Maggiano's Little Italy is a casual Italian-American restaurant chain with locations across the United States

Maggiano's Little Italy operates as a full-service casual dining restaurant, meaning you order from a server at your table and the kitchen prepares your meal to order. The chain specializes in Italian-American cuisine — pasta dishes, risotto, chicken, seafood, and meat entrees — along with appetizers, salads, and desserts. Most locations are in shopping centers or standalone buildings rather than malls, and the dining room typically has a warm, family-style atmosphere with exposed brick, dim lighting, and Italian décor.

The restaurant is owned by Brinker International, the same parent company that owns Chili's and On The Border. Maggiano's has roughly 50 locations, primarily in the eastern and central United States, with some locations in California and Texas. Each location operates independently in terms of hours and specific menu offerings, though the core menu remains consistent across the chain.

Key Takeaways

  • Maggiano's serves Italian-American food at casual dining prices, with entrees typically ranging from $15 to $30 depending on the protein and location.
  • The restaurant takes reservations through its website, by phone, or through third-party platforms like OpenTable, and walk-ins are seated based on availability.
  • Most locations offer dine-in, takeout, and delivery through third-party apps, though delivery availability depends on your address and the nearest restaurant.
  • The menu includes vegetarian options, but the kitchen does not maintain separate preparation areas, so cross-contact with meat and seafood is possible.
  • Maggiano's locations vary in their private dining options and catering services, so you should contact your nearest location directly to ask about group events.

How to make a reservation and what to expect when you arrive

You can reserve a table through Maggiano's website by selecting your location, date, time, and party size. The website shows available times in real time. You can also call the restaurant directly — the phone number appears on the location page — or use OpenTable, Resy, or other reservation platforms that sync with Maggiano's booking system.

Walk-ins are seated when a table becomes available, though wait times vary by location, day, and time. Weekends and dinner hours typically have longer waits. If you arrive without a reservation, the host stand will give you an estimated wait time and add you to the list. You can wait in the bar area or leave your phone number and return when called.

When you are seated, a server brings water and bread, presents menus, and takes drink orders. Appetizers and entrees are ordered separately. The kitchen prepares food to order, so entrees typically arrive 15 to 25 minutes after you order, depending on complexity and kitchen volume.

Menu options and dietary considerations

The core menu includes pasta dishes (lasagna, fettuccine Alfredo, penne arrabbiata, seafood pasta), risotto, chicken entrees (marsala, piccata, parmesan), seafood (salmon, branzino, shrimp), and meat dishes (veal, beef). Appetizers include bruschetta, calamari, meatballs, and cheese boards. Salads, soups, and desserts round out the offerings. Portion sizes are generous — many entrees are large enough to split or take home as leftovers.

Maggiano's publishes nutritional information and allergen details on its website. The menu identifies some vegetarian items, but the kitchen does not use separate cookware or preparation surfaces for vegetarian dishes, so cross-contact with meat, seafood, and dairy is possible. If you have a severe allergy, inform your server before ordering so the kitchen can take precautions.

The restaurant does not maintain a gluten-free kitchen, though some pasta dishes can be made with gluten-free noodles if your location stocks them. Call ahead to confirm availability. Vegan options are limited, as most dishes contain butter, cream, cheese, or meat-based sauces.

Pricing, payment methods, and what to budget

Entree prices typically range from $15 to $30, depending on the protein and your location. Appetizers run $8 to $16. Salads and soups are $8 to $14. Desserts are $6 to $9. Drinks — wine, beer, cocktails, soft drinks — are priced separately. A typical meal for one person, including an entree and a non-alcoholic drink, costs $25 to $40 before tax and tip.

Maggiano's accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Cash is accepted at most locations, though you should confirm with your specific restaurant. The bill is presented at the table, and you can pay the server directly or use a payment terminal brought to your table.

Tax and tip are not included in menu prices. Tax varies by state and county. Tip is customary and typically ranges from 15 to 20 percent of the pre-tax bill. Some locations add an automatic gratuity for large parties, usually defined as 6 or more people, though the threshold varies.

Takeout and delivery options

Most Maggiano's locations offer takeout through their website or by phone. You order online or call, select a pickup time, and collect your meal at the host stand. Takeout orders are packed in containers designed to travel, though pasta dishes may not have the same texture as dine-in meals if they sit for more than 15 to 20 minutes.

Delivery is available through third-party apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and others, depending on your location and proximity to a restaurant. Delivery fees, service charges, and wait times vary by app and location. You order through the app, and the driver picks up your meal and brings it to your address. Delivery typically adds 30 to 60 minutes to your meal time and increases the total cost by 15 to 30 percent.

Catering and large-order takeout are handled separately. Contact your nearest location directly to discuss menu options, pricing, and delivery for groups of 10 or more.

Private dining and group events

Many Maggiano's locations have private or semi-private dining rooms available for groups, though the number and size of rooms vary by location. Some restaurants can accommodate 20 to 100 people, while smaller locations may have limited space. Private dining typically requires a minimum spend or a may provide party size, and pricing is negotiated directly with the restaurant.

Call your nearest location and ask to speak with the catering or events coordinator. They will discuss available dates, room capacity, menu options, and pricing. Some locations offer set menus for groups, while others allow customization. Deposits are usually required to hold a date, and final headcount and menu selections are confirmed closer to the event.

Hours, locations, and how to find your nearest restaurant

Maggiano's locations are open for lunch and dinner most days, though hours vary by restaurant. Typical hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, but your location may differ. Some restaurants close earlier on certain days or have different holiday hours.

Use the location finder on Maggiano's website to search by city, state, or zip code. The location page shows the address, phone number, hours, parking information, and a link to make a reservation. You can also call the main customer service line, though the location finder is faster for getting specific details about a single restaurant.

Most locations have parking lots or street parking nearby. Some locations in urban areas may have limited parking, so arriving early or using valet (if available) can save time. Call ahead if you have questions about accessibility or parking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I modify dishes or request substitutions?

Yes. Tell your server what you would like changed — for example, sauce on the side, a different protein, or a vegetable substitution. The kitchen will do its best to accommodate, though some modifications may incur an additional charge. Complex changes or large substitutions may take longer to prepare.

Do you offer a kids menu?

Most Maggiano's locations have a children's menu with smaller portions and simpler dishes like pasta with butter, chicken tenders, and pizza. Prices are lower than adult entrees. Ask your server for the kids menu when you sit down.

Is there a dress code?

Maggiano's is casual dining, so there is no formal dress code. Jeans, t-shirts, and casual wear are standard. However, some locations may ask guests to avoid beachwear, athletic wear, or extremely casual attire during dinner hours. Call your location if you are unsure.

What if I have a complaint about my meal?

Tell your server when ready. They can offer to remake the dish, provide a replacement, or adjust your bill. If you are not satisfied with the server's response, ask to speak with a manager. Most locations will work to resolve the issue while you are still dining.

Does Maggiano's offer a loyalty program or discounts?

Maggiano's occasionally runs promotions and offers email discounts to subscribers. Sign up for the mailing list on the website to receive offers. Some locations may offer early-bird specials or happy hour pricing on drinks and appetizers during off-peak hours — call your location to ask.