Maggiano’s Little Italy

 

For our first experience at Maggiano’s Little Italy, located in the Annapolis Mall, we decided to dive right into their family-style dining option. At $50 per adult (with a minimum of four people), we were charged an additional $15 each for our two (nonexistent) children, bringing our total to $130 (excluding drinks). Considering the sheer volume of food we received, I’d call it a steal—we’ll be feasting on leftovers all weekend!

Our meal began with a small plate featuring aged parmesan, house-marinated Calabrian olives, and Genoa salami. While tasty, its small size initially made us worry we might be shortchanged by the pre-fixed meal. Thankfully, the starters quickly dispelled those doubts, covering our entire table.

The starters included:

    •    Chef’s Signature Caesar Salad

    •    Calamari Fritté

    •    Mozzarella Alla Caprese

    •    Italian Meatballs

Each dish delivered on flavor, but the standout for us was the meatballs—juicy, perfectly seasoned, and utterly satisfying.

Next, the pastas and main courses arrived:

    •    Rigatoni Alla Vodka

    •    Fettuccine Bolognese

The bolognese was a highlight for me, hearty and full of flavor, exactly what I’d hoped for. For our entrees, we chose:

    •    Our “Riserva” Veal Parmesan

    •    Shrimp Scampi

While the shrimp scampi was flavorful and well-executed, the veal parmesan was a bit underwhelming. As someone who doesn’t typically eat veal, it struck me as more “chicken-esque” than extraordinary.

Finally, dessert consisted of:

    •    New York Style Cheesecake

    •    Tiramisu

    •    Vera’s Lemon Cookies

As this was my birthday celebration, I had high hopes for the tiramisu. Unfortunately, it fell flat—the ladyfingers at the bottom tasted stale, which took away from the experience. The lemon cookies weren’t my style either, leaving the cheesecake as the most enjoyable dessert, though it was more “average” than memorable.

All in all, Maggiano’s delivered an impressive spread and overall great value. While there were some misses—particularly in the dessert department—the appetizers and pastas made up for it. If you’re looking for a family-style feast with generous portions, this semi-upscale chain is worth a visit. Just don’t expect every dish to blow you away.