Maggiano's - Houston

12/30/08

Excellent, great ambiance

by Greeech at Citysearch

Great food comes in large protions, the waiters are a delight, and the managers are very helpful. I highly reccoment making reservations well in advance. I must say I enjoyed the host staff the most; they were very affable and sweet.

• Pros: Spinache al Forno, host staff, amiance, valet parking, large portions, FAMILY STYLE, kids menus
• Cons: few and far between

11/13/08

Glad we gave it a try!

by ellzebeth at Citysearch

This is our first return to Maggiano's in about 4 years, and not because of any particular reason, just hadn't made our way back to the place. Last night we went out to have a nice dinner to celebrate a birthday, and decided as we drove around the galleria, that we'd try Maggiano's. We are so glad we did!! The place was packed, you could hear the music from the bar area, but it wasn't too loud or bothersome. The wait staff were quick and efficient, and also helpful. As we were celebrating, we decided to order big, and selected from the 'family style' menu for two people. The food was plentiful, very tasty, and the service great. The stuffed mushrooms and calamari were excellent, not to mention the chicken and spinach cannelloni. We also ordered the spinach salad, great flavors! The desserts were great and our waiter was even observant enough to pick up we were celebrating a birthday without anything being said and no outward display of it. We will certainly return to this restaurant, and won't be waiting another 4 years to do so.

11/10/08

Great Italian Fare!

by Gaublet at Citysearch

You know - I've been living in Houston for over six years now and have been dining at Maggiano's for almost as long! They simply never disappoint...the food is always great, served in a timely manner, with the freshest ingredients. Their service is prompt and very thourough. the bread w/ the EVOO and spices is a great way to start the meal, and be sure to order the Caesar Salad! And the lasagna is out of this world - as good as my brides, which is saying a lot! They also have a great bar where the bar tender can concoct just about anything your heart desires. If you leave hungry, it's your own fault! Enjoy!

• Pros: Plenty of parking, including valet, great atmosphere, superb service
• Cons: Can be a bit hard to have a conversation due to the noise level.

08/15/08

Fantastic for Family Style Dining

by sheilabac at Citysearch

How can you beat $15 a person for 3 courses, with two choices each? I have now been 3 times and am planning to take a friend for her birthday tomorrow. We've sampled all the salads, and found no fault with any of them. As for the pastas, we've had the linguini with clam sauce twice, wild mushroom ravioli twice, and the spinach chicken manicotti. Did I mention, these are all refilled upon request. So far we have stayed with the Tiramisu and Creme Brulee, but hopefully will branch out tomorrow. Since we waddle out after the 3 course menu, we haven't even attempted to extend our limits. The food and service have always been excellent. We are all "foodies", and there aren't too many restaurants that have earned this much repeat business from us. Go hungry. Leave happy is my advice.

• Pros: Food, prices, service and ease of parking
• Cons: I wish they served a traditional cannelloni, but I can't find one anywhere else either.

04/29/08

great italian food

by justine306 at Citysearch

I really like the atmosphere of this restaurant. I am very picky when it comes to Italian food and I was very impressed. The portions are VERY big so if you are not a big eater I suggest getting a half order. Our server was excellent, very professional and prompt. I will be going here again soon!

03/15/08

GREAT ITALIAN FOOD!

by rpatel487 at Citysearch

This place is ridiculously nice...great italian food and amazing atmosphere...its definately crowded so its not that secluded quiet type atmosphere. I had the mushroom ravioli and it was amazing...creamy sauce. I want to definately go back and try some different dishes. Only downside to this restaurant is that its expensive as hell. But, hey its okay...its fun to splurge once in awhile. =)

• Pros: food
• Cons: price

06/24/07

Simply Outstanding on All Levels!

by jennaleia at Citysearch

My experience as a first time guest was the best ever! It was a group of 6 for my sister's 29th birthday. We went on a Saturday night at 7 p.m. with reservaions made in advance. Our wonderful waiter, Leo, took marvelous care of us! He suggested that with our large party of 6 to get the "family style" option. You get 2 salads, 2 appetizers, 2 pastas, 2 entrees, and 2 desserts. Not only that, but you get UNLIMITED QUANTITIES!!! All for $25.95 or so per person! The appetizer of fried cheese is amazing, though it's called something more fancy. I was in love with the chicken parmesan entree! The beef medallions were so tender and juicy. For dessert, we couldn't decide on just two, so Leo brought us out 3 desserts. The Tiramisu was to die for! The Creme Brulee was amazing! The chocolate cake - oh so great! My family didn't feel rushed at all. Our meal was about 2 1/2 hours long and there were good spaces in between courses to let the meal digest. When we were finished, my husband and I agreed - this is our NEW favorite restaurant in Houston! The Capital Grille held that honor previously, but Maggiano's now holds the crown as our favorite. The entertainment was great - a piano playing trumpet player who is very personable. If you go, you'll be glad!!!

• Pros: Food, Service, Entertainment, Portion Size
• Cons: Maybe we need larger tables!

12/06/06

Get the Tiramisu!

by swerv at Citysearch

My family and I love Maggiano's! The food is always good, the portions are more than enough, and our experiences with the service have always been great. It's a busy place with reasonable prices--lunch is a lot less crowded, and the prices are lower, of course, but dinner is still manageable.

Maggiano's is good for families with older children, couples, and mixed groups, and the bar area can be very entertaining.

The one issue I do wish they would address is parking, as I recall the Valet not having any spaces available the last time I visited.

One tip: Ordering family style is an economical way to sample several menu items and courses, but if you choose this option, prepare to be stuffed and have lots of leftovers!

• Pros: atmosphere
• Cons: parking

09/27/06

great food, great service

by phlyn at Citysearch

We were early in the evening and our server Bill was awesome, attentative but left us alone. We had the 1/2 stuffed mushrooms, delicious. My wife had the shrimp linguini and I had the Rigitoni "D". Both were very good. Portions were large for the price. We brought alot home and they have reheating instructions on the box. Great place, will visit again.

• Pros: wonderful portions
• Cons: none

07/05/06

Humongous Portions and Awesome Food

by asphodel587 at Citysearch

The meals are outstanding here. Maybe not the kind of fare a 'foodie' is looking for, but for what you pay, and the amount of food, and the atmosphere, it's the best deal in Houston. I would go back in an instant, though I'd be certain to order the 1/2 size dishes.

• Pros: Big portions
• Cons: Tables are a little crowded together