11 Italian Restaurant Chains Americans Love
Italian food has captured the hearts—and stomachs—of Americans for generations.
Endless breadsticks, bubbling lasagna, and cozy restaurant vibes have turned Italian chains into go-to spots for family dinners, celebrations, and casual hangouts.
Craving wood-fired pizza, creamy alfredo, or classic comfort dishes?
These beloved chains deliver flavor and a taste of Italy right in your neighborhood.
1. Olive Garden
Unlimited breadsticks might just be the greatest invention in dining history.
Olive Garden has nearly 1,000 locations across the country, making it the king of Italian-American comfort food.
Families flock here for endless soup, salad, and those irresistible warm breadsticks slathered in garlic butter.
The menu spans pasta bowls, chicken parmigiana, seafood, and rich desserts like tiramisu.
It’s where birthdays happen, first dates get nervous, and everyone leaves with leftovers.
Classic, reliable, and delicious every single time.
2. Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Wood-fired grills give everything a smoky, irresistible flavor that’s hard to beat.
Carrabba’s has over 200 locations and is especially loved in Florida, where it all started.
Their chicken marsala and grilled steaks are legendary, paired with fresh pasta and zesty sauces.
The open kitchen lets you watch chefs work their magic over roaring flames.
It feels upscale but still welcomes families and groups with open arms.
Perfect for date nights or celebrating something special with a little Italian flair.
3. Maggiano’s Little Italy
Family-style dining means everyone gets a taste of everything—and that’s pure genius.
Maggiano’s serves heaping platters meant for sharing, from rigatoni to chicken parmesan, all in a warm, festive atmosphere.
With around 50 locations, it’s the spot for big celebrations, anniversaries, and holiday gatherings.
The portions are generous enough to feed a small army (or just one really hungry person).
Red-checkered tablecloths and dim lighting make it feel like an Italian wedding every night.
Bring your appetite and your whole crew.
4. Bertucci’s
Brick-oven pizza has that crispy, charred crust you just can’t get from a regular oven.
Bertucci’s built its reputation on those wood-fired beauties, plus classic Italian-American dishes that hit the spot.
Despite some financial bumps over the years, including bankruptcy filings, the chain still has loyal fans.
Their rolls are warm, doughy, and dangerously addictive—you’ll eat three before your entree arrives.
The menu also features calzones, pasta, and salads that balance out all that cheesy goodness.
A nostalgic favorite that refuses to disappear.
5. The Old Spaghetti Factory
Step inside and you’re transported to a quirky, vintage wonderland filled with antiques and old-fashioned charm.
The Old Spaghetti Factory offers a fixed-price menu that includes bread, soup or salad, your entree, and ice cream for dessert.
With 43 locations across 13 states (and even Japan!), it’s a budget-friendly favorite for families.
The spaghetti with mizithra cheese and browned butter is a cult classic you have to try.
Kids love the trolley car seating, and parents love the wallet-friendly prices.
Nostalgia and noodles in perfect harmony.
6. Romano’s Macaroni Grill
Ever had a waiter draw on your table with crayons?
That’s the playful vibe at Macaroni Grill, where paper-covered tables invite doodling while you wait for your meal.
The menu features Italian classics like lasagna, chicken scaloppini, and fresh-baked rosemary bread delivered to your table immediately.
With locations scattered nationwide, it strikes a balance between casual and classy.
The open kitchen and lively atmosphere make it fun for groups and solo diners alike.
It’s Italian comfort food with a side of creativity and charm.
7. Buca di Beppo
Buca di Beppo doesn’t do small portions—everything here is meant for sharing (or hoarding, no judgment).
The walls are covered in vintage Italian photos, creating a loud, lively, almost chaotic dining experience.
Their massive bowls of pasta, trays of chicken parmigiana, and oversized meatballs are Instagram-worthy and stomach-filling.
It’s perfect for big groups, birthday parties, or anyone who believes more is always better.
The atmosphere is festive, the food is hearty, and the leftovers last for days.
Go big or go home—literally.
8. Fazoli’s
Fast-casual Italian food that doesn’t sacrifice flavor?
Fazoli’s delivers exactly that, with speedy service and unlimited breadsticks that rival the big guys.
Their drive-thru is a game-changer for busy weeknights when you need pasta pronto.
The menu includes baked ziti, fettuccine alfredo, and submarine sandwiches loaded with Italian meats and cheeses.
With over 200 locations, mostly in the Midwest and South, it’s a hidden gem many Americans swear by.
Quick, affordable, and surprisingly satisfying—what’s not to love?
9. Johnny Carino’s
Johnny Carino’s brings bold flavors and generous portions to the table, Texas-style.
Founded in Austin, this chain serves up Italian-American classics with a hint of Southern hospitality.
Their spicy shrimp and chicken pasta is a menu standout, along with freshly baked garlic rolls.
The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, perfect for families or casual dinners with friends.
Though the chain has scaled back in recent years, loyal fans still seek out their nearest location.
Comfort food with a kick—simple as that.
10. Sbarro
Mall food courts wouldn’t be the same without Sbarro’s oversized pizza slices calling your name.
This New York-style pizzeria chain has been a fast-food staple since the 1950s, serving up quick, cheesy satisfaction.
Their pepperoni slices, stromboli, and baked ziti are perfect for refueling during a shopping spree.
It’s not fancy, but it’s reliable, affordable, and hits the spot when you’re craving Italian on the go.
With locations in malls, airports, and transit stations, Sbarro is everywhere you need it to be.
Grab a slice and keep moving.
11. California Pizza Kitchen (CPK)
Okay, so CPK isn’t strictly Italian, but their Italian-inspired pizzas deserve major recognition.
Think creative toppings like BBQ chicken, Thai chicken, and California club—all on crispy, hand-tossed crusts.
They also serve pastas, salads, and appetizers that blend Italian traditions with West Coast innovation.
The open-kitchen concept lets you watch your pizza being made fresh to order.
With hundreds of locations nationwide, CPK is a favorite for casual lunches and laid-back dinners.
Italian roots meet California cool—deliciously unexpected every time.
