Buona in Valparaiso, IN, is a long-standing local favorite that brings people together over satisfying, flavorful meals served with speed and consistency.
Known for its signature Italian beef sandwiches, this welcoming fast food restaurant also offers pizza, burgers, and salads, giving customers a wide range of options whether they are stopping in for a quick lunch, a relaxed dinner, or a convenient solo meal.
With a strong reputation built over time and a solid 4.5-star rating from 753 reviews, Buona has earned the trust of the community by delivering the kind of reliable experience that keeps guests coming back.
What makes Buona especially appealing is the way it blends convenience with comfort. Guests can choose from outdoor seating, dine-in service, takeaway, drive-through, delivery, and no-contact delivery, making it easy to enjoy a meal in whatever way fits the day.
The restaurant is known for its fast service, counter service, table service, and casual atmosphere, while also offering catering for gatherings and events. Whether you are looking for a quick bite, a full meal, dessert, beer, or alcohol with your food, Buona provides flexible options that suit both everyday cravings and special occasions.
Its accessibility features—including a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, and toilet—help ensure that more guests can enjoy the restaurant with ease and peace of mind.
Located at 2901 John Howell Dr, Valparaiso, IN 46383, Buona is designed to be a practical and welcoming dining choice for locals and visitors alike. Accepted payment methods include credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making checkout simple and efficient.
With lunch and dinner service, a comfortable setting, and dependable quality backed by years of experience, Buona stands out as a convenient destination for anyone seeking good food, friendly service, and a dependable dining experience in Valparaiso. For more information or to place an order, call +1 219-306-8300.
Popular Items
Frequently ordered and highly recommended items at Buona
Our Story
Welcome to a place where great food meets warm hospitality. We believe dining is more than just a meal - it's an experience to be savored and shared.
Our kitchen is dedicated to creating dishes that bring people together, using recipes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Photos
A glimpse of our restaurant experience
Food & Drinks
Includes Regular Buona Beef, Regular Fry, and Regular Fountain Drink. (Upgrade Sizes for an Additional Cost)
Includes Regular Beef & Sausage Combo, Regular Fry, and Regular Fountain Drink (Upgrade Sizes for an Additional Cost)
Includes Jumbo Hot Dog, Regular Fry, and Regular Fountain Drink (Upgrade Sizes for an Additional Cost)
Includes Single Hamburger, Regular Fry, and Regular Fountain Drink (Upgrade Sizes for an Additional Cost)
Includes Char-Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Regular Fry, and Regular Fountain Drink (Upgrade Sizes for an Additional Cost)
Our family perfected recipe: slow-roasted Italian beef, spiced just right layered on fresh Italian bread. Yeah it’s famous, now pick up your jaw.
Our family perfected recipe: slow-roasted Italian beef, spiced just right layered on fresh Italian bread. Yeah it’s famous, now pick up your jaw.
Our family perfected recipe: slow-roasted Italian beef, spiced just right layered on fresh Italian bread. Topped with Hot Giardiniera, sweet bell peppers, and melted mozzarella. Taste the tradition!
Slow-roasted beef + charbroiled sausage layered together on fresh Italian bread. “What a combo” says everyone, always.
Charbroiled Italian sausage with house-made marinara or our award-winning gravy on fresh Italian bread. This char’s for you, Chicago.
Charbroiled Italian sausage with house-made marinara or our award-winning gravy on fresh Italian bread. This char’s for you, Chicago.
Loaded with your choice of cheddar or mozzarella cheese, our signature Italian beef, and another layer of shredded cheddar. This sandwich guarantees a cheesy bite every time.
The family meatball recipe + house-made marinara nestled in fresh Italian bread. Fair warning, you’re going to need a napkin.
3 Traditional deep-fried rice balls, stuffed with our signature Italian beef, gravy, cheese, and giardiniera. Topped with grated parmesan cheese and served with our house-made marinara for dipping.
All-natural burger, bacon, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, onion, house pickles, ketchup, American cheese, and mayo on a buttery brioche bun. So much flavor in only one burger.
Two all-natural burger patties, bacon, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, onion, house pickles, ketchup, American cheese, and mayo on a buttery brioche bun. So much flavor in only one burger.
All-natural burger, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, onion, house pickles, ketchup, and mayo on a buttery brioche bun. So much flavor in only one burger.
Two all-natural burger patties, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, onion, house pickles, ketchup, and mayo on a buttery brioche bun. So much flavor in only one burger.
All-natural burger, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, onion, house pickles, ketchup, American cheese, and mayo on a buttery brioche bun. So much flavor in only one burger.
Two all-natural burger patties, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, onion, house pickles, ketchup, American cheese, and mayo on a buttery brioche bun. So much flavor in only one burger.
All-natural burger, fiery pepper jack, ripe avocado, fresh lettuce + red onion, mayo + crispy jalapenos on a buttery brioche bun. Lighter fare, fuller flavor.
All-natural beef hot dog piled with mustard, relish, onion, sport peppers, pickle, tomato + celery salt on a steamed poppyseed bun. It’s Chicago, there’s only one way to eat a hot dog.
All-beef hot dog topped with aged cheddar cheese sauce and hot giardiniera
Jumbo dog, cheddar cheese and onion.
Breaded chicken breast, Nashville and Buona Sauce, pickles
Char-grilled all-white meat chicken, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato + mayo on a buttery brioche bun. Simple yet satisfying.
Crispy all-white meat chicken with our Buona sauce + crunchy pickles on a buttery brioche bun. Simple, crispy + a whole lot of awesome.
Crispy all-white meat chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, crisp lettuce, fresh red onion + tomato, blue cheese crumbles + ranch dressing on a buttery brioche bun. Flavor packed + ready to set your mouth ablaze.
Fried chicken breast, marinara sauce, Italian cheeses, on fresh Italian bread.
Char-grilled all-white meat chicken, fiery pepper jack, ripe avocado, fresh lettuce + red onion, mayo + crispy jalapenos on a buttery brioche bun. Lighter fare, fuller flavor.
Four crispy all-white meat chicken tenders with a choice of Buona dipping sauce, tangy BBQ, zesty ranch, spicy buffalo or warm honey mustard sauce. Dip ’em + dunk ’em.
Six crispy all-white meat chicken tenders with a choice of Buona dipping sauce, tangy BBQ, zesty ranch, spicy buffalo or warm honey mustard sauce. Dip ’em + dunk ’em.
Warm grilled 6 oz chicken breast, cucumber, Kalamata olives, grape tomatoes, feta cheese, red onion, balsamic dressing
Crispy all-white meat chicken, spring mix + strawberry, ripe avocado, diced green onion, candied walnuts + house-made poppy seed dressing on a bed of spring mix lettuce greens. A taste of summer, all year long.
Chopped chicken, chopped lettuce, grape tomato, fresh cucumber, black olive, house-made ditalini pasta, chopped green onion, applewood smoked bacon, tortilla strips, Gorgonzola crumble + our house sweet red wine vinaigrette dressing. All the fresh goodness, all in one bowl.
Char-grilled 6oz chicken breast, chopped romaine, shaved Parmesan, Parmesan garlic croutons with house Caesar dressing. Sometimes a classic with chicken is just what the doctor ordered.
Crispy buffalo chicken, blue cheese crumble, diced green onion, fresh corn + black beans, with tortilla strips + house made ranch dressing on a bed of chopped lettuce. Fire up your taste buds, bud.
Crispy chicken, sliced hard-boiled egg, fresh tomato + black olive, with shredded cheddar + honey mustard dressing on a bed of chopped lettuce. So that’s what crispy sounds like.
Chopped romaine, shaved Parmesan, Parmesan garlic croutons with house Caesar dressing. Sometimes a classic is just what the doctor ordered.
Fresh lettuce, cucumber, red onion, tomato, and Parmesan garlic croutons with oil + vinegar on a bed of Romaine lettuce.
House-made rigatoni + marinara, topped with fresh basil + imported parmesan + romano cheese. Add ons: meatballs (2) or Italian sausage. (served with classic Italian bread) Holy rigatoni, that’s some mighty fine pasta.
House-made ricotta stuffed pasta pillows + marinara, topped with fresh basil + imported parmesan + romano cheese. That’s a lot of cheese. (served with classic Italian bread)
House-made fettuccine noodles + rich cream sauce, topped with cracked black pepper + imported parmesan + romano cheese. In case you forgot, we might be Italian. (served with classic Italian bread)
Grilled all-white meat chicken, ripe avocado, fresh spinach, grape tomatoes, roasted red peppers, diced green onion, mozzarella + house balsamic vinaigrette.
Our famous slow-roasted Italian beef, charbroiled Italian sausage, fresh mozzarella + house-made sweet peppers. For when you want the goods, but not the carbs.
The family meatball recipe, house-made marinara, fresh mozzarella + house-made sweet peppers. Cut the carbs, not the deliciousness.
Just like our famous Italian beef, but plant-based! Our Vegan bowl is made from seitan and is exclusive to Buona. Comes with Vegan cheese and our house-made sweet peppers.
Just like our Buona beef but plant-based! This vegan sandwich is made from Seitan and is exclusive to Buona. It’s a must try! Chicago taste but plant-based!
Just like our famous Italian beef, but plant-based! Our Vegan bowl is made from seitan and is exclusive to Buona. Comes with Vegan cheese and our house-made sweet peppers.
Kid’s size of our family perfected recipe: slow-roasted Italian beef, spiced just right layered on fresh Turano Italian bread includes choice of drink + fries or fresh apple, upgrade to a shake for $0.99.
Kid’s size all-natural beef hot dog on a steamed poppyseed bun includes choice of drink + fries or fresh apple, upgrade to a shake for $0.99.
Kid’s size grilled all-white meat chicken tenders with a choice of, Buona dipping sauce, tangy BBQ, zesty ranch, spicy buffalo or warm honey mustard sauce includes choice of drink + fries or fresh apple, upgrade to a shake for $0.99.
Kid’s size crispy all-white meat chicken tenders with a choice of, Buona dipping sauce, tangy BBQ, zesty ranch, spicy buffalo or warm honey mustard sauce includes choice of drink + fries or fresh apple, upgrade to a shake for $0.99.
Toasty-warm roma tomato base with garden vegetables, beans + housemade pasta.
Pasta, onion, cheddar cheese. Bowl includes oyster crackers.
3 Traditional deep-fried rice balls, stuffed with our signature Italian beef, gravy, cheese, and giardiniera. Topped with grated parmesan cheese and served with our house-made marinara for dipping.
Fresh spring mix, cucumber, red onion, tomato, and Parmesan garlic croutons with oil + vinegar on a bed of Romaine lettuce.
Diced potato, hard-boiled egg, celery, mayo + our blend of secret seasoning.
Freshly baked, rich, buttery cookie packed with premium roasted macadamia nuts and smooth white chocolate chunks. Soft, chewy, and perfectly golden.
Fresh baked + loaded with chocolate chunks.
Fresh baked + loaded with fudge.
Crispy pastry shell hand filled with creamy cannoli filling with nuts
Perfect to take home for the family, office or a small group. Everything is hot and ready to eat. Comes with bread, sides, and hot giardiniera or sweet peppers. Serves 4. Served Hot!
Perfect to take home for the family, office or a small group. Everything is hot and ready to eat. Comes with bread, sides, and hot giardiniera or sweet peppers. Serves 4. Served Hot!
Perfect to take home for the family, office or a small group. Everything is hot and ready to eat. Comes with bread, sides, and hot giardiniera or sweet peppers. Serves 4. Served Hot!
Perfect to take home for the family, office or a small group. Everything is hot and ready to eat. Comes with bread, sides, and hot giardiniera or sweet peppers. Serves 4. Served Hot!
Pre-made 4.5” sandwiches of your choice. Includes chips, giardiniera, sweet peppers and extra gravy on the side
Diced potato, hard-boiled egg, celery, mayo + our blend of secret seasoning.
Quart of the Rainbow Cone flavors Chocolate / Strawberry / Palmer House / Pistachio / Orange Sherbet *Palmer House and Pistachio Contain Nuts*
Quart of our feature flavors.
Our legendary winning combination of Chocolate, Strawberry, Palmer House, Pistachio, and Orange Sherbet stuffed between two sugar cookies.
Our legendary winning combination of Chocolate, Strawberry, Palmer House, Pistachio, and Orange Sherbet stuffed between two sugar cookies.
Our legendary winning combination of Rainbow Cone flavors, layered on top of a delicious cake. (Contains Nuts)
Our legendary winning combination of Rainbow Cone flavors, layered on top of a delicious cake. (Contains Nuts)
Our legendary winning combination of Rainbow Cone flavors, layered on top of a delicious cake. (Contains Nuts)
Indulge in an ice cream lover's paradise with a dreamy combination of Chocolate, Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Peanut Butter, and Chocolate Fudge Brownie flavors layered on top of a delicious cake.
Indulge in an ice cream lover's paradise with a dreamy combination of Chocolate, Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Peanut Butter, and Chocolate Fudge Brownie flavors layered on top of a delicious cake.
Indulge in an ice cream lover's paradise with a dreamy combination of Chocolate, Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Peanut Butter, and Chocolate Fudge Brownie flavors layered on top of a delicious cake.
Hear from our valued guests
I am so glad that there is a Buona in Valpo. I have eaten at other locations and I loved it . Growing up I was always a Portillos guy but Buona is top notch ! Great beefs , awesome Italian sausage and the fries are great ! This is my new lunch time spot for sure !
Love Buona. Try to get there everytime I'm in th area. Employees are always friendly and helpful and a hot roast beef hits the spot! Consistent and delicious.
Im a chicago native who seen bouna beef on my way to Philly so had to stop and get beef and chicago dog!! food was great delicious my only critique is if I order my beef dipped my bread should be holding together by a thread clinging to life trying to keep the beef inside that being said it still was delicious beef. A dipped beef is soggy thats just how it is if its not soggy its not done right lol this location is very nice and clean staff were amazing
Quick to take order and staff friendly and helpful. Food was out fast and hot. Sandwich was of a good size . Was not downsized like some other places. Great value 👌
Easy to use the mobile app. I scheduled the pick up and the food was ready right on time. We love the supreme pizzas, beef sandwiches, and the hamburgers. The staff is always friendly and helpful.
Great job. The food was better tonight than the first time I tried this place. I almost didn't want to give this place another chance, but im glad I did. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ to the workers that made my food tonight. The place looked clean, and all the workers were working hard.
We go for the vegan sandwiches- 10/10 We regularly eat here and we also had Buona cater our wedding. We were able to have Italian beef for our meat eating friends and a veg offering for our vegan and vegetarian friends. We got rave reviews from all of our guests. It was different and delicious.
Today I attended a birthday party that served Buona Beef as the meal and Rainbow Cone as the cake. It was delicious!!!! The beef was tender, au jus tasted authentic, and the bread was perfectly flaky and soft. The items that blew me away were the chicken Alfredo and Tuscan chicken. Juicy with intense but not overpowering flavor! The cake was a show stopper! Multiple layered ice cream flavors and real cake as the base! Not only was I impressed by the flavors and quality of the food, but how well it traveled and the size of the serving trays. This was my first time experiencing Buona Beef and Rainbow Cone and I was pleasantly satisfied!
My family and I would regularly go here at the Valparaiso location for dinner 1-2 times per month. We stopped going 9 months ago due to the fact that service was terrible, food was not made correctly to order, and the restaurant was dirty. Today we went for lunch and the experience was the warm, clean, accurate, pleasant experience we had when we first tried Buona. Everyone working had a genuine smile on their face and delivered an exceptional experience especially Diane. Please bring this same customer experience to the evening!!! The younger employees at night at not as fine tuned as this team. Thank you.
I actually found out about this place from a waitress at Stray Dog in Chicago. My wife and I stopped by here on our way to Chicago. We dined in and ordered at the register, and used their awesome rewards app which made the meal cheaper 👍🏻 I got the large Italian Beef sandwich and it did not disappoint! Great flavor overall and the beef was cooked perfectly! The beef balls were good too, though I'd rather get just the sandwich next time. Definitely a great lunch spot to go to!
Common questions about Buona
Buona is located at 2901 John Howell Dr, Valparaiso, IN 46383, United States, Valparaiso, IN, United States.
You can reach Buona by calling +1 219-306-8300.
Buona has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 753 customer reviews.
Buona features the following accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible toilet.
Buona features the following service options: Outdoor seating, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Drive-through, On-site services, Takeaway, Dine-in.
Buona features the following highlights: Fast service.
Buona features the following popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining.
Buona features the following offerings: Alcohol, Beer, Quick bite.
Buona features the following dining options: Lunch, Dinner, Catering, Counter service, Dessert, Seating, Table service.
Buona features the following amenities: Restroom.
Buona features the following atmosphere: Casual.
Buona features the following crowd: Groups.
Buona features the following payments: Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments.
Buona features the following children: Good for kids, High chairs, Kids' menu.
Buona features the following parking: Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Plenty of parking.
Business Features
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