While Americanized Italian food might not be the most authentic; it's all so yummy that
nobody's taste buds are complaining. To help lead you toward the most scrumptious Italian
food, we have ranked Italian chain restaurants — from the worst of the worst to the cream
of the crop.
A couple of decades ago, Johnny Carino's had great Italian food. It seemed like you couldn't
go wrong with anything you decided to select from their menu. After you were finished with
your main course, Johnny Carino's desserts would put an even bigger smile on your face.
Sadly, things are no longer the same at this Italian chain restaurant. Johnny Carino's
has suffered financially in recent years, and over the last 20 years or so, the quality
of their food has declined as well. Nowadays, Johnny Carino's is the place you go if you
want yucky food that is painfully overpriced. Even seemingly safe choices like pizza, tortelloni,
and lasagna will leave you totally underwhelmed. The desserts, specifically their watery tiramisu,
will just add to the sadness.
Fazoli's has more than 200 restaurants spread across more than 25 states. Even if there's
a location near you and you're desperate for Italian food, just say no. This chain doesn't
deserve your business.
First of all, Fazoli's uses trickery to try to make you believe that their food is truly
authentic, when that is simply not the case. While restaurants can't be blamed for making
their food sound more delicious than it really is, Fazoli's goes further by using phony Italian
words and phrases to try and fool you. That's a step too far.
Secondly, their food just isn't that good. It'd be one thing if they used sneaky marketing
tactics to get you in the door and then blew you away with delectable food. But, instead,
their Italian food is at the level of what you'd expect from a school cafeteria. Stay
away.
The first time you visit a Spaghetti Warehouse restaurant, your expectations will be sky-high.
The atmosphere will please your senses and your mouth will begin to water as you think
about the amazing food that will surely be served to you.
Tragically, once your food arrives at your table, the disappointment you feel will be
palpable. While the decor and the atmosphere are pristine, the food is a total and utter
letdown. At a restaurant called Spaghetti Warehouse, you'd think that you could at least
trust the spaghetti.
But, no, you'll find that assumption to be inaccurate. Their spaghetti tastes like it
has been cooked too long and is now a mushy mess. The sauce lacks flavor and even the
meatballs will leave you yawning with boredom.
The good news is that Bertucci's has relatively extensive menus for both lunch and dinner.
If you have a favorite Italian food, there's a strong likelihood that you'll find it on
their menu. Moreover, they have lots of options on their menus for children, which makes this
chain a favorite destination for families.
Unfortunately, the bad news outweighs the good news. Most egregiously, the quality of
food at Bertucci's is basically what you'd expect from a drive-thru window. The food
isn't bad, mind you, but this place is basically the McDonald's of Italian chain restaurants.
That alone wouldn't be a deal-breaker but when you factor in the high price tags that
you'll find on the menu, it makes Bertucci's impossible to recommend. Decent food for high
prices isn't a recipe for success, which is probably why they had to file for bankruptcy
back in 2018. This chain is still alive and kicking, but it isn't worth your hard-earned
dollars.
"It's places that Bertucci's has to compete with that are cheaper, faster."
The first Bravo! Italian Kitchen opened its doors for the first time in Columbus, Ohio,
in 1992. Since the start, they've been a restaurant where you can find yummy Italian food. Today,
there are more than two dozen locations in 14 states. From staple classics to fancier,
more modern choices, you can find it all on Bravo! Italian Kitchen's dinner menu.
What holds this chain back? The answer is simple: inconsistency. Sometimes you'll be
ecstatic after going to Bravo! Italian Kitchen, because whatever dish it was that you chose
was scrumptious and left you wanting more. But, regrettably, that isn't always the outcome,
as sometimes you'll be dismayed to find their food to be less than stellar. Even if you
order the same exact meal, you won't know what to expect from one visit to the next.
With a history that dates back more than 120 years, not many Italian chain restaurants
in the United States can hold a candle to Amato's when it comes to experience. These
days, this chain sells a lot more than sandwiches. At Amato's, you can get your hands on a wide
host of Italian goodies, ranging from calzones to pizzas to pastas.
The food at this place is reliably good. Nothing they serve will knock your socks off but this
Italian chain restaurant definitely deserves to be considered at least average when compared
to the competition. The experience and know-how they've built up over the years can be tasted
in each bite of food. While you probably shouldn't go to Amato's if you're looking to impress
a date, it's a fine choice if you just want good Italian food at good prices.
If you go to Zio's Italian Kitchen with a plan, you can be confident that you will be
thrilled with your meal. Conversely, if you have no idea of what you should be doing,
don't be stunned when you leave this restaurant unfulfilled and unhappy.
Zio's Italian Kitchen has an immense menu with virtually limitless options. If it's
considered Italian food, you will find it somewhere on their menu. That said, not everything
they serve is the same quality. Truthfully, it's not even close.
At Zio's Italian Kitchen, your strategy should be to avoid meat dishes and stick with pasta
dishes. Why? Their meat dishes promise to underwhelm. On the other hand, if you pick
their pasta, you'll be overjoyed.
"I'm in love. I'm having a relationship with my pizza. You look like you're breaking up
with the pizza. What's the matter?"
Sure, Olive Garden won't win any awards for being authentic. This isn't a chain you go
to for a fine-dining experience. Olive Garden and the food they serve will never be confused
for a Michelin-starred restaurant. But you also shouldn't be ashamed if you love this
place. They serve comfort food that is adored by taste buds from coast to coast, they have
delicious salad, and their glorious breadsticks are addicting.
When it comes to Italian chain restaurants, Olive Garden is the most successful — both
in terms of sales and the number of locations. That's no accident. The quality of Olive Garden's
food is always the same, no matter which location you visit. Their prices are always reasonable
and they have tempting specials like the Never Ending Pasta Bowl and the unlimited breadsticks,
soup, and salad.
Olive Garden isn't the best of the best. No one could argue that with a straight face,
however, it's a chain that serves its purpose — and serves it well.
"I actually love Olive Garden, so I won't even have to act at all!"
There's a lot to like about Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano. Most importantly, the food here
is really, really good. In fact, it's so good, you shouldn't be surprised if you find yourself
licking your plate at the end of the meal.
In addition to tasty grub, Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano gets bonus points for having a tremendous
selection of options for those looking for gluten-free food. If you're on a gluten-free
diet and you have a hankering for Italian food, go to this restaurant — you won't
be sorry.
Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano has one major drawback, though. The service at this chain
isn't very good, which leads to some mediocre reviews. If you are planning on visiting this
restaurant, be sure to factor in their shaky service when making your decision.
Brio Italian Grille has locations across the country, and while their restaurants are fancy
enough to impress, they're still comfortable places to relax and unwind. While the prices
are on the high side, you can definitely afford to visit on special occasions.
Two issues hold Brio Italian Grille back from climbing higher in this ranking. First of
all, there's a lack of diversity on their menu. Too much of their food is similar. Other
Italian restaurants offer a wider array of options. Second of all, the serving sizes
here can be hit or miss. Sometimes, you'll be completely satisfied by the amount of food
you get. Other times, you will enjoy the food but you will wish that there was more of it.
The Old Spaghetti Factory isn't exaggerating about its age. This family-owned and family-operated
restaurant chain has been around for more than 50 years, and currently, they have more
than 40 locations in over a dozen states.
When it comes to fun decorations and a family-friendly yet classy ambiance, this chain delivers.
The Old Spaghetti Factory is always a memorable destination, and the food never disappoints.
While not at the same level as the food at the restaurants higher on this list, you'll
always leave this eatery with a big grin and full tummy.
The Old Spaghetti Factory is known for their three-course meals that feature an entree,
bread that has been freshly baked, soup or salad, and a scoop of spumoni or a scoop of
vanilla ice cream. Even if you've never tried spumoni before, don't be intimidated and settle
for the vanilla ice cream: this is the perfect place to try this delicious dessert.
Romano's Macaroni Grill is truly an elite Italian chain restaurant. Launched in 1988
by the same guy who founded Fuddruckers, this chain now has more than 40 locations in a
total of 15 states.
This place is basically the opposite of Zio's Italian Kitchen, because at Romano's Macaroni
Grill, the meat dishes are to die for. Whether you opt for something with lamb, chicken,
seafood or beef, all the meat options on their menu are marvelous. Their dessert options
are also fantastic.
Despite having the word "macaroni" in their name, the pasta dishes at Romano's Macaroni
Grill don't live up to the high standards set by their meat dishes. Their pasta dishes
are undoubtedly better than average, however, they won't leave you in a state of awe like
their meat dishes will.
Unless you speak Italian, when you see the name of this restaurant for the first time,
you might be unnerved. Buca di Beppo may sound like a place where a fancy dress or a suit
and tie is required — but that's not the case, at all. In fact, Buca di Beppo basically
translates to "my buddy's basement" and that translation hints at exactly why you'll love
this chain. From the red-checkered tablecloths to the laid-back mood that permeates the restaurant,
this is family-style Italian dining at its best.
The greatness of Buca di Beppo begins with the large serving sizes. Your meal starts
with free garlic bread that is better than the free bread you get at any other Italian
chain restaurant. From there, the appetizers are big and hearty, and the entrees are larger
than you imagine. It's not just the quantity that shines at Buca di Beppo, the quality
is also very high. You'll love your meal until the moment the final morsel has disappeared
into your mouth.
"Where'd you learn to eat spaghetti like that?"
"I've been taking lessons."
Carrabba's Italian Grill is definitely in the running for our top spot, and although
they didn't quite win the race, it was a very close call. This place serves outstanding
Italian food, the service is impeccable, and the restaurants are both sophisticated and
delightful.
Unlike destinations like Zio's Italian Kitchen and Romano's Macaroni Grill, there isn't a
huge difference between the quality of their meat dishes and pasta dishes. One of Carrabba's
Italian Grill's most popular menu items is the Chicken Bryan. This majestic dish features
chicken that has been wood-grilled and then covered with sun-dried tomatoes, goat cheese,
lemon butter, and basil. On the side, you get a generous amount of pasta that has been
cooked to perfection and topped with a wondrous sauce. It's the best of both worlds, and just
one of the many delicious options on the menu at Carrabba's.
Maggiano's Little Italy is everything you dream of in an Italian chain restaurant. Whether
you're on a date, looking to feed your family, or simply want a yummy escape with friends,
this is the place to go. Founded in Chicago, Illinois, in 1991, this chain is known for
their humongous portions, their unique, Italy-inspired offerings, and the warm, inviting aura of
each of their restaurants.
The presentation of their food is always masterful and the flavors will blow your mind, even
if you come prepared for greatness. Each mouthful is euphoric, whether you're enjoying an appetizer,
a main course, or one of their luscious desserts.
When you're looking over the vast menu at Maggiano's Little Italy, you should have complete
confidence that anything you decide to order will be delicious. With that level of assuredness,
you can let your taste buds be your guide. Just be sure you're hungry when you visit
because you'll want room to savor each and every bite of what you order.
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