Maggiano's Just Brought Back These Fan-Favorite Items—Here's the One You Should Be Running to Try First
Maggiano's Little Italy, the beloved chain known for its hearty portions and classic Italian-American fare, is leaning into comfort this season. The restaurant has brought back a classic lineup built around nostalgia, second helpings, and the dishes regulars have been asking for.
The newest update brings back longtime favorites like eggplant Parmesan, baked ziti, and spaghetti with classic meat sauce, while also revamping the family-style experience for groups who want the full spread. Add a new gluten-free menu crafted around easy swaps and chef-designed fusilli, and the chain is setting itself up for a busy holiday run.
What You Can Expect From the Updated Menu
I recently had the chance to visit Maggiano's and try several of the returning dishes along with a few of the family-style entrées. Everything we sampled delivered on the big, bold flavors the brand built its reputation on. The Rigatoni "D" was as rich and hearty as ever, a creamy, comforting pasta that can easily derail your hopes of saving room for dessert. The chicken Parmesan and eggplant Parmesan were both exactly what Maggiano's regulars expect: oversized, deeply satisfying plates of Italian-American comfort that guarantee leftovers. One Reddit reviewer agreed, stating, "The food was great, solid Italian food, and I really enjoyed it."
Maggianos
Even the dining room matches the mood. The space feels classic in a timeless old-school New York or Chicago way—the kind of family-run, upscale spot where you expect to hear Frank Sinatra or Tony Bennett drifting through the barroom speakers, or learn they frequented a corner booth decades ago. As one diner put it on Reddit, "Maggiano's does get an extra point for a more unique atmosphere." It's the kind of place where the lighting, the pace, and the old-school sensibility all work together to make dinner feel like an occasion.
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Steak isn't usually the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Maggiano's, but the beef tenderloin medallions might change that. To me, it was the standout entrée of the evening. The meat was cooked perfectly and so tender it barely needed a knife. A balanced balsamic cream sauce tied the entire plate together, playing off both the beef and the smooth garlic mashed potatoes. Sautéed portabella mushrooms added an earthy depth, and the crispy onion strings brought just enough crunch to keep each bite interesting. Since pasta was on everyone's mind, it was the sleeper hit of the menu, and easily the dish I'd go back for.
@myinnerfatkidisout Beef Tenderloin Medallions from Maggiano's in Hackensack. #AmazonMusicProudHeroes #foryoupage #tiktokfoodie #fyp #foodies #food #foodie #fypシ fy
♬ Make It Wet - Block Boyz
The revamped family-style lineup builds on Maggiano's signature generous portions, expanded entrée options, and shareable starters, like the Parmesan-stuffed mushrooms or Wagyu beef meatballs. One Reddit user summed it up best: "You're getting both quantity and quality at Maggiano's." And with desserts like the returning Pumpkin Praline Cheesecake, pacing yourself early is a smart move.
Jim Hoffman
With the return of fan favorites, a refreshed communal dining experience, and inclusive new gluten-free offerings, Maggiano's latest update is all about bringing people together through food. Just make sure the tenderloin hits your table. It deserves the spotlight.