Our inaugural visit to Maggiano's: A $230 dining delight

Despite its long-standing presence since the 1990s with over 50 outlets across the United States, I'd never set foot in Maggiano's Little Italy until our recent culinary adventure.

Enticed by a new culinary influence

The Italian-American restaurant gained my interest last year due to Michelin-starred chef Anthony Amoroso's role as vice president of innovation and growth. With Chili's, its sister brand, experiencing a resurgence in popularity, particularly among younger patrons, I was eager to explore if Maggiano's was on a similar trajectory.

Thus, my husband, our two teenagers, and I decided to embark on a dining experience at Maggiano's location in Orlando.

First impressions: Elegant and inviting

Maggiano's entrance, with its sleek black awning and understated signage, exuded a sophisticated charm. Inside, the ambiance was reminiscent of a plush steakhouse or a genuine Italian venue, with soft lighting and elegant chandeliers.

Sitting within the cozy and intimate setting, it was easy to forget you were inside a chain restaurant. It brought back memories of dinners in Baltimore's Little Italy.

Menu choices: Family style or individual?

While Maggiano's offers a family-style menu featuring shareable courses, we opted for the regular menu to satisfy our individual pasta cravings.

Starting with beverages

We initiated our evening with drinks. My husband selected a Negroni priced at $9. The kids and I were content with sodas and iced tea, each at $5. As the meal progressed, he indulged in an $18 wine and later, a $5 coffee along with dessert. His drink spending exceeded $30, but we were pleased with our free refills.

Complimentary bread: A warm welcome

A basket of fresh ciabatta with seasoned oil arrived at our table without charge, a delightful precursor to our meal, and ample enough for leftovers.

Appetizer delight: Fried mozzarella

Our appetizer choice, fried mozzarella for $16, was a crowd-pleaser at our table. Crisp cheese planks smothered with melted mozzarella served alongside a rich tomato dip provided a classy twist on traditional mozzarella sticks.

Creamy tomato soup for her

Accompanied by flavorful croutons, the $10.50 tomato soup was a hit for my daughter. Its creamy, tangy flavor was perfectly balanced, earning my approval after a few sips.

Savoring signature pasta: Rigatoni D

Intrigued by its online popularity, I opted for Maggiano's Rigatoni D, priced at $28.50. The amalgamation of rigatoni, roasted chicken, mushrooms, caramelized onions, and creamy marsala sauce was both generous and delicious, providing a substantial portion to enjoy at home.

Her choice: Rigatoni with a kick

Maggiano's new offering, rigatoni alla vodka at $26.50, became my daughter's preference. She enhanced it with grilled chicken for $8.50 more. The dish remained as delightful on subsequent days as it was fresh out.

Simplicity for him: Classic spaghetti

True to his picky nature, my son settled on a straightforward spaghetti and meatballs for $25.50, favoring its familiar Italian flavors of tangy sauce and robust meatballs, without a single complaint.

Lobster indulgence: Carbonara

My husband's $39 lobster carbonara was the evening’s highlight, a satisfying mix of lobster, bacon, peas, and creamy sauce. Although I couldn’t partake due to allergies, his enjoyment was evident through every bite.

A shared sweet conclusion

Our meal concluded with a $12.50 crème brûlée, its size as indulgent as its creamy, sugary taste. Sharing one portion was wise given its generous size, but its deliciousness kept drawing us back.

A valuable discovery

Our $230 expenditure, which included taxes but excluded tips, covered an array of beverages, complimentary bread, an appetizer, substantial pasta dishes, and dessert. We found it to be a remarkable deal, rivaling more upscale dining experiences both in quality and ambiance. Our cozy table setting allowed for meaningful family conversations, turning the evening into a priceless memory.

On future visits, considering the hearty portions, we might share to cut costs. A visit solely for the dessert and a drink at the bar is equally tempting. This outing firmly places Maggiano's on our go-to list for family-friendly dining.