Buona Vita Pizzeria

4.5 (32)

$30 and under

Pizzeria

2513 Richie Street, Cresent Springs, KY 41017-1609

About this restaurant

Neighbourhood gem
Child-friendly
Good for groups

Buona Vita 'Good Life' Pizzeria has been a dream of ours for a long time. This is the food that we grew up eating. All of the recipes from the dough, sauce, sausage, meatballs, to the pastries have been handed down from generation to generation. The decor on the walls is a tribute to the family who came before us. From the Bonavitas, Vilardos to the Frommeyers'. The names, pictures, and stories are a testament to the bond of our heritage, family, and friends past and present, which to us represents... Buona Vita!

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Pizzeria
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu 11:00–21:30 Fri, Sat 11:00–22:30 Sun 11:00–19:30
Website
http://buonavitapizzeria.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Matthew Frommeryer

Location
2513 Richie Street, Cresent Springs, KY 41017-1609
Area
Erlanger
Parking Details
None
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Wi-Fi available, Wine

Bowl of ChipsUS$1.50
Little Willa's Perfectly Plain BreadsticksUS$5.50
served with Ciccio's Special Sauce
Little Joey's Cheese Filled BreadsticksUS$6.50
served with Ciccio's Special Sauce
Calabrese DipUS$7.50
a four cheese dip served with Italian bread
Cheese & Olive PlatterUS$11.99
mixed cheeses and a cup of mixed Olives with Blue Oven Bakery Bread
Antipasti PlatterUS$14.99
mixed olives, mixed cheeses, meat, bread
Blue Oven Bread BasketUS$5.99
mixed artisan bread with oil
Formaggio CottoUS$8.99
melted Italian cheese with toasted bread and truffle honey

Grandma Frommeyer's Salads

All salads come with cheese, green olives, black olives, salt, and pepper. Pick from one of four Ciccio's homemade dressings: Ranch, Bleu Cheese, Balsamic Vinaigrette or Red Wine Vinaigrette

Side SaladUS$4.50
green olives, black olives, cheese, croutons
Caesar SaladUS$4.99
City Council SaladUS$8.50
cheese, green olives, black olives, tomatoes, onions and croutons
Insalata di ItalianaUS$9.99
tomato, cucumber, olives, green peppers, Pecorino cheese, in an Italian Vinaigrette with toasted bread (great for two)
Insalata di Famiglia "Family Salad"US$24.99
side salad serving six to eight

Pastas

Starting at 4:00 pm; all dishes served with two bread items. Ask about specials

Joey's Spaghetti and MeatballsUS$12.50
fresh pasta sauce with three juicy meatballs
Ciccio's AlfredoUS$12.50
a plate full of bowtie pasta with Ciccio's homemade Alfredo sauce
Mama's Meat LasagnaUS$13.99
a plate full of homemade meat lasagna
Sara's Veggie LasagnaUS$13.99
a plate full of homemade vegetable lasagna
Buona Vita BlushUS$11.99
a plate full of bowtie pasta covered with our version of a homemade palomino sauce
SaccottiniUS$12.99
a pork and cheese filled stuffed pasta (a Mr Talberto favorite)

Papa Joe's Pizzas

Jeremy's Meat Pie
(pepperoni, sausage, bacon) KN8 Favorite
- 16 InchUS$16.99
- 8 InchUS$8.49
The Calabrese
Extra hot pepperoni pizza
- 16 InchUS$15.99
- 8 InchUS$7.49
Reggio Emilia
A blend of seven different cheeses
- 16 InchUS$15.99
- 8 InchUS$8.25
The Giglio
Imported Italian meat pie, and tomatoes
- 16 InchUS$16.99
- 8 InchUS$8.99
The Fresco
Roasted red pepper, feta, basil
- 16 InchUS$15.99
- 8 InchUS$8.25
Quattro Stagioni
artichoke, mixed olives, tomatoes, prosciutto
- 16 InchUS$17.99
- 8 InchUS$9.99
Fezz'a Festa Pizza
Cheese pizza with our pepper and onion mix smothered on top
- 16 InchUS$15.99
- 8 InchUS$7.49
Mark's Veggie Pizza
onion, mushroom, green olive, black olive, green pepper, spinach
- 16 InchUS$15.99
- 8 InchUS$8.25
Pizza Margherita
Our version of a classic Napoleon style pizza with fresh tomatoes and fresh basil
- 16 InchUS$14.99
- 8 InchUS$7.49
Pizza alla Diavola "The Devils Pie"
Our spicy pepperoni, jalapenos, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes
- 16 InchUS$15.99
- 8 InchUS$8.25
Gluten
Gluten free crust
- 8 InchUS$8.99
Pewees Pizza Bianco
Pizza is topped with oil, Italian spices, cheese, and spinach
- 16 InchUS$13.99
- 8 InchUS$7.49
Primavera Fuscaldese
Bianco, prosciutto, arugula, cheery tomato
- 16 InchUS$15.99
- 8 InchUS$8.25
Prosciutto e Funghi "The Giuseppe"
Thinly sliced Italian ham with mushrooms, spinach
- 16 InchUS$15.99
- 8 InchUS$8.25
Funghi
mushrooms, pickled onion, goat cheese
- 16 InchUS$16.99
- 8 InchUS$9.25
Build Your Own "Frankie Ps" Cheese
Additional Toppings: cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, spinach, banana peppers, jalapenos, onions, bacon, pickles, tomatoes, sausage, anchovies, green olives, black olives, basil, pineapple, chicken, feta, artichoke, prosciutto
- 16 InchUS$12.50
- 8 InchUS$6.99

ZiZi Luigi's Panini

Each sandwich comes with chips. Homemade meatballs made from a recipe handed down from our Nonna, (Maddalena Bonavita Vilardo) to our mother. Each sub is eight ounces of meat topped with shredded cheese on a toasted bun. Uncle JoJo's sausage and peppers sub is truly something special served on a toasted bun. Zio Ernesto's recipe is the inspiration for our homemade sausage. Occasionally, ZiZi and JoJo come down to the pizzeria to help stuff sausage

Chicken Meatball Sub
creamy parmesan sauce with cheese
- FullUS$7.99
- HalfUS$4.99
Mamma's Meatball Sub
- FullUS$7.99
- HalfUS$4.99
Uncle JoJo's Sausage and Peppers Sub
- FullUS$7.99
- HalfUS$4.99
Sal's Steak Hoagie
pickles and onions
- FullUS$7.99
- HalfUS$4.99
Mr. Castellini's Special
chicken bacon ranch
- FullUS$7.99
- HalfUS$4.99
Furrio
steak hoagie with spicy pepperoni and our 4 cheese calabrese dip
- FullUS$8.49
- HalfUS$5.50
The Giglio
Italian meats, prosciutto, mortadella, salami, cheese, lettuce, tomato
- FullUS$8.49
- HalfUS$5.50

Uncle Carmine's Calzones

Comes with side of marinara sauce. Calzones are all homemade. The recipes have been passed down to our sister Michelle, who in turn, helped us to perfect them. Try Uncle Vincenzo's cheese or Michelle's cheese and pepperoni. Or stuff any of Uncle Carmine's Calzones with whatever topping we have and we will top it with olive oil, Italian spices and cheese. Ask about specials

Uncle Vincenzo's CheeseUS$7.50
Michelle's Cheese and PepperoniUS$8.50
The MacerataUS$8.99
prosciutto, spinach, onion, mushroom, olive oil
Build Your OwnUS$7.50
Additional toppings: cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, spinach, banana peppers, jalapenos, onions, bacon, pickles, tomatoes, sausage, anchovies, green olives, black olives, basil, pineapple, chicken, feta, artichoke, prosciutto

Nonna's Dolci (Sweets)

The cookies are all homemade by loving little Italian ladies with generations of experience. Mamma, Nonna, Zia Maria, and Zia Anna, spend many hours baking and shaping these delicious little treats in their kitchens, and here at the pizzeria. They share their love of baking with us so that we can share with you. These cookies are made with love, joy, and a "little bit of sugar"

Jackie's PizzelleUS$0.50
vanilla waffle cookies
Isabella's AmarettiUS$1.00
almond cookie
Mikey's Chocolate / Chip MeringuesUS$1.00
CannoliUS$2.99
Nonnie's Assorted Dolci PlateUS$5.99
great for 4

Dolce Vita Gelato

Ask about specials

Gelato is an Italian Style Ice CreamUS$3.95
It contains less butterfat than American style ice cream. Gelato also has less air and is less frozen than ice cream. Our brother Nick has taken a family recipe passed from our cousin Ralph in our family's hometown, Fuscaldo, Italy and perfected it. Ask about our flavors as Nikki changes them with the seasons. Each cup of Gelato is served with two scoops and a pizelle

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Buona Vita Pizzeria.

4.5

(32)

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.2Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

32 Reviews

M
Miag Gold
Cincinnati / Dayton9 reviews
2.0
Dined on 19 October 2019
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
2 people called in the staff was crazy busy but they did a decent job.
Is this helpful?
I
Irishky10
Cincinnati / Dayton11 reviews
5.0
Dined on 18 October 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
By far , Bueno Vita has the BEST, most authentic Italian food. The pizza, meatballs ...Bella !!!
Is this helpful?
NJ
NJPo
Cincinnati / Dayton40 reviews
4.0
Dined on 28 September 2019
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
This was our first time here! The food was AMAZING!!! We both had pasta dishes and loved them. We want to come back to try the pizza which looked good. The atmosphere is very comfortable. We would highly recommend this place. The only thing they need is better signage on the front of the building. Yes, don't think twice about going here! Just go!
Is this helpful?
D
Drb333 Gold
Cincinnati / Dayton31 reviews
4.0
Dined on 5 April 2019
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Great pasta and pizza! We love the casual atmosphere.
Is this helpful?
DM
DisappointedMike
Central Kentucky2 reviews
3.0
Dined on 30 March 2019
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
I was surprised that the atmosphere for the price point and quality of food was so poor. It is located next to a dive bar and the clientel mix and mingle out front requiring a walk thru the cloud of cigarette smoke just to get in the front door. No dedicated greeter, so we just stood around for a bit before being noticed. No beer on tap. How does that happen now days? Tables and booths show wear and feel more like a saloon than an upscale pizzeria. It appears as tho 'the good life' happened several years ago. Lots of unlived potential here.
Is this helpful?
KP
KungPao
Chicago / Illinois21 reviews
4.0
Dined on 13 March 2019
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Great pizza and the service was very good. Suggest they reupholster some of the seats.
Is this helpful?
P
Penst8r
Cincinnati / Dayton29 reviews
3.0
Dined on 2 March 2019
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Not a whole lot special about the food. Had the lasagne which was a bit salty. No sides except bread. Pizza is OK. Service was excellent.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Cincinnati / Dayton3 reviews
2.0
Dined on 9 February 2019
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 2
Food and service were mediocre. Wouldn't recommend!
Is this helpful?
L
Linda
Cincinnati / Dayton15 reviews
5.0
Dined on 9 February 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
If you are looking for some very Innovative Pizza, and some real Italian creations, this is your spot. Service was fast and friendly, and lots of choices. Plus I do like the idea of limiting the desserts to a few of the local Italian favorites. Had a great meal, we will be back.
Is this helpful?
KP
KungPao
Chicago / Illinois21 reviews
4.0
Dined on 27 January 2019
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Pizza was excellent. Caesar salad left a lot to be desired. The dressing was lacking flavor. Eating plain iceberg lettuce with a ton of croutons is not worth $5.00. Put in beer taps too.
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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Pizzeria
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu 11:00–21:30 Fri, Sat 11:00–22:30 Sun 11:00–19:30
Website
http://buonavitapizzeria.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Matthew Frommeryer

Location
2513 Richie Street, Cresent Springs, KY 41017-1609
Area
Erlanger
Parking Details
None
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Wi-Fi available, Wine

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable booking network. To check availability, please contact them directly.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Buona Vita Pizzeria

About this restaurant

Not available on OpenTable

There’s more to explore

Additional information

Big Nikki's Breadsticks and Appetizers

Bowl of ChipsUS$1.50

Little Willa's Perfectly Plain BreadsticksUS$5.50

Little Joey's Cheese Filled BreadsticksUS$6.50

Calabrese DipUS$7.50

Cheese & Olive PlatterUS$11.99

Antipasti PlatterUS$14.99

Blue Oven Bread BasketUS$5.99

Formaggio CottoUS$8.99

Grandma Frommeyer's Salads

Side SaladUS$4.50

Caesar SaladUS$4.99

City Council SaladUS$8.50

Insalata di ItalianaUS$9.99

Insalata di Famiglia "Family Salad"US$24.99

Pastas

Joey's Spaghetti and MeatballsUS$12.50

Ciccio's AlfredoUS$12.50

Mama's Meat LasagnaUS$13.99

Sara's Veggie LasagnaUS$13.99

Buona Vita BlushUS$11.99

SaccottiniUS$12.99

Papa Joe's Pizzas

Jeremy's Meat Pie

The Calabrese

Reggio Emilia

The Giglio

The Fresco

Quattro Stagioni

Fezz'a Festa Pizza

Mark's Veggie Pizza

Pizza Margherita

Pizza alla Diavola "The Devils Pie"

Gluten

Pewees Pizza Bianco

Primavera Fuscaldese

Prosciutto e Funghi "The Giuseppe"

Funghi

Build Your Own "Frankie Ps" Cheese

ZiZi Luigi's Panini

Chicken Meatball Sub

Mamma's Meatball Sub

Uncle JoJo's Sausage and Peppers Sub

Sal's Steak Hoagie

Mr. Castellini's Special

Furrio

The Giglio

Uncle Carmine's Calzones

Uncle Vincenzo's CheeseUS$7.50

Michelle's Cheese and PepperoniUS$8.50

The MacerataUS$8.99

Build Your OwnUS$7.50

Nonna's Dolci (Sweets)

Jackie's PizzelleUS$0.50

Isabella's AmarettiUS$1.00

Mikey's Chocolate / Chip MeringuesUS$1.00

CannoliUS$2.99

Nonnie's Assorted Dolci PlateUS$5.99

Dolce Vita Gelato

Gelato is an Italian Style Ice CreamUS$3.95

Additional information

Not available on OpenTable