When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Maggiano's Little Italy
Why Maggiano's Little Italy is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Maggiano's Little Italy is a celebrated American casual dining restaurant chain specializing in Italian-American cuisine, renowned for its warm, inviting atmosphere that perfectly suits gatherings with friends and family. Founded in Chicago's River North neighborhood in 1991, it was created to evoke the classic pre-World War II Italian dinner house, featuring large family-style portions designed to be shared, making it an ideal spot for social dining experiences. The menu boasts a diverse range of offerings, including authentic pastas, signature salads, prime steaks, fresh seafood, and specialty desserts, all crafted to satisfy a variety of palates. The introduction of a seven-day-a-week brunch adds a flexible dining option to enjoy leisurely meals in a charming, old-style Italian setting. With over 50 locations across 22 states and the District of Columbia, Maggiano's balances quality food with a classy yet relaxed ambiance, making it a great place for friends to meet up, enjoy hearty Italian cuisine, and create memorable moments together.
Here's what people think of Maggiano's Little Italy
As of recent, Maggiano's Little Italy holds a 4.4-star rating based on 3538 reviews.
Reviewers consistently praise Maggiano's Little Italy for its flavorful, generous portions and its elegant yet comfortable Italian ambiance, which many find ideal for group gatherings and special occasions. Positive reviews highlight the inviting atmosphere, attentive and professional service, and the extensive menu offering classic Italian-American dishes that satisfy a broad range of tastes. Guests often commend the restaurant for its family-style dining concept, which encourages sharing and social interaction among friends and loved ones. However, some negative feedback points to occasional inconsistency in food quality and execution, as well as mixed experiences with service attentiveness. A few diners mention that certain dishes may lack expected flavor or that prices can be perceived as somewhat high compared to their experience of quality. Despite these critiques, the overall consensus indicates that Maggiano's delivers a pleasant dining experience with strong service and tasty food, making it a favored destination for Italian cuisine enthusiasts and groups looking for a convivial dining environment.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Akinsoji Taiwo
This Italian restaurant delivered an unforgettable dining experience with outstanding service and the best pasta I’ve ever had. The staff were warm, attentive, and knowledgeable, creating a welcoming atmosphere that enhanced every moment. The pasta was fresh, perfectly cooked, and full of rich, authentic flavor. From start to finish, everything reflected a deep passion for Italian cuisine. I’ll absolutely be returning and highly recommend it to anyone who loves exceptional food and service.
Maria V's Bridal Boutique
Such a gem of an Italian restaurant! The staff was wonderful and got us seated quickly, which made for a great start to the night. The menu had so many delicious options, but my absolute favorite was the mushroom appetizer — it was to die for! They also have a great cocktail list and an impressive wine selection, making it the perfect spot for a date night or even a larger gathering with friends and family. Warm service, fantastic food, and a welcoming atmosphere — we’ll definitely be back!
Erick Melendez
I recently visited Mariano’s in Chicago and was excited to learn that this is actually the very first location — such a cool experience! As always, Mariano’s never disappoints. Even after trying locations in other states (like the one in the DMV area), this one stood out with incredibly fresh food and excellent service. Huge shoutout to the host, our server, and the manager —Erika and Julia — for being so welcoming, attentive, and professional. Great experience all around!
Wai01
Food: our starter were the Wagyu Beef Meatballs: Beef Blend & Whipped Ricotta. Amazing! $17.50 for three meatballs. My wife ordered the Lasagna, but it was too salty, so we informed them and they promptly changed our order. She then had the Chicken Piccata: Capers, Spinach, Lemon Butter, Spaghetti Aglio Olio. This one was very good. $28.50. Daughter: Chicken Francese: Parmesan, Lemon Butter, Crispy Vesuvio Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus. The best dish on the table. $28.50. Son: Our Famous Rigatoni "D": Grilled Chicken, Roasted Mushrooms, Caramelized Onion, Marsala Cream. Very good! $29.00. Me: Wagyu Beef Stuffed Shells: Wagyu Beef Blend, Whipped Ricotta, Spicy Tomato Sauce. Excellent! $31.50. Service: Excellent. They went above and beyond. Especially after we told them that the Lasagna my wife ordered was too salty. Atmosphere: We loved the atmosphere. Warm, classy. Cost: $200 with tip. Overall: We enjoyed having dinner here. We were a little surprised that the restaurant was not crowded given the fact that the food was very good, service was excellent and it has a great atmosphere.
Rachael Wollard
To our surprise the chef came to greet us with a complimentary sample of one of their famous appetizers as it was our first ever visit to Maggiano’s. The food was delicious, presentation on point, our servers wine suggestions were a perfect pairing, and the staff was very friendly. We definitely recommend to anyone in the Chicago area to try this gem!!
How to reach Maggiano's Little Italy
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Why Maggiano's Little Italy may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Maggiano's Little Italy with your friends?
Gathering your friends at Maggiano's Little Italy offers more than just a meal; it's an experience steeped in warmth, authentic flavors, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes every visit memorable. This restaurant chain, established in 1991 in Chicago, is dedicated to recreating the feeling of a classic Italian-American family dinner, where generosity and hospitality are paramount. The ambiance at Maggiano’s is designed to mirror a lively Italian gathering, with inviting decor and a friendly setting that encourages conversation and connection. Whether you're catching up after a long week or celebrating a special occasion, Maggiano's serves as a perfect backdrop to foster camaraderie. Large portions encourage sharing, turning dining into an engaging communal activity that strengthens friendships. Additionally, their attentive service and dedication to making guests feel special complements the environment, ensuring that your meetup feels both cozy and festive. With a 4.4 rating based on over 3,500 reviews, it's clear that many have found great joy in hosting their group events here.
What unique activities and dining features make Maggiano's ideal for group meetups?
Maggiano's Little Italy excels in accommodating groups by offering a variety of activities and dining features that enhance group dynamics. One of the restaurant’s signature concepts is serving family-style portions, which means dishes are designed to be shared among the table, promoting interaction and collective enjoyment. This style encourages guests to sample a multitude of authentic Italian dishes—from handmade pastas to prime steaks and fresh seafood—creating a lively and engaging dining experience. Additionally, the restaurant provides banquet spaces that cater explicitly to special occasions, enabling larger groups to celebrate milestones, reunions, or casual get-togethers comfortably. The environment is casual yet elegant, striking a balance that suits both informal meetups and more organized events. Whether you’re planning a weekday brunch, a festive dinner, or a weekend gathering, Maggiano’s offers flexibility with brunch, lunch, dinner, carryout, and delivery options to fit your group's needs. The warm atmosphere paired with generous portions makes every meal a shared celebration, perfect for reconnecting with friends and family.
How does the food at Maggiano's complement a social meetup atmosphere?
Food is at the heart of Maggiano's Little Italy’s charm, and it plays a key role in fostering a social atmosphere that brings people together. The menu features a mix of classic Italian-American favorites and contemporary dishes, harkening back to recipes inspired by Italian grandmothers that combine comfort and authenticity. Large, shareable plates like their signature pastas, specialty salads, and abundant appetizers encourage guests to indulge together, creating a sense of communal dining reminiscent of a family-style Italian meal. This approach naturally sparks conversation and interaction, as diners exchange dishes, tastes, and dining stories. The quality and flavor of dishes—from hearty lasagnas to expertly prepared seafood—are designed not only to satisfy but also to delight every palate in the group, ensuring no one feels left out. Their dessert offerings also lend themselves to group enjoyment, with rich, classic sweets perfect for sharing a sweet finish to your gathering. The generous servings and thoughtfully crafted menu make it easy to focus on company, not just cuisine.
Why is the atmosphere at Maggiano’s ideal for social gatherings?
The atmosphere at Maggiano's Little Italy is meticulously designed to enhance the social dining experience and make guests feel like part of a warm Italian family. The restaurant's interior often features classic Italian-themed decor that evokes the charm of a cozy, old-world eatery, creating an inviting and relaxed environment that encourages relaxation and conversation. The lighting and music are carefully balanced to provide an upbeat yet intimate vibe, accommodating lively discussions or a more calm catch-up among friends. Staff members are known for their friendly, attentive service, contributing to a hospitable setting where guests feel genuinely valued and cared for. The layout of the seating supports larger groups, with plenty of space for everyone to sit together comfortably, helping to maintain an inclusive and engaging dynamic. Whether it’s a casual mid-week dinner or a weekend celebration, the atmosphere makes it easy for groups to settle in, enjoy their time, and leave feeling connected.
What makes Maggiano's suitable for diverse group events and special occasions?
Maggiano’s Little Italy’s versatility in hosting a range of group events and special occasions is a major draw for those looking to rally with friends or family. The restaurant offers dedicated banquet and private dining areas, enabling event planners to create customized experiences for birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, or corporate gatherings. These spaces often come with tailored service options and menus that can adapt to specific dietary preferences or themes, ensuring that every guest’s needs are met. Beyond private events, the restaurant’s standard dining areas also comfortably accommodate larger parties with pre-arranged seating and menus designed for sharing. Maggiano’s is known for its ability to handle both intimate and large-scale gatherings seamlessly without compromising on quality or service. The presence of robust catering, carryout, and delivery services further extends the venue's flexibility, allowing groups to enjoy their Italian feast in a location of their choosing. This adaptability, combined with the restaurant’s dedication to great food, ample portions, and friendly service, makes Maggiano’s an ideal option for diverse social occasions.
How does Maggiano's commitment to guest experience enhance group meetups?
At the core of Maggiano's Little Italy’s appeal is its deep commitment to making every guest feel special, which significantly elevates the group meetup experience. This philosophy, rooted in the company's culture, ensures that the service team is dedicated not just to serving food but to creating memorable moments. From the moment guests walk in, the focus is on hospitality, warmth, and attention to detail that makes groups feel welcome and cared for. The staff’s “we over me” attitude fosters a family-like environment among employees, which translates directly into attentive and personalized guest service. This creates an atmosphere where friends and family can relax and be themselves, knowing their comfort and satisfaction are priorities. The encouragement for teammates to celebrate each other's achievements contributes to a positive vibe that guests easily pick up on, making each gathering feel festive and important. This dedication to experience, combined with great food and inviting atmosphere, makes Maggiano’s a place where groups don’t just meet—they create lasting memories together.