Maggiano's Little Italy — Restaurant in Charlotte

Made my way to Maggiano's for a celebration.

Appetizer: Wagyu Beef Meatballs The meal began with an order of Wagyu Beef Meatballs—an enticing blend of rich Wagyu beef nestled in a tangy tomato sauce, served alongside a generous dollop of whipped ricotta. While the presentation was inviting, the meatballs themselves leaned toward the dry side. However, when thoughtfully assembled—swirled through the sauce and finished with a touch of the ricotta—the dish revealed a more harmonious bite, suggesting that the elements were meant to work together rather than shine individually. Notably, the accompanying bread was a standout. I’m not sure what sort of alchemy the kitchen applied to it, but its crisp exterior made it utterly irresistible.

Entrée: Fettuccine Bolognese The Fettuccine Bolognese featured a well-balanced medley of Italian sausage, beef, onions, carrots, and a tomato ragu gently infused with white wine. The sauce was subtle and restrained—although perhaps too little so for the American palate, which often craves a more lavish coating of sauce. Still, the flavors were cohesive, with each ingredient complementing the others without overshadowing the whole. The pasta itself was cooked to a perfect al dente, providing a satisfying textural contrast to the rich meat sauce draped across it.

Cocktail: Limoncello Prosecco Unfortunately, the Limoncello Prosecco proved to be a misstep. A cocktail that should have been a bright, effervescent ode to citrus and celebration was instead muted by the ill-considered addition of ice. As the cubes melted, they diluted the vibrant lemon essence, resulting in a drink that tasted more like sparkling water with a whisper of what could have been. For a restaurant that presents itself as a purveyor of classic Italian fare, this lapse in cocktail execution was particularly disappointing. #GratuityAdded

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I experienced terrible service at Magginos on 12/28/2023. We walked in around 7:30pm and the host provided it was an hour and a half wait time. She stated if we didn’t want to wait we had the option of seating at the bar or sitting at the first come first serve designated seating area. My boyfriend and I opted to seat at the bar but then quickly opted to seat in a first come first serve booth. After seating in this booth we immediately noticed another group being immediately greeted and seated at a first come first serve high top table by a waiter or representative of Magginos. We waited for over 10 minutes while watching 3 employees replenish wine glasses and gossiping before my boyfriend got up from our table to request assistance. At this time we had not been greeted or ANYTHING! After waiting an additional 5 minutes we still had not been greeted or waited on after my boyfriend made a request to staff at the bar replenishing wine glasses.

We noticed the group of individuals who was greeted being waited on and their table being set up all prior to us who had been seating down prior to this group. Af this point I was fed up and made to feel like I was invisible and my time was no longer valuable. I went to locate the manager to provide my experience and explain how I was displeased with the service that was provided thus far. The manager whom I was met with lacked accountability for my experience and his attentiveness of his staff. His attitude made me no longer want to spend my money with his establishment and I did not have the opportunity to dine with Magginos due to this experience.

As soon as I returned to the table to gather my boyfriend to leave the waiter magically appeared along with the manager. I don’t know if it was because of our ethnicity that caused the differential treatment but I certainly do not appreciate it. I went out of my way to visit this restaurant because of past experiences but I doubt I will back to visit this...

I recently had the pleasure of hosting a retirement party at Maggiano's, (9/14/2023) and I cannot express how thrilled I am with the entire experience. From start to finish, everything was absolutely perfect! First and foremost, the planning process was a breeze. Maggiano's event coordinators are top-notch. They took the time to listen to all my ideas and preferences, and they offered invaluable suggestions that made the event even better than I could have imagined. They truly understood the importance of this special occasion and went above and beyond to ensure that every detail was meticulously planned. The service during the party was exceptional. The staff at Maggiano's were attentive, professional, and incredibly friendly. They made sure that our guests felt welcomed and pampered throughout the evening. From serving delicious appetizers to ensuring everyone had their favorite drinks, the service was flawless. The decor was another highlight of the evening. Maggiano's team transformed the space into an elegant and inviting atmosphere. The attention to detail in the table settings and decorations was impressive. It created the perfect backdrop for a retirement celebration that was both sophisticated and comfortable. And let's not forget about the food – it was absolutely amazing! Maggiano's culinary team outdid themselves. The menu options were diverse and catered to all tastes. The dishes were not only delicious but also beautifully presented. Our guests couldn't stop raving about the incredible Italian cuisine. In summary, if you're considering hosting a special event, especially a retirement party, Maggiano's is the place to go. Their exceptional planning, outstanding service, impeccable decor, and mouthwatering food make them the perfect choice. Thank you to the entire Maggiano's team for making this retirement celebration an unforgettable success. I can't recommend...