Buca di Beppo

Spicy Chicken Rigatoni

Visual Presentation: 3.5/5
This dish looks well put together. The rigatoni is coated in a vibrant orange-red sauce that feels warm and inviting, the kind that signals both creaminess and spice. There’s a generous serving of chicken. It looks saucy but not sloppy. The peas add a bit of contrast and color, breaking up the monotony. It’s plated to appeal and it does. You kind of want to eat it immediately.

Aroma: 3.5/5
There’s a savory kick that hits you as soon as it’s served. The garlic and pepper are clearly present in the scent, and you get that hint of spice in the air that prepares you for what’s to come. It’s not a deep or complex aroma, but it’s strong enough to stir your appetite. You can tell it’s not shy on seasoning.

Texture: 4/5
The rigatoni has a nice bite to it. Al dente, with enough firmness to hold the thick rosa sauce. The chicken breast is cooked properly, not dry, and adds weight to every forkful. The sauce is rich and sticks to everything well, giving each bite that creamy, spicy coat. It’s thick but doesn’t feel heavy. Overall, it has the right balance of chew and smoothness. Nothing gets lost or buried in the mix.

Flavor: 4.5
This pasta doesn’t hold back. The spice is immediate, but it doesn’t overwhelm. Instead, it builds up gradually, pairing nicely with the creamy tomato base of the rosa sauce. The red pepper gives it that sharp, peppery push, but it’s the balance with the creaminess that makes it enjoyable. The peas offer a quick burst of sweetness to cut through the spice, while the chicken gives it that savory backbone. It’s a dish that makes you pause after the first bite and then dig in without thinking. Flavor-wise, it’s one of the more memorable ones.

Overall Impression:
The spicy chicken rigatoni feels like something you’d want to order again. It’s got personality, it’s bold, and it doesn’t pretend to be subtle. If you like your pasta with a bit of heat and solid portions, this hits that sweet spot. One of the better spicy pasta dishes I’ve had locally.

Fettuccine Supremo

Visual Presentation: 3/5
This one comes in looking loaded. There's a lot going on in the bowl. You’ve got chicken breast, broccoli, and strips of red pepper all mixed in with the fettuccine. The color contrast is nice, but you can already tell the sauce is on the thinner side. It’s less of that thick, clinging cream you expect from a classic Alfredo and more of a light, almost soupy base. Still, the vegetables make it look vibrant.

Aroma: 3.5/5
The bell peppers are the first thing you’ll smell. It’s a strong, earthy scent that leans more into the vegetable profile than the creamy side. It’s not unpleasant, but it does overpower the usual garlicky, cheesy aroma of Alfredo. Depending on your preferences, it might either be inviting or a little off-putting.

Texture: 3/5
The pasta feels like it’s been cooked a bit too long. It’s soft and loses that slight bounce you expect from fettuccine. The sauce is quite runny, so it doesn’t coat the noodles the way it should. On the upside, the broccoli adds crunch, and the chicken is firm but tender.

Flavor: 3/5
The bell peppers dominate the taste, making the Alfredo feel more like a background element than the main star. If you’re into roasted vegetables and like lighter sauces, this could work for you. But if you’re expecting that rich, garlicky Alfredo experience, it falls short. The cheese isn’t as pronounced, and the sauce feels diluted. It’s not a bad dish, just not what you might expect when ordering an Alfredo-based pasta.

Overall Impression:
The fettuccine supremo is a bit of a miss if you're craving a traditional Alfredo. It’s a dish that caters more to someone who enjoys vegetables front and center. There’s a clear attempt to balance creaminess with freshness, but it doesn’t quite land. Worth trying if you're curious, but probably not something you'd come back for if you're chasing that classic creamy comfort.

Ambience

Buca di Beppo is made to feel like a family gathering spot. It’s the kind of place where every wall is covered with framed photos, vintage posters, and a lot of red-and-white checkered design choices. The energy is loud and warm. Tables are set up to accommodate big groups, and you can feel it in how the space is designed.

Celebrate Italian-American dining the family-style way at Buca di Beppo, at:
Estancia Malls
Capitol Commons
Pasig City, Philippines