What's better than a restaurant that believes more is more? A restaurant that makes every dish like a caring grandmother would. I was assigned to try everything at Maggiano's Little Italy, and this may be the first time in a long time that I genuinely enjoyed every dish I was served.
The family-style restaurant started in Chicago in 1991 and grew to national fame thanks to its traditional Italian recipes and since-defunct BOGO pasta deal. The deal allowed patrons to purchase a classic pasta and bring one home for free; now diners pay an extra five bucks to take home a pasta dish after dining at the restaurant. (Still a good deal in my book.) If the enormous portions and reasonable prices don't lure you to Maggiano's, the food will. Here are the best menu items to try the next time you go.
Best Appetizer: Italian Meatballs
These meatballs are tender and can be cut with a spoon. They're made with 100 percent ground beef and have just the right amount of Italian seasoning to up the ante. If you're looking for something more veggie-forward, the crispy zucchini fritte cannot be missed.
Best Cocktail: Frozen Peach Bellini with Red Wine Swirl
This was by far the most fun cocktail here. The lemon rum, prosecco, and peach purée mix together like the boozy smoothie of your dreams. Add the red wine swirl for color and to round out the sweetness from the peach.
Best Pasta: Fettuccine Alfredo
Nearly every single chain restaurant I've been to (and trust me... I've been to A LOT) claim its fettuccine is the best; but this is the first time I've agreed. Yes, the Famous Rigatoni "D" is a staple, but the asiago cream sauce and juicy chicken from the fettuccine hits home. It has the right balance of salty, creamy, umami flavors that makes you want to weep.
Best Entree: Beef Tenderloin Medallions
As soon as I read balsamic cream sauce I knew I was in trouble. The portabella mushrooms soak up the tangy yet creamy sauce and the beef tenderloin is nearly tender enough to cut with a butter knife. If you aren't going to get pasta at Maggiano's, you need to try this. P.S. You can get this in 11-ounce or 5-ounce portions, depending how willing you are to share.
Best Dessert: Chocolate Layer Cake
If you're still hungry after dinner, go for the chocolate layer cake. It looks like the fudgy Matilda cake, but lighter and springier. The chocolate is less fudge-like and more Snack Pack pudding-esque.
The Other Best Dessert: Tiramisu
If you only have room for one bite at dessert, make it the tiramisu. It's a staple at most Italian-American restaurants, and for good reason. The ladyfingers are soaked in rich espresso, and the mascarpone is whipped extra fluffy and dissolves in your mouth.
Check out all nutrition info on Maggiano's website.
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Julia is the director of video at Delish. Previously, she worked on Food Network's Snapchat team as their "try" girl: trying new products and bizarre diets on the market. Currently she oversees the video team where content lives on YouTube, TikTok, onsite, Snapchat, and Facebook. She's also previously a host of the hit series "Julia Tries Everything" where she goes to top chain restaurants in America and finds her favorite menu items.
