BuCo.

From Red Oxide Floors to Heavenly Cheesecakes

Reopened its doors towards December 2022, this little artisanal bakery has been cooking up quite a storm in the city ever since.

The interiors of Buco draw inspiration from the warmth of a typical Mangalorean home – red oxide flooring, terracotta hues, wooden textures, and open airy windows that flood the café with natural light. It’s minimal yet nostalgic, and the comfort in its design makes you want to linger, whether for a quick coffee or a long chatty brunch.

What really makes Buco stand out, though, is the consistency of their food and drinks. No matter when you go – weekday or weekend – the flavors, presentation, and quality always remain top-notch. Every plate that comes out of their kitchen looks like it belongs on Instagram, but more importantly, tastes as good as it looks.

Here's What I Had

Mr Bobs Fried Chicken Burger - Rs 295

A crowd-pleaser! The burger comes with a thick, crispy fried chicken fillet that’s juicy inside and golden on the outside. The seasoning is on point – a little peppery kick that pairs beautifully with the creamy mayo and crunchy lettuce. The bun itself is soft yet sturdy enough to hold it all together. Comfort food done right.

The Sausage Crater - Rs 240

This is more indulgent – a cheesy, meaty bake with sausage chunks nestled into a soft bread base. Each bite is a mix of gooey cheese, smoky sausage, and that satisfying bread pull. It’s hearty, and honestly, you could share this if you’re planning to try multiple dishes.

Kimchi Korean Bun - Rs 145

A personal favorite! This bun has that distinct umami punch from the kimchi – slightly sour, spicy, and tangy – balanced with soft bread and a hint of sweetness. It’s unique for Mangalore, and Buco nails the flavor profile. Great for adventurous eaters.

Chilli Cheese Toast - Rs 190

Classic café comfort. Thick slices of bread topped with gooey, stretchy cheese and a spicy chili hit. Simple, nostalgic, and very snackable. I could easily see myself ordering this every time as a side to coffee.

BBQ Chicken Bun - Rs 295

A fluffy bun stuffed with smoky BBQ chicken filling. The flavors lean slightly sweet with a tangy barbecue glaze that lingers on the palate. It’s comforting and hearty without being overwhelming.

Lemon Chello & Berry Cheesecake - Rs 220

This dessert is a stunner – light, zesty, and refreshing. The lemon notes are bright and clean, cutting through the richness of the cheesecake, while the berries add that sweet-tart balance. It’s plated beautifully, so half the joy is in just looking at it before digging in.

Carrot Ghee Cake - Rs 120

A slice of nostalgia. Dense, moist, and fragrant with ghee – it feels like something your grandma might bake, only elevated. The earthy sweetness of carrot shines through, and the ghee gives it a rich, buttery finish.

Strawberry Shawty - Rs 190

A chilled dessert cup layered with cream, sponge, and strawberry. Light, fruity, and perfect if you don’t want something too heavy after a big meal. The strawberries taste fresh, and the cream is not overly sweet, which I appreciated.

Moccachino - Rs 180

The perfect balance of coffee and chocolate. Smooth, not too bitter, with just enough sweetness to make it indulgent. A reliable pick for those who like their coffee with a dessert-like twist.

Mango Shawty - Rs 210

Seasonal, tropical, and bursting with mango flavor. Similar in concept to the strawberry version but richer, thanks to the king of fruits. A must-try when mangoes are in season.

Nutella 3.0 - Rs 190

This is for the chocolate lovers. A decadent dessert drink/dish that layers Nutella in a way that feels indulgent but not cloying. Rich, creamy, and very satisfying.

Iced Filter - Rs 190

A modern take on the traditional South Indian filter coffee. Strong, aromatic, and refreshing over ice. Perfect for those who want the robustness of filter coffee but in a cooler, more café-style presentation.

Iced Americano - Rs 200

Crisp, clean, and bold. Nothing fancy here, just straight-up strong coffee on ice. Great for purists who like it black and refreshing.

Butterfly Effect - Rs 190

One of Buco’s more playful drinks – made with butterfly pea flower tea that changes color when citrus is added. Light, floral, slightly citrusy – more of an experience than just a drink.

Sunset On Ice - Rs 190

A beautiful layered drink that looks like a sunset in a glass. Fruity, tangy, and refreshing – perfect for summer.

Passion fruit Soda - Rs 190

Bright, tropical, and tangy with that fizzy punch. It wakes up your palate instantly and pairs really well with their savory food items.

Orange Is The New Black - Rs 200

Another visual beauty – orange juice layered with coffee. The flavors are bold and a little unusual at first sip, but they grow on you. The citrus lifts the bitterness of the coffee, creating a surprisingly refreshing drink.