us really good suggestions. The food was also the best Italian I've had in a while, hands down. Super yummy.
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PF
PaulF
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 17, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
First time at this location. Stylish design but noise level a mystery why they designed it this way. We were in a deuce sandwiched between 2 deuces and I swear I could tell you everything both tables talked about despite trying hard to not listen. The tables are too close together and voices are loud here we believe due to the design of restaurant and the tables are quite long so people might speak louder Food was exceptional. Service was also above average. I wouldn't go as a couple again but would in a group where noise wouldn't bother me as much and we'd be at a bigger round table that didn't seem so close to others.
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TF
TaniaF
Toronto
27 reviews
vip
3.0
27 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2023
overall3food3service2ambience3
It took 20 minutes before the server cam to our table for a drink order even though she was at the table next to us twice. When I asked if she was our server and said that I was surprised because she had been at the table beside us she was oblivious and then in denial. Her service was like this for the rest of the evening. The charcuterie board though plentiful with meat had nothing else on it or with it. Strange? My lasagna which is a favourite was not. My husbands meal was like wise. The wine was priced 5x what we could get a comparable for at the LCBO. Needless to say we will not be rushing back which is a shame considering we can walk there.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on October 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great dining experience. Thank you, Lauren/Jaime et al.
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E
Erin
Toronto
11 reviews
vip
3.0
11 reviews
Dined on October 1, 2023
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
23 reviews
vip
4.0
23 reviews
Dined on September 29, 2023
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 on September 29, 2023
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 on September 29, 2023
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 on September 28, 2023
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
12 reviews
vip
4.0
12 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
120 reviews
vip
5.0
120 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
120 reviews
vip
5.0
120 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
30 reviews
vip
5.0
30 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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FAQs

Cucina Buca - Yonge & St Clair is rated 4.4 stars by 203 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

Nov 30, 2023

8:00 p.m.

Booked 26 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–3:00 pm Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
CAN$31 to CAN$50
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 BARBABIETOLE $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

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 reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information