Carrabba's Italian Grill — Restaurant in Deerfield Township

Honestly, I was stunned at how much I love this place. The last time I'd been was years ago at a different location, and while I remembered liking it it didn't leave a huge impression. This time I think my partner and I had probably one of the best meal experiences of our lives.

We arrived and it was packed, many people already waiting out front, expecting a long wait I was already looking up other places on my phone. Hostess told us 30 minutes. I was skeptical but I put my name in and we waited in the car. I kid you not, 30 minutes on the dot I get a text telling us the table is ready, we walked in and sat down immediately.

The server started out by asking us if we were celebrating anything special, we happily told her it was our anniversary. She congratulated us and offered us free dessert. We gladly accepted. We made small talk with our server and found out she was brand new, despite this she seemed to already know her stuff. We ordered drinks, food and when we got our soup and salad they were the wrong ones. I didn't notice and started eating it, barely noticed because it was so good. I'm not picky really at all and this one mistake that didn't bother me didn't seem worth making a fuss about. Maybe 5 minutes later our server came out profusely apologizing and gave us the right stuff (obviously no charge for the mistake). Honest mistake, incredibly kind and professional server and I got to try both soups I couldn't decide between so I'm feeling pretty good (slight edge to the lentil sausage, it was excellent). Our server, of course, was mortified, we reassured her and made some small talk to find out we'd wondered in on the night before UC's graduation and a good amount of the friends and family in town for it were staying at the hotel across the street. Guess where they chose to go for dinner? The 30 minute wait seemed even more impressive now.

The dinner came out a few minutes later and went off without a hitch. The Carbonara was everything I hoped for, my SO ordered extra pork to take home. We were so happy with our experience so far we almost forgot about the dessert! I don't order dessert from restaurants often, I don't think I'm in the minority in that. Its often too rich, too much or not enough. We decided on the tiramisu and when our server delivered it she brought an anniversary congratulations card signed by the staff. It was such an incredibly warm gesture, not sure if it's something they do all the time but it was the first time we'd experienced it anywhere. Plus the tiramisu was absolutely perfect, light but flavorful with an excellent espresso bite. I'll be getting it next time for sure. When we got the check I was surprised to find it was actually cheaper than our most recent trip to olive garden, too. Happily made up the difference when tipping the staff.

I probably should have spent more words on the food because it was absolutely delicious, but I really appreciated the service here, it's hard to remain so calm, kind and professional when helping the horde of people they were. We will absolutely be back and hopefully if you're reading this you'll pay them...

The food was terrific. There were generous portions and you could literally split an entree with a date. Most dishes come with a side. So we ordered the Linguine Florentine for 22.99 and Chicken Parmesan for 24.49. They were running a promo for that you could order two meals and take one to go for only $10 for a second meal of equal or lesser to the first entree. That was all good. But now the bad. They didn't say that promo is around most of the time. They didn't say the broccoli was out of stock that night so we ordered asparagus but it came with a $2 up charge. We only had mashed potatoes left but could get another entree but it was basically seasoned fries or another premium side. Was trying to eat healthier with less carbs but that asparagus was a premium side so it had a $2 upcharge. Wow. Felt like a bait and switch. Then when our order came my linguine didn't even have the mushrooms and the waitress was nice and apologetic and offered to get us a side of them to go. But when we checked out our asparagus was not included. And not only that, don't know if we had got charged because we assumed they would just do their job right. You know? They were off their game in the kitchen tonight. Food was good. Restaurant clean. The bathroom had sticky floors near urinals. And they got my order wrong not once but twice. The order was $71 for generous portions for at least 6 meals. We even had a Caesar salad and Minestrone included with our entree. But the downer was they messed up the order at least twice after I pointed it out and even had my date repeat the order. They could have at least written it down. They had plenty of pens to do so. We left a generous 20% tip of $14 but felt let down by the numerous order issues. The server was very attentive and we had even made reservations ahead of time. They made sure we had refills and checked on us many times and bagged up leftovers. But again the inability to get the order right at a place that prides itself on fine Italian food should at least be able to make sure the ingredients are in there and not skimped and order is right. Slightly disappointed tonight. The company responded but probably A.I. since it didn't address the concerns....

A Memorable Birthday Celebration at Carrabba's

During a recent visit for a birthday celebration, Carrabba's went above and beyond to ensure a fantastic dining experience, earning a solid 5-star rating.

Our evening began with a warm welcome from the host, who quickly seated our party in a cozy room of the restaurant reserved for us. The atmosphere was buzzing yet intimate, perfect for a festive gathering. Our server introduced herself with a smile and took note of the occasion, setting the tone for an evening of attentive service.

To start, we shared a selection of appetizers that pleased the whole table. The birthday celebrant was pleasantly surprised with a complimentary gesture, a thoughtful touch from the staff.

For the main course, our group enjoyed a variety of dishes from the extensive menu. Each dish was flavorful and satisfying, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to quality ingredients and traditional Italian flavors.

Throughout the meal, the staff were attentive and accommodating. They ensured that everyone's needs were met promptly, despite the restaurant being busy with other diners. When it came time for dessert, our table was treated to a decadent sweet treat, complete with a birthday candle and a round of heartfelt birthday wishes.

What truly impressed us was the restaurant's commitment to making the birthday celebration special. From the personalized service to the complimentary gesture and dessert, every detail was thoughtfully executed. Despite the busyness of the evening, the staff made us feel like valued guests, adding an extra layer of joy to the occasion.

This Italian restaurant exceeded expectations with its delicious cuisine and exceptional service during our birthday celebration. If you're looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a memorable meal with loved ones, this place is the perfect choice. The staff's dedication to customer satisfaction ensures that every visit is a delightful experience. We look forward to returning for more cherished celebrations...