Top 12 Places Like Olive Garden for Casual Italian Dining

Lola Lin

Lola Lin

October 04, 2025

5 min read

Looking for places like Olive Garden? You are not alone. Many people love the casual, family-friendly vibe and the endless breadsticks. Finding other places like Olive Garden can be a fun adventure. There are many great options for places like Olive Garden that serve similar American-Italian food. This guide will show you 12 top places like Olive Garden where you can enjoy a hearty meal. We will dig in to what makes each spot special, from their signature dishes to their overall value. No matter if you're craving pasta, chicken parmesan, or just more of those famous breadsticks, there are plenty of places like Olive Garden to try.

A family enjoying a meal at a casual Italian restaurant

1. Maggiano's Little Italy

Maggiano's Little Italy is a step up in atmosphere but still gives you that generous, family-style feeling. With over 50 locations, it is a favorite for special occasions and big groups.

  • Key features:
    1. The menu has refined Italian-American dishes. Their famous rigatoni "D" is a crowd-pleaser.
    2. The dining room feels classic and warm, perfect for a nice dinner out.
    3. You can order family-style, which is great for sharing and trying a bit of everything.

For a detailed review of their dishes, check out this Delish taste test of Maggiano's.

A plate of fettuccine alfredo from a restaurant

2. Carrabba's Italian Grill

Carrabba's is often seen as one of the top competitors. It has a loyal following for its grilled meats and hearty pasta dishes.

  • Why choose Carrabba's:
    1. They offer family bundles that are a good value for feeding four or five people.
    2. The chicken parmesan and soups get consistent praise from diners.
    3. The vibe is casual but a bit more focused on the food than the endless promotions.

See how diners compare it to other chains in this ranking of popular Italian restaurants.

A rustic Italian kitchen setting

3. Bertucci's

Bertucci's started in Boston and is loved for its brick oven pizzas and cozy feel. It brings a taste of the Northeast to its many locations.

  • Standout dishes:
    1. The brick oven pizza, especially the Sporkie with sausage and ricotta, is a fan favorite.
    2. Their rolls are famously delicious and come hot to your table.
    3. They often have family meal deals and game day specials that are very affordable.

Read about why Boston locals love Bertucci's and its signature pies.

A skillet of sizzling pasta

4. Johnny Carino's

Johnny Carino's adds a little Southwest twist to its Italian dishes. If you like bold flavors, this could be a great pick.

  • What makes it different:
    1. They have unique dishes like Italian nachos and sizzling skilletini pasta.
    2. The prices are modest, with most entrees between $15 and $25.
    3. Signing up for their text club gets you a free pepperoni pizza, which is a nice welcome gift.

See a full meal review from a YouTuber at a Johnny Carino's location.

An elegant plate of pasta with wine

5. Brio Italian Grille

Brio aims for a Tuscan feel and a slightly more upscale experience. It is a good choice for a date night or a business lunch.

  • The Brio experience:
    1. The menu includes dishes like gorgonzola-crusted beef medallions and sausage carbonara.
    2. They have a rewards app that gives you deals and special offers.
    3. The atmosphere is comfortable and a bit more polished than a typical chain.

Learn how one reviewer felt after a large sampling of Brio's menu.

A family-style meal with multiple dishes

6. Buca di Beppo

Buca di Beppo is all about big, shareable portions and a fun, festive atmosphere. The walls are covered with vintage photos, making it a unique spot.

  • Why go family-style:
    1. Their massive meatballs and baked pastas are perfect for sharing with a group.
    2. The energy in the dining room is lively and great for celebrations.
    3. While some pasta can be bland, the cheesy and fried items are usually a hit.

Find out more about the history and menu at Buca di Beppo.

A three-course meal at a restaurant

7. The Old Spaghetti Factory

Known for its kitschy decor and great value, The Old Spaghetti Factory includes a soup or salad, bread, and ice cream with every entree.

  • What you get for your money:
    1. Every meal is a three-course experience without a high price tag.
    2. Their spaghetti with mizithra cheese and browned butter is a signature dish.
    3. The old-fashioned decor makes for a fun and memorable dining trip.

See what diners on the west coast are saying about The Old Spaghetti Factory's consistency.

A classic spaghetti and meatball dish

8. Romano's Macaroni Grill

While it has fewer locations now, Romano's Macaroni Grill still has fans who love its classic dishes and signature mac and cheese.

  • Standout menu items:
    1. The penne rustica is often called one of the best chain pasta dishes.
    2. Their chicken scaloppine and parmesan are known for being well-prepared.
    3. The chain has a loyal following, especially for its kids' mac and cheese.

Read a reviewer's high praise for the penne rustica at Romano's Macaroni Grill.

An upscale Italian restaurant interior

9. Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano

Biaggi's is a midwestern chain that offers a more upscale feel. It is a place you can go for a nice dinner without the fine dining price.

  • The Biaggi's difference:
    1. They have monthly rotating chef's specials to keep the menu fresh.
    2. Their mix and match bruschetta appetizer is a unique and popular starter.
    3. The wine list is extensive, which is great for pairing with your meal.

See how it compares to other local options in this Reddit user's breakdown.

A drive-through fast food restaurant

10. Fazoli's

Fazoli's is the most fast-food-like option on the list, complete with a drive-through. It is all about speed and value.

  • Fast and affordable:
    1. They are famous for their unlimited breadsticks for dine-in customers.
    2. The prices are very low, with most pasta dishes under $15.
    3. It is a quick fix for an Italian food craving, though the quality is basic.

Read a blog review that breaks down the pros and cons of Fazoli's breadsticks and pasta.

A restaurant with vintage decor and a trolley car

11. The Spaghetti Warehouse

This Ohio-based chain offers simple, no-fuss pasta dishes in a fun setting. Some locations even have trolley cars inside the restaurant.

  • A simple meal:
    1. Every entree comes with a free soup or salad, which adds value.
    2. They try to include more authentic dishes like frutti di mare on the menu.
    3. It is a reliable spot for a straightforward spaghetti dinner.

See what local diners in Dayton think about The Spaghetti Warehouse's recent renovations.

Using Assembo.ai to create restaurant photos

12. Use Assembo.ai to Visualize Your Meal

Before you go out, you can use Assembo.ai to get a preview. This tool helps you see how restaurant dishes might look. It is great for planning your order or even for restaurant owners to showcase their food.

  • How it helps:
    1. Upload a photo of a dish or ingredient.
    2. Use AI to place it in different restaurant settings and backgrounds.
    3. See a professional-looking photo in seconds, which is perfect for menus or social media.

You can try Assembo.ai to create custom food photos for your own projects or just for fun.

Final Thoughts

There are many great places like Olive Garden to choose from. Each chain has its own style, from the family-style feasts at Buca di Beppo to the fast and easy Fazoli's. The key is to know what you are in the mood for—a big celebration, a quick bite, or a slightly fancier night out. These 12 places like Olive Garden offer a wide range of options for your next Italian meal. So next time you are thinking about going out for pasta, consider trying one of these other spots. You might just find a new favorite.

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