Maggiano’s Little Italy

Let me start off by saying that I love carbs. Pasta is the key to my heart, and regardless if it’s Olive Garden or Via Vite, I’m going to enjoy it. But my most recent visit to Maggiano’s has left me questioning my undying love for pasta.
A friend of mine treated me to lunch here for my birthday (the week of Christmas), but I almost feel bad that he had to pay so much for such an awful experience. To start, he made a reservation for 12:15. We arrived a few minutes early, but sat at our table right on schedule. Because I know the exact time I sat down, I can honestly say that it took 19 minutes before our server approached us. (I work in the industry, so I didn’t want to complain as I know they can get busy sometimes.) When our server (who’s name has since been forgotten) finally did greet us, she walked past, then quickly turned around and said «Oh my god, I didn’t even know you two were here! How long has it been? Well, I promise from this point forward you’re going to get great service!» Sadly, I believed this lie she was telling us.
After ordering drinks, appetizers, and entrees all at once, she took nearly 10 more minutes to bring us water before our adult beverages came out — and in fact, our appetizer came out before the bread and water! She never checked back or pre-​bussed any plates, and our bar drinks finally arrived once our entrees did, so we went ahead and ordered our second round of drinks in anticipation of them taking another 30 minutes.
The food was just okay. I don’t know if they were understaffed, or just staffed incompetent employees, but all of our pasta had crust on it from sitting under a heat lamp for an extended period of time. It was pretty unappetizing, but I was hungry and it was free for me, so I ate almost all of it. We had gone with the cool option of getting an additional pasta to take home, and it included a dessert for dine in. A random busses or server had cleared off our entire table at the end of our meal, which I appreciated, but then our server must have completely forgotten about us.
After sitting at a completely empty table for quite some time, she quickly dropped off the check and whisked away. We paid out, and finally decided to ask about our dessert and Togo pastas. She admitted that she had forgotten again. We finally received both of those things, and when she dropped them off, I pointed out to her that the martini glass my cocktail was served in had broken, and I had a glass shard stuck in my thumb. She didn’t seem too concerned, but I asked her to throw it away, as I no longer felt comfortable drinking from it.
From start to finish, everything was a disaster. I wish management was more present so they could be aware of awful experiences like this. I had contacted corporate about this, and they promised me that the general manager would contact me within two business days, but it’s now the end of January and I still have not heard a word from them. I strongly do not recommend this place. Get your management some proper training.

Tomato basil soup is really good. Also their chicken Frances is really tasty… We also also ordered chicken Marsala which was just ok. Tiramisu is good too… I like the vibe there. Will surely comeback

My husband and I just went to this location today. We got there and it was packed but Ariel our server was pleasant and helped us as quickly as possible. We placed our order, but when it finally arrived, his steak was quite underdone. My husband didn’t want to say anything but I spoke up, and asked if it could be cooked a tad longer. I actually spoke with Sean who I believe was a manager. He was apologetic and he advised me he would get it cooked correctly. He never even batted an eyelash, he just went right to a solution. They were both extremely understanding and provided great customer service. Once the food was returned, Sean, advised us he would take care of us for the mistake. I understood he meant some type of discount on my husbands meal or perhaps even waiving the fee for his food. Well, no, at the end of our meal Ariel packaged everything up and told us to have a nice day after one more apology. When she left the table I was somewhat confused. I flagged her down and asked if we might have the check. And she advised me that everything was on the house. I was floored. I’ve never had customer service like that. I told her that wasn’t necessary but she insisted it was their way of making it right. We will certainly be back, restaurants rarely treat you kindly anymore. And we’re not even usually people to send things back. But I’m glad on the rare occasion when we needed to, we were treated outstandingly! Awesome job guys!

I decided to take my wife here for a special luncheon. Well it turned out to be not very special. No wait straight to table, that was the easy part. Waitress was flitting around talking to everyone else but us!!! She finally arrives after about 15 min! Was rude and short! We requested a sauce sample to determine dish to order. She stormed off having apparently ignored us! No sample, NO DRINKS! 35 Minutes into visit! We got up and left. Place was not busy! It appeared the waitress would rather talk then attend to customers! Will not be back and will not use for work gatherings as that was another purpose for the visit!

Usually I don’t write reviews for chain restaurants but in this case I have to. My boyfriend and I made a reservation for 7:15 PM on New Years Day. We arrived around 7 to a packed house and a ton of people waiting to be seated. As 7:15 approached I started to become anxious about have a very rushed and busy experience. We were seated shortly after and our waitress came by right after. We ordered, drinks, apps, entrees, and dessert and everything was prepared, plated, and tasted fantastic. It looked like they had all possible staff on deck to manage the crowd but they really did an incredible job. If that’s how they perform on one of the busiest days of the year then I’ll definitely return when they’re just having a regular day.

Outstanding service and food! When I first entered the restaurant I was sure the food would be above my budget allowance. The servers were dressed in sharp outfits and exhibited a refined elegance. However, they were quick to engage in a little humor while maintaining a sense of professionalism. I was most impressed with how our server listened to provide the best service possible. When he learned that I wanted to take a small, leftover slice of bread to the airport the next day he instead provided me a partial loaf. Leftovers and second meals were placed in microwavable friendly packages for those who had to stay in hotels and continue working in the Cincinnati area.
Maggiano’s provides and abundance of food. Several menu items include a second meal to take home, and considering the price of the first meal it is surprising that a second would be included for no additional cost. For instance, I ordered the Eggplant Parmesan for $ 12.95 and received a second for free. The first meal was so large I could only eat half so in reality for $ 12.95 I could have had four meals. This makes Maggiano’s a delight to contractors and other workers who have to live out of hotels. (Sadly, my dinner partner got to enjoy my leftovers and second meal.)
It was a delight to visit Maggiano’s, and the next time I visit Cincinnati I will be sure to eat here on my first night. I can’t think of anything better than eating good food for several nights, well, except for maybe their cheesecake.

This is a great chain. It’s consistent just about everywhere I’ve gone and I’ve always been very pleased with the service and the quality of the food. First, their bar area is quite large and is first come, first served. There is also a large dining area and I have never waited more than 20 minutes for a table. There is even a small outdoor garden area that is very pretty.
Their food is served family style, which has always suited the folks I’ve dined here with since everyone usually wants to taste everything anyway. Their appetizer menu is very good and usually has some nice season offerings.
It’s worth mentioning this is one of the few restaurants who has negroni on their cocktail menu. I’ve found that although this is a chain restaurant that they have lovely cocktails. Even including blood orange as an ingredient.

Just made our first visit. We made reservation for early dinner. Even though we arrived five minutes prior to our reservation time we were given the standard pager that everyone gets when they show up. Hostess and staff that took us to our table were pleasant but there was not a lot of attention directed to the customer as the staff was mostly looking at their computer screens. Server was very competent and explained the menu and all the unique attributes of the restaurant. Drinks, bread and salads came out at just the right times and drinks were never empty. Interesting concept that not only do you get your pasta entrée but also get to choose one to take with you. Really at least two meals for the price as the portions are generous. We also got complimentary appetizers since it was our first visit.
Great place to bring a group for good food nice atmosphere and time to visit or celebrate. This place is very good. A little polish on the upfront customer facing experience and I would immediately move it up to five starts.

The food is fantastic, the service is always top notch, but the prices are a little high. Anytime we visit our family in Cincinnati, we make it a point to get a group of our friends together for dinner at Maggiano’s. We always go with the family meal which allows us appetizers, entrees and desserts for the whole group. It is pricy, but a good way to go if there are at least 4. My favorite is the fried mozzarella, spaghetti and meatball and tiramisu, but everything is wonderful.

Atmosphere is nice yet homey and casual – like an upscale Olive Garden with better food. Portions are huge so there’s lots to take home for leftovers. Taking in account that for many entrées you get a second one free, that’s like four meals from one visit.
On my last visit we shared two appetizers. The featured bruschetta was with crab and asparagus with a lemon aioli on crunchy crostini. They were pretty tasty but a bit short on crab that was flaked rather than lumped. The star, though, was the calamari, fried perfectly tender and crispy. The best I’ve had in town in a VERY long time. Plus the Mulo Romano cocktail’s citrusy blood orange and vodka flavors paired perfectly with our seafood selections. Excellent!

Great lunch options! As well as daytime drink specials!
I had half of a chicken parmesan sandwich and a salad both were delicious!
My favorite part about the meal was the drink special which was a five dollar peach Bellini frozen it was absolutely delicious!

Pros: Nice décor, warm complimentary bread, big portions
Cons: slow service, overly salty, olive oil tasted old, kind of pricey for the quality but they try to make up for it with the quantity,
I’ve been here a few times and I enjoy their spaghetti and meat balls. The Alfredo was kind of watery and gnocchi dish was really salty. The Balsamic chicken flat bread was the best part of the meal.

We had calamari for an appetizer, it was «ok», I have had better at Bar Louie before.
For dinner I ordered the Chicken Alfredo. It was the worst Italian meal I have ever been served in my life.
The waitress was fantastic and the restaurant is a very nice one indeed. Maybe they were off their game that night?
Either way, it will be a while before I return.

Had an incredible experience at this restaurant last night. Great food and incredible service!
It started with a wonderful receptionist who seated us quickly and exactly where we requested. Then the waitstaff took over and provided us special attention and care all night. As example, when we asked about getting a half order of bruschetta, the manager apologized that they didn’t have a way to do this, and then he provided us a couple of pieces on a small plate at no charge!
The kitchen customized my pasta dish, spicing it up as I requested. And the food was tasty and served hot. Finished off our meal with a piece of chocolate cake, and it looked and tasted fabulous.
From start to finish, we had a wonderful night. Clearly this restaurant is hiring and training great people and we will be back for more.

I try to support local businesses as much as possible and avoid chain restaurants, but sometimes you just want a meal when you know what you’re getting! And Maggiano’s is relatively inexpensive, consistent, good Italian food.
I went there for lunch last weekend with my fiancé. We started with their warm, fresh bread, which is served with olive oil on the side (I put parmesan cheese on top of my olive oil for extra salty cheesiness!). Don’t hate, but I like the bread at Maggiano’s better than the breadsticks at Olive Garden.
I ordered the eat one, take one special which basically means you eat one pasta dish in the restaurant and take another pasta dish home with you for lunch the next day. At just $ 12.95 for two meals, they are practically giving it away! I got the «light» fettucine alfredo, which is in no way diet food, but I appreciate that they offer a lighter version of my favorites so I don’t ruin my whole week on one meal. And the lighter version was still super tasty, even with 30% fewer calories (they put the calories right on the menu!). My fiancé got the gnocchi and holy cannoli it was HUGE! They have monster portions here, but then he got to take some home for tomorrow’s lunch as well. His gnocchi was delicious, you could really taste the fennel in the Italian sausage, and the gnocchi were cooked just right.
In summary, Maggiano’s is like a tastier, nicer, slightly cheaper Olive Garden. It’s a good place to take a large group, and they even have an outdoor patio. I’ll be coming back!

I ate lunch here with a friend yesterday, who had some severe food restrictions. Not only were the staff extremely accommodating, but the chef came out to our table to make sure everything was in order for us. I thought this was extremely thoughtful and a great added step to great customer service.
As always, the food was fantastic.

It’s a nice chain restaurant specializing in Americanized Italian food, lots of pasta. I don’t mean that in a bad way. The meatballs are good and so is the mushroom ravioli. They have outside seating in the warmer months, something to consider! Their sauces are pretty good. The most disappointing this is the quick use garlic :(
Being Greek myself, I eat garlic a lot and have never used jarred garlic but I know the difference. I think they buy it in big jars already peeled. That really takes away from the quality and taste. They should invest in a prep chef.

We have been here many times and the service and food is always consistant– wonderful! For $ 12.95 you get get SO much food, you can’t eat in one sitting; so there’s food to take home. But wait! There’s more! You then a SECOND meal included in that price to take home! Which it also is largest enough for two meals. So basically you’re getting what is equivalent to 4 meals for $ 12.95. Are you kidding??? The servers are always nice, all while they are very busy.
You would be silly to not make reservations as this place is ALWAYS packed! And parking? Fagetaboutit…

Our family has been to Maggiano’s three times now and we have always left with smiles on our faces. The food is consistently good and service is always very friendly. I have tried the Caesar salad, four cheese ravioli, lasagna, and spaghetti and meatball (it’s a big one) and all of these items were spot on.
The only complaint I have about Maggiano’s is the wait. Reservations are an absolute must, but even with reservations there is oftentimes a wait. There is simply no comfortable place to wait for a table, as the place is always slammed and people are packed in like sardines.

Maggiano’s is one of the best places in Cincinnati for large groups. When done family style, every person pays a set individual price, the group selects the menu, and then you can eat as much as you’d like. What makes Maggiano’s unique is that they will allow you to take leftovers home with you. The calamari and stuffed mushroom appetizers are wonderful. I love their pastas and my personal favorite is the four cheese ravioli. The tiramisu is light, flavorful, and orgasmic. It is my favorite menu item. I could skip everything else and eat four servings of tiramisu. If you prefer your dessert be in alcohol form, get the peach bellini. It’s frozen, sweet, refreshing, and delicious.
The downside to this restaurant is the location. Kenwood Mall is hell on earth when it comes to parking. In December you’ll circle the parking lot for 20+ minutes before you find a spot. Maggiano’s won’t seat your group until everyone is present in the restaurant. So imagine if you had to take more than one car… It doesn’t take long before someone in your group gets hangry.