TAMPA, Fla. (BLOOM) — Maggiano’s Little Italy is raising the bar on Italian-American comfort food, offering a refreshed menu that balances classic flavors with upscale technique. Under the direction of award-winning Chef Anthony Amoroso, the restaurant chain is rolling out premium upgrades to its beloved dishes — and after experiencing it firsthand, I can confidently say: it’s worth going back for.
Tasting Italy at Maggiano’s Tampa: Food review
I recently ate at the Tampa location for a tasting of their new menu, and even after three visits, my girlfriend and I continue to be surprised by just how good everything is. From the food to the ambiance, Maggiano’s manages to deliver a local, elevated feel despite being part of a national brand.
Italian-American Classics, Refined
At the heart of this revamp are thoughtfully crafted upgrades to Maggiano’s most iconic dishes. Highlights from the new menu include:
“The Grand” Chicken Parmesan – a juicier, hand-breaded cutlet topped with fresh mozzarella and basil, served over rigatoni marinara.
Wagyu Beef Stuffed Shells – pasta shells filled with a rich ricotta-Wagyu blend, topped with spicy tomato cream sauce and whipped ricotta.
Wagyu Meatballs – made fresh daily with a 50/50 blend of high-quality beef and Snake River Farms Wagyu.
30-Layer Lasagna – layered with house-made Bolognese, fresh pasta, and creamy ricotta.
“The Finest” Fettuccine Alfredo – featuring roasted garlic, Parmigiano, Pecorino Romano, and a luxuriously smooth Alfredo sauce.
These aren’t just minor tweaks — they’re a bold step forward in quality, presentation, and flavor.
What We Tried
We started with two appetizers: the Zucchini Fritte and Stuffed Mushrooms. The zucchini has become a must-order item for us — lightly breaded, crisped to perfection, and served with a zesty lemon and aioli. The mushrooms, while savory and well-seasoned, are more for the mushroom enthusiasts; unless you’re in that camp, it might not be the most exciting way to start your meal.
Our main courses were just as impressive. I had the Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken, which lived up to its “Finest” name — creamy, garlicky, and deeply satisfying. My girlfriend went with the surf and turf, pairing a broiled lobster tail with a tender filet mignon, topped with clarified butter and served with crispy onion strings. Both dishes were beautifully plated and packed with flavor.
We also split two salads: the Italian Chopped Salad and Maggiano’s House Salad, both fresh, well-balanced, and a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the entrées.
Dessert and Drinks That Deliver
To round out the night, we tried two desserts. I ordered the Italian Butter Cake, served with strawberries, whipped mascarpone, and honey — and I finished every bite. My girlfriend went for the Chocolate Layer Cake, a decadent and rich option for those with a serious sweet tooth.
I also sampled Maggiano’s take on a classic Old Fashioned, garnished with a citrus twist and served with a branded stir stick — a small detail that added to the overall elevated vibe of the night.
Final Thoughts
Seated at our favorite table, we enjoyed a relaxed evening that blended the comfort of home-style Italian food with the polish of a modern dining experience. Maggiano’s continues to surprise us with its consistency, creativity, and quality.
Whether you’re planning a special occasion or just craving reliable, elevated Italian-American fare, the new menu makes Maggiano’s worth a return visit — and then some.
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Dining and Cooking