Buona
$ • Italian Restaurant
Most Recent Reviews
I spoke with the cashier and asked them what their gluten allergy protocol was and the manager came up and explained it to me. He also hand made my order so I knew it was safe. I only got a beef sandwich on the gluten free pita because the fries are not in a dedicated fryer
I've been a fan of Buona for decades. The food is always top quality and so are the people and the service. I went there today and got a large Italian beef with mild giardiniera on a gluten free pita and a side of fries. It was amazing and perhaps one of the top five Italian beef sandwiches I've ever eaten. The fries are some of the best I've ever eaten and better than I remember them being in recent past. Buona is clearly not using a dedicated fryer for their fries because I got moderately contaminated and I was forced to take a four hour nap this afternoon to sleep it off. Such a shame because they were sooo good. Buona, this is 2023 and YOU NEED A DEDICATED FRYER FOR YOUR FRIES.
I ordered 7inch beef with hot peppers no cheese.. the bread wasn’t very good and resembled pita bread.. I didn’t get sick,but an hour before eating I did take a pill vitamin that helps if you ingest any gluten. I’ll post a pic. Hopes this helps someone.. As far as I know I’m just intolerant.
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More Reviews
A ton of options and the team is very knowledgable. They take every possible precaution to ensure there is no cross-contamination.
Reviews of this Chain
If your have celiac or are extremely sensitive to gluten I would stay away. I went a few times and was told that they can make a gluten free beef and use a different brand new broth bag for dipping the sandwich in the previous times I went. Though, this last time they told me if I want to be safe to make sure I get the vegan beef because they get the meat all from the same pot and they dip their regular bread/sandwiches in that. There’s some contradictions with their protocols, so I’d say it’s unsafe
I’ve been to this location twice. Both times I nearly got glutened. First time I emphasized to the person I had a gluten allergy and they gave me my salad with a chunk of bread on top. I re-emphasized “allergy” and they fixed it, clean gloves and all, so I gave benefit of the doubt, but second time (coincidentally, same person working) I emphasized gluten allergy then they asked if I wanted their usual bread. They made the bowl without obvious precaution so I gave the salads to my non-celiac partner. I think it might depend on your person, but I’m not confident in this location. Buona has been safe at other locations, but this one has just been money lost and crisis averted. Up to you if you want to risk it. They have options and they’re tasty, but just advocate and watch for CC
I called first and dined at a different location. Staff was responsive. I wanted a Chicago dog before catching a plane. Although the grilled pita they put it in did not compare to a soft poppy seed bun, it was a suitable second place. The nutrition/ allergen fact graph on their website is very informative. They provide several gluten-free options. My order was handled with care.
Not safe, double dipping bread in beef with juice
