Buca di Beppo - Claremont

I can't speak for some of these other reviews, but we had a great dinner last night.
This was my first time here. I was a little apprehensive with the smell of the place ( like wet carpet), but I quickly realized it was parmesan cheese.
We went before the dinner rush, so had a nice quiet meal. I didn't know what family style meant, but it was explained to me easy enough. Service was quick and accurate.
Food was excellent and the portions were crazy big. Took home enough leftovers for another meal.
I flinched at the prices (because I'm cheap) but the total for four of us, including appetizers was only $80 bucks. No alcohol included. That is in line with pricing for most restaurants locally.

DON'T BOOK A PARTY HERE!!!!!!!!!Booked a party at your restaurant for my daughter's 17th birthday and it was one of the worst experiences I've ever had at any restaurant anywhere. Pre-booked the party, signed a contract and were greeted as if we had just walked in off the street. Next we were told that people were still eating at the tables that should have been reserved for us, so we would just have to wait. Then when we were seated, nearly 45 minutes late, at tables other that what we'd reserved, we were told that no drinks would be served because the kitchen ran out of clean glasses. Service was pretty mediocre after that, had to keep asking for things like bread and then again for some butter for the bread, drinks took nearly 20 minutes to arrive, and had to ask for the customary singing of "Happy Birthday" that we had been hearing at other tables throughout the restaurant. Kudos to the wait staff, though, who continually apologized for the total lack of customer service received from the "new management". Thumbs down to management, both restaurant, regional, and corporate, who don't seem to care at all.

This is a great place for a family, as they serve family-size portions, so everyone can share. Service has always been okay when we were there, but we've never been there when it has been crowded.