Reminiscent of Little Italy in the 1950s, Buca di Beppo offers a vibrant atmosphere and an authentic menu for all to enjoy. This establishment, with Orange County locations in Irvine, Huntington Beach, Brea and Garden Grove, gets to the heart of fresh Italian cooking with family dishes passed down from generation to generation.

    Specialties include Warm Tomato and Spinach Salad, Chicken Marsala, Linguini Frutti di Mare, and Spaghetti Marinara, as well as a rotating menu of nightly specials.

    Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, entertaining clients, socializing with friends or grabbing food to go, Buca di Beppo is a place for great Italian food and fun. Mangia!

    If you choose from the classic family-style dishes to be shared around the table, there are two sizes, Buca Small and Buca Large. If you order from the new Buca Mio, or single servings, this is a brand new way to enjoy Buca favorites made especially for 1 person. Along with these 3 portion sizes, here are some of the excellent healthy dining selections available.

- Penne Campofiore
    A fresh vegetarian pasta featuring zucchini, artichoke hearts, sundried tomatoes, escarole, garlic and Romano cheese in a light vegetable broth. Analysis for 1/4 of a small serving: 380 calories, 19 grams fat, 5 grams fiber, 14 grams protein.


- Linguini Frutti Di Mare
    This pasta is filled with fruits of the sea. Shrimp, baby clams, mussels and calamari are tossed with spicy red clam sauce, imported Italian linguine and extra crushed red pepper. Analysis for 1/6 of a large serving: 360 calories, 22 grams fat, 1 gram fiber, 25 grams of protein.

- Warm Tomato and Spinach Salad - Special Request
    This salad features baby spinach with spiced pecans, goat cheese, fresh tomatoes and balsamic vinaigrette. Request dressing on the side; dressing is not included in this analysis (1 T. has 80 calories and 8 grams fat). Analysis for 1/4 of a small serving: 90 calories, 6 grams fat, 2 grams fiber, 3 grams protein.

- Apple Gorgonzola Salad - Special Request
    Tart Granny Smith apples, spiced walnuts, dried cranberries and Gorgonzola cheese are tossed with fresh Romaine lettuce and Italian vinaigrette. Request dressing on the side; dressing is not included in this analysis (1 T. has 80 calories and 9 grams fat). Analysis for 1/4 of a small serving: 210 calories, 14 grams fat, 4 grams fiber, 7 grams protein.

- Fresh Salmon - Special Request    
    Sun-dried tomatoes, pesto cream sauce and pine nuts, served with vegetables. Request sauce on the side; sauce is not included in analysis. Analysis for 1/2 of a small serving: 465 calories, 26 grams of fat, 4 grams fiber, 31 grams protein.

- Chicken Marsala
    Sauteed chicken breasts and fresh mushrooms in a sweet Marsala wine reduction. Analysis for 1/6 of a large serving: 380 calories,  24 grams of fat, 1 gram fiber, 21 grams protein.

- Pizza Margherita
    Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil. Analysis for 2 slices of a small pizza: 325 calories, 12 grams of fat, 7 grams fiber, 28 grams protein.

- Side dish: Green beans – Special Request
     Beans are sautéed in olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Request less oil (1 oz.). Analysis for 1/6 of a large serving: 70 calories, 5 grams fat, 3 grams fiber, 1 gram protein.

    
   Susan Goldstein contributes to the new HealthyDiningFinder.com resource, which features thousands of restaurants with their “Healthy Dining” selections and full nutritional information. To search by restaurant and location or get more dining nutrition tips with your free "Cuisine Connection," visit HealthyDiningFinder.com.