Carrabba's Italian Grill — Restaurant in Hurst

OK, so I have to post a small rebuttal to CDW626's claim that the food he ate at the hibachi was "better." Now, I can't tell (because I wasn't there, obviously) what his food tasted or looked like at Carrabba's - but I used to be a sous chef at a Mediterranean/Regional Italian restaurant - and the picture that he posted showed overcooked shrimp and scallops. If that is the litmus, then I am forced to question how "expert" or objective the review really is.

Again, I can't say that his individual experience was anything other than what was described, but I have to consider the source.

I ate there with my brother - and we had a wonderful experience. The staff was friendly and courteous. They knew their wines very, very well and described them accurately as I tasted a couple, and they tasted exactly as they were verbally presented.

I will not order food at a restaurant that I cook at home, so that leaves, typically, the fish of the day, veal, lamb, or an occasional unique ravioli. On this trip, both my brother and I ordered the same thing, with different sides: the veal chop. I ordered mine medium rare, and he ordered his medium. I had the asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes, and he had only the latter. For my soup, I had the spicy lentil with sausage, and he ordered a Caesar Salad, dry (I know, I know - why? But, I can't fault him).

The lettuce in his salad was *perfect." There were no brown or bruised edges on any of the leaves. The Parmesan wasn't overdone, and there was a good balance of croutons. The lentil soup was a tad salty, but once that cleared my palate, the flavors were a great medley of lentil, stock, sausage, and a bit of warmth from the spice. The freshly grated cheese on the soup added a nice creamy touch.

Both of our dishes were cooked very well - but only a bit on the rare side. Nonetheless, we were extremely impressed by the amount of sear and the cut. They were both completely edible, with some fat (as expected for flavor) and they were perfectly seasoned. My asparagus was grilled, exactly, and had perfect seasoning as well. The mashed potatoes were incredible, and had a perfect amount of garlic and seasonings. I think that they met the most basic criteria in dining (especially if the meal runs at a price that is one step above regular "sit down" restaurants) - no part of my meal required additional seasoning.

Well, I was impressed, and regardless of the cost (which I thought was very perfect (if not cheap) for the quality of the food and service, I would definitely eat there, again. Further, I am relatively convinced that if I brought my kids, they wouldn't mind because the food was at a level where it compares to what we eat at home.

Excellent,...

After much discussion, I decided to go eat at this location for my 40th birthday. As I entered the restaurant, it didn't look to busy. So now comes the hard part, my intentions are not to hurt this establishment. Rather to be used, so your store will be on point. I've eaten at this location before hand, really delicious food. So the hostess greeted us and took us to the our table. I looked over the menu, waiting to be served. I noticed the tables next to us. The waiter was talking to his table, and never said anything to us. Never greeted us, and didn't say anything to use. It took 8 mins to be noticed, the waitress that took care of us, she did a fantastic job and was very courteous. She noticed that we needed, so she stepped up to plate. To come from a different section, and tell us. "I take this table", she deserves a raise. Can I get you something to drink. He hit my mom's chair twice, while dropping off food. So we ordered an appetizer, meatballs I believe. We were told, they were out of meatballs. We ordered the caprese salad, I'm not sure who designed the set up on the plate. Way to many cherrie tomatoes, and cut way back on the balsamic vinegar drizzle. Maybe use a smaller plate, the plate presentation might of looked better. The reason I didn't say anything about it being my birthday. I would've said something, except. It took 8 mins to even be acknowledged. The owner and was on the floor, kicking butt, and no one helped him break down dirty tables. Except I watched him, put the trash from the table into his hand, if he does that way. The staff will, follow suit and will clean the tables, oh and to the hostess, please don't spray the cleaning solution. On the table next to open food, where people are eating. She wasnt watching the front door, and I noticed the entrance to the kitchen. People had gathered and some had phones out, laughing while the owner broke down tables. Honestly my worst birthday dinner, Oh and to the serves, please stop laying your thumb on the plate. I do not want to see a thumb, near my food. The level of communication between your staff and management. Needs to be addressed, if you run out of food. Probably,...

I have tried all the other local Italian restaurants in this area and Carrabba's far surpasses any of those for fresh, yummy tasting food, superb service, and immaculate cleanliness. The homemade bread is out of this world and melts in your mouth and the seasoned olive oil to dip your bread is so, so good. This place beats those others places for bread. And they have great flavored tea… they have a server who duty is just to serve and replenish bread and tea. And they don’t mind if you add to or change up a bit a dish choice on the menu. They are so willing and compromising when it comes to pleasing the customer. I always split my salad and dish with my spouse and it is more than enough for both of us. My husband and I have dined there numerous times, and the servers are receptive to answer any of our questions about food choices before we order and are so attentive checking on us frequently throughout our meal but not to the point of overdoing it. I completely enjoy the always fresh-made meal and atmosphere every time. The cozy atmosphere is calming with background music, just the right temperature in the room, and I felt like I was in a high dollar elite restaurant but without the high dollar cost or extended drive. The place was so clean, especially the bathrooms. Over all, I am so impressed with this place- even the friendly managers check on you. I was actually recommended this place from my son's friend who had so much good to say about Carrabba's. Glad he let us know about this place! ( I am updating my post. My first 5 star review over a year ago had over...