Carrabba's Italian Grill

An open kitchen churns out wood-fired pizzas and fresh-made pastas at this casual Sicilian-American chain.

by Contributor at Citysearch

In Short
Decorated with family photos of founders Damian Mandola and Johnny Carrabba, the open dining rooms pack groups of friends and extended families into four- and six-person tables and booths; smaller parties or couples can grab stools at the open kitchen's adjoining bar to watch chefs make dinner. The traditional southern Italian menu offers grill specialties like steak Marsala and fire-roasted chicken breast with sun-dried tomatoes; pasta dishes include fettuccine Alfredo and garlic-sauteed shrimp with linguine.

04/07/07

My Favorite Restaurant in the Clear Lake Area

by rozpot333 at Citysearch

When I am craving something fresh, I go to Carraba's for their fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice (also have oranges). When I am not feeling 100% (or even when I am), the first thing I desire is their wonderful chicken soup (careful when ordering--2 kinds and one is quite spicy). It is convenient to call, place order, drive-up to reserved parking space and they will bring your food to your car. From their fresh loaf of bread (accompanied with extra virgin olive oil and fresh Italian spices) to the after dinner mints--perfection. FYI: you may eat at either of the bar without having to wait for a table. A few of the recommended choices are: lasagna, house salad w/parmesan dressing, choose your own topping pizza and the mussles are THE best anywhere. The staff is polite and attentitive. The bathrooms are kept clean, smell good and provide nice lavendar soap with cloth-like hand towels. You can even learn a little Italian while visiting the restroom. The children seem to enjoy their selections from the kid's menu while coloring and puzzling.

All-in-all, you can feel the happy energy in the air.

• Pros: You don't have to wait for a table to be seated and served--2 bar areas are available.
• Cons: Depending on the time of day you choose to visit, the traffic on Bay Area Blvd. could be annoying.

07/08/06

Consistently Excellent

by wadester at Citysearch

My fiancee and I have been to this Carraba's more times that we can count. We love the food, the excellent service, and the attention to detail at this restaurant. I think we have just about tried everything on the menu, and there are absolutely no bad choices. My peronal favorite is the Veal Marsala served with fettucine alfredo, and accompanied by a Caesar's salad. Oh, and try the steamed mussels; they are the best in town!

Don't even get me started on the bread here; best hot baked bread I have ever had, and the olive oil with herbs goes perfectly with it.

• Pros: Excellent Food, Service, Variety
• Cons: Long wait times on weekends

03/24/06

Fantastic!

by daisydog11 at Citysearch

We are new to Houston and are really excited this restaurant is close to our home! Both the food and service were outstanding! We started out with the Fried Mozerrella and then had the Pork Chops Marsala and Spagetti and Meatballs and all of it was absolutley delicious. We are making Carrabas a regular dinning spot for us and all our friends and family that come into town to visit!

11/15/02

The best italian for tastebuds!

by coronacr at Citysearch

Carrabba's is the place to go with family, friends, co-workers, and acourse your date! This restaurant is relaxing, and it has an open kitchen for intertainment. Excellet bar and bartenders. Extremely nice waiters! Everything we ate was delicious and mouthwatering. The salads and soups are great! Appetizers are magnifenct along with their tasty fresh bread w/ dipping olive oil and Italian spices! This is now my favorite Italian restaurant! Take your loved ones here, you will not regret it! Instead of music in the restroom they have French tutorials! Carrabba's has satisfying food and the enviroment is fun and cozy!

The Veal is like no other I have ever tasted, so perfect! Great food at a great price!

• Pros: Food, cleanness, service