Carrabba’s Italian Grill is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience that brings authentic Italian flavors right to your table. Since its founding in 1986 by Johnny Carrabba and Damian Mandola in Houston, Texas, Carrabba’s has expanded nationwide, earning a reputation for fresh ingredients, traditional cooking techniques, and an inviting atmosphere. One of the main attractions that keeps customers coming back is undoubtedly the Carrabba’s Italian Grill menu. Rich with Italian classics, contemporary dishes, and customizable options, this menu is both comforting and exciting for food lovers of all kinds.
In this article, we’ll explore the highlights of the Carrabba’s Italian Grill menu, including appetizers, entrées, signature dishes, desserts, and even gluten-free and family meal options. Whether you're planning your first visit or are a longtime fan, this guide will help you navigate the best of Carrabba’s offerings.
Appetizers: Starting the Meal Right
Carrabba’s Italian Grill menu opens with a range of appetizers that are perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. Fan favorites include:
- Calamari: Lightly breaded and fried to a golden brown, served with marinara sauce.
- Mozzarella Marinara: Breaded mozzarella sticks with a side of warm marinara.
- Zucchini Fritte: Hand-breaded zucchini, crispy and served with a garlic aioli dipping sauce.
- Shrimp Scampi: Sautéed shrimp in garlic, lemon butter, and white wine, served with toasted bread.
These small plates set the tone for a flavorful and indulgent dining experience.
Soups and Salads: Light but Flavorful
If you prefer something light before your entrée, Carrabba’s soups and salads provide fresh and vibrant flavors:
- Mama Mandola's Sicilian Chicken Soup: A hearty soup made with chicken, vegetables, and pasta in a savory broth.
- Minestrone: A traditional vegetable soup filled with beans, pasta, and Italian herbs.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine with croutons and parmesan tossed in Caesar dressing.
- House Salad: A mix of greens, tomatoes, olives, and creamy parmesan dressing.
You can also add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon to make any salad a full entrée.
Signature Pasta Dishes: The Heart of the Menu
Carrabba’s Italian Grill menu shines brightest in its pasta section. All dishes are made from scratch with fresh sauces and imported Italian pasta. Standout dishes include:
- Fettuccine Carrabba: Fettuccine tossed in Alfredo sauce with wood-grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and peas.
- Lasagne: Layers of pasta, meat sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Romano cheese.
- Linguine Pescatore: A seafood lover’s dream, with shrimp, scallops, and mussels in spicy marinara.
- Rigatoni Martino: A popular vegetarian option, this dish includes sautéed mushrooms and sundried tomatoes in a tomato cream sauce with ricotta salata.
Many pasta dishes come with the option to substitute gluten-free pasta upon request.
Wood-Grilled Entrées: Bold and Smoky
One of Carrabba’s most unique features is its open-flame wood grill, which gives dishes a distinctive smoky flavor. This section of the menu offers a wide variety of proteins:
- Chicken Bryan: Topped with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and a basil lemon-butter sauce.
- Pollo Rosa Maria: Stuffed chicken breast with prosciutto and fontina, finished with mushroom lemon-butter sauce.
- Grilled Sirloin or Ribeye: Perfectly seasoned and flame-grilled to your preference.
- Tuscan-Grilled Pork Chop: A thick-cut chop seasoned with Carrabba’s signature grill baste and herbs.
Each grilled entrée comes with your choice of sides like garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed broccoli, or penne pomodoro.
Seafood Specialties: Fresh and Flavorful
Carrabba’s offers several seafood dishes that transport your taste buds straight to the Italian coast:
- Spiedino di Mare: Shrimp and scallops lightly breaded and grilled, served with lemon butter.
- Tilapia Bellimbusto: Lightly seasoned tilapia topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil.
- Mahi Wulfe: Mahi-mahi sautéed and topped with artichokes, sundried tomatoes, and lemon butter sauce.
These dishes are light yet rich in flavor, making them a popular choice for seafood lovers.
Classic Italian Favorites
Carrabba’s Italian Grill menu also includes timeless Italian comfort food:
- Chicken Parmesan: Breaded chicken breast topped with marinara and melted cheese.
- Veal Marsala: Veal sautéed in a Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms.
- Eggplant Parmesan: A satisfying vegetarian option layered with marinara and cheese.
These dishes remain close to Carrabba’s original Italian roots and are loved by patrons of all ages.
Desserts: A Sweet Finish
No Italian meal is complete without dessert, and Carrabba’s excels here too. Their dessert menu includes:
- Tiramisu: Layers of ladyfingers, coffee liqueur, mascarpone, and cocoa powder.
- Cannoli Cake: A vanilla cake layered with cannoli cream and chocolate chips.
- Sogno di Cioccolata (Chocolate Dream): A rich fudge brownie layered with chocolate mousse, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce.
- Mini Dessert Trio: Can’t decide? Sample three smaller portions of popular desserts.
These sweets are the perfect way to end your meal on a high note.
Kids and Family Bundles
Carrabba’s is also family-friendly. The kids' menu offers child-sized portions of spaghetti, chicken fingers, macaroni and cheese, and more. For groups, the Family Bundles section of the menu allows you to order large servings of popular dishes like Chicken Alfredo, Lasagne, and Chicken Parmesan—all with salad and bread included.
Gluten-Free and Dietary Options
Carrabba’s Italian Grill is mindful of different dietary needs. They offer a gluten-free menu featuring modified versions of popular dishes like grilled chicken, steak, and even gluten-free pasta. Vegetarian diners can enjoy meatless pasta, soups, and salads. Additionally, calorie-conscious options are clearly marked for those keeping an eye on nutrition.
Beverages and Wines
The drink menu includes a selection of soft drinks, Italian sodas, and a thoughtfully curated wine list with reds and whites from Italy, California, and beyond. Carrabba’s also offers signature cocktails like the Blackberry Sangria and Italian Margarita.
Why People Love the Carrabba’s Italian Grill Menu
Customers are drawn to Carrabba’s because of:
- Quality Ingredients: From imported pasta to hand-prepared sauces, everything is made fresh.
- Traditional Recipes: Passed down from the founders’ families, the recipes have true Italian authenticity.
- Warm Atmosphere: The open kitchen and wood-fire grill create a cozy, welcoming environment.
- Great Value: Generous portions, combo deals, and lunch specials make it budget-friendly.
Final Thoughts
The Carrabba’s Italian Grill menu brings together tradition, quality, and variety in a way that appeals to everyone—from pasta lovers and steak fans to health-conscious eaters and families with kids. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving hearty Italian fare, Carrabba’s has a menu that satisfies. With options for every palate and dietary need, it’s no wonder this restaurant has built a loyal customer base across the country.
So the next time you’re searching for a place that offers genuine Italian hospitality and mouth-watering meals, Carrabba’s Italian Grill should be at the top of your list.
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