What Maggiano's Little Italy is and how it differs from other Italian restaurants
Maggiano's Little Italy is a casual Italian-American restaurant chain owned by Brinker International, the same company that owns Chili's and On The Border. It operates in the United States with locations in most major cities and some suburban areas. Unlike neighborhood Italian restaurants that may specialize in regional Italian cuisine or family recipes passed down through generations, Maggiano's runs a standardized menu across all locations — you will order the same dishes with the same preparation in Chicago as you would in Atlanta or Los Angeles.
The restaurant positions itself as a mid-range casual dining spot, not fast-casual and not fine dining. You order at a table from a server, not at a counter. The atmosphere is designed to feel like a 1950s Italian neighborhood, with warm lighting, vintage photographs, and booth seating. Prices fall between what you would pay at a neighborhood pizzeria and what you would pay at an upscale Italian restaurant with white tablecloths.
Maggiano's focuses on Italian-American dishes — pasta with red sauce, chicken parmesan, seafood, and Italian meats — rather than the regional Italian cooking you might find in a restaurant run by someone from Italy or a specific Italian region. The portions are notably large; most entrees are sized for two people to share or for one person to take half home.
Key Takeaways
- Maggiano's operates the same menu at every location, so the dish you order will taste the same whether you visit in New York or California.
- Entree portions are large enough for two people, and the restaurant expects many customers to split dishes or take leftovers home.
- You can find the menu, hours, and location details on the Maggiano's website or through Google Maps before you go.
- The restaurant accepts reservations through its website or by phone, and making one can reduce wait times during busy hours.
- Pricing varies slightly by location and menu item, but entrees typically range from the mid-teens to the mid-30s in dollars.
How to find a Maggiano's location near you
Maggiano's has locations across the United States, but not in every city. The easiest way to find whether one exists in your area is to visit the Maggiano's website and use the location finder tool. You enter your city or zip code, and the tool shows you nearby restaurants with their addresses, phone numbers, and hours.
You can also search "Maggiano's Little Italy near me" on Google Maps, which will show you locations, directions, current hours, and whether the restaurant is open right now. Google Maps also displays customer reviews and photos of the food and dining room, which can help you decide whether to visit.
Many Maggiano's locations are in shopping centers or malls rather than standalone buildings. If you are driving, the location finder or Google Maps will give you the exact address and parking information. Some locations have their own parking lot; others share parking with the shopping center.
What the menu includes and how portions work
The Maggiano's menu includes appetizers, salads, pasta dishes, chicken and seafood entrees, and desserts. Appetizers include items like calamari, meatballs, and bruschetta and typically cost between $8 and $15. Salads range from $10 to $18.
Entrees — the main dishes — are where Maggiano's differs most from other restaurants. A single entree comes with bread, salad, and a starch (usually pasta or potatoes), and the portion is large enough that many customers split one entree between two people. Entree prices typically range from $16 to $35, depending on the protein and location. Chicken and pasta dishes fall on the lower end; seafood dishes on the higher end.
The restaurant does not charge extra to split a dish between two people, and servers expect this. If you order one entree for two, you will receive two plates, two sets of silverware, and the dish divided between them. You can also order two entrees if you prefer, or order appetizers and salads to share instead.
Desserts include tiramisu, panna cotta, and other Italian-style sweets, typically priced between $6 and $9. The restaurant also serves wine, beer, and cocktails, with prices varying by location and drink.
How to make a reservation and what to expect when you arrive
You can make a reservation through the Maggiano's website by selecting your location, date, time, and party size. The website will show you available times. You can also call the restaurant directly to book a reservation. During busy times — weekends, holidays, and dinner hours — making a reservation can significantly reduce your wait time.
When you arrive, give your name to the host stand. If you have a reservation, you will typically be seated within a few minutes. If you are walking in without a reservation, the wait time depends on how busy the restaurant is; during peak hours on weekends, waits can be 30 minutes to an hour or longer.
Once seated, a server will bring you water and bread and take your drink order. You can order right away or take time to look at the menu. Servers at Maggiano's are trained to explain the large portions and often suggest sharing entrees, especially if your party is small.
Pricing and what affects the cost of your meal
The total cost of your meal depends on what you order, how many people are in your party, and which location you visit. A meal for two people sharing one entree, plus drinks and an appetizer, typically costs between $40 and $70 before tax and tip. A meal for two with two entrees, appetizers, and drinks can easily reach $80 to $120.
Prices vary slightly between locations — a restaurant in a major city or upscale area may charge more than one in a smaller city or suburban area. The Maggiano's website shows the menu with prices for your specific location, so you can see exact costs before you go.
The restaurant does not charge a service fee or automatic gratuity, though some locations may add gratuity automatically for large parties (typically six or more people). Tax and tip are added to your bill at the end of the meal. Many customers tip 18 to 20 percent of the pre-tax total.
Dietary restrictions and menu modifications
Maggiano's can accommodate some dietary restrictions, though the menu is not designed around them. If you are vegetarian, the restaurant has pasta dishes without meat and vegetable-based appetizers. If you are vegan, options are more limited; you can ask your server what modifications are possible.
If you have a gluten allergy or celiac disease, tell your server before ordering. Maggiano's does not have a dedicated gluten-free kitchen, so cross-contamination is possible. The restaurant can prepare some dishes without pasta or bread, but you should discuss your specific needs with your server or call ahead to speak with a manager.
If you have a severe food allergy, call the restaurant before you visit to speak with a manager about what can be safely prepared. Do not rely on a server to know all ingredients or preparation methods, especially for life-threatening allergies.
Takeout and delivery options
Maggiano's offers takeout at most locations. You can order through the restaurant's website, select a pickup time, and pick up your food at the restaurant. You can also call the restaurant directly to place a takeout order. Because portions are large, takeout works well for sharing — you can order one entree, pick it up, and split it at home.
Some Maggiano's locations participate in third-party delivery services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub. You can search for your location on these apps to see if delivery is available. Delivery fees and service charges explore through these apps and are separate from the restaurant's prices.
Takeout food is packaged in containers designed to travel, though pasta dishes may not taste exactly the same as they do fresh at the restaurant. If you are ordering takeout, plan to eat it within a few hours of pickup for the best quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation, or can I just walk in?
You can walk in without a reservation, but during busy times — weekends and dinner hours — you may wait 30 minutes to an hour or longer. Making a reservation through the website or by phone takes five minutes and can eliminate the wait. If you are visiting during a slow time (weekday lunch), walking in is usually fine.
Can I split an entree between two people without paying extra?
Yes. Maggiano's does not charge extra to split an entree. You will receive two plates and two sets of silverware, and the dish will be divided between them. This is a normal practice at the restaurant and servers expect it.
What is the dress code?
Maggiano's is casual dining, so there is no formal dress code. Jeans and a t-shirt are fine. The restaurant is family-friendly and welcomes children. If you are going for a special occasion and want to dress up, you can, but it is not required.
Does Maggiano's have a kids menu?
Yes, most locations have a children's menu with smaller portions and simpler dishes like pasta with butter or red sauce, chicken tenders, and pizza. Prices for kids meals are lower than adult entrees. Ask your server for the kids menu when you sit down.
Can I bring my own wine or alcohol?
No. Maggiano's is a full-service restaurant with a liquor license, and you cannot bring your own alcohol. The restaurant serves wine, beer, and cocktails, and you can order from the bar or ask your server for recommendations.