Carrabba's Italian Grill — Restaurant in Maple Shade Township

The year is 1997. A new restaurant is opening in the neighborhood and it’s Italian. You think, “Great! We love Italian food and we need a good restaurant in the area,” and you go. You sit at the “pasta bar” with your husband and your 3-year-old and you have a more than memorable experience that includes a delectable dinner, a few complimentary appetizers, and a show – all thanks to the kitchen staff who are preparing the meals right in front of your eyes! Your family leaves with full and happy bellies and your toddler excitedly brings home her very own handmade pizza. You think to yourself, “the food was outstanding, the service was excellent, we had a wonderful time, we need to come here again!”

Fast forward 20+ years. Your “toddler” is now 25 and Carrabba’s in Maple Shade is still your #1 favorite, “go-to” restaurant. Why is that? One word. Consistency. The calamari is the best around – there is none that even comes close – and it never, ever wavers. Lightly fried and hands-down the best marinara we’ve ever had (and we’ve had many imposters over the years). Shrimp scampi just like my momma used to make with a white wine, garlic and butter sauce that literally melts in your mouth. Pasta Carrabba with chicken that is nothing short of fantastic. Filet medium rare that is always served exactly the way we like it and seasoned to absolute perfection. And my personal favorite - Linguini Positano (formerly Tag Pic Pac) with shrimp and chicken – in a chunky tomato sauce loaded with garlic that we refer to it as “liquid gold”; we always ask for extra with our leftovers. And there are always leftovers. The portions are generous and we usually leave with lunch or dinner for the next day.

So the food is consistently delicious with new menu options introduced regularly, but is it just the food that makes the meal memorable? Service can make or break a dining experience and this is where Carrabba’s Maple Shade really excels. Steve Torrey, the general manager, always goes out of his way to make sure his customers are happy and satisfied. There is nothing he will not do; Steve can often be seen busing tables, helping his wait staff, and doing whatever it takes to make sure everyone’s dining experience is an exceptional one. We’ve had many excellent servers over the many years we’ve been frequenting Carrabba’s Maple Shade, but none as phenomenal as Jared who has our drink, appetizer and dinner order committed to memory (although we occasionally venture out and order new menu items). Steve, Jared and the whole Carrabba’s Maple Shade team really care about their customers and go out of their way to make sure your meal is perfect and your experience is memorable. Really, what else can you ask for in a dining establishment?

When you think about it, how many restaurants can you say are as good or better now then they were when you first started frequenting them 20+ years ago? I can think of one and only one. I think it’s pretty safe to say that we are Carrabba’s Maple Shade...

My family and I have been dining at Carrabba’s in Maple Shade, NJ, for over a decade, and the service has always remained consistent. From the very first time I visited to now bringing my entire family, every experience has been exceptional.

What truly makes this place special is Stephen, the owner. He is a staple here, and his passion for this restaurant and its customers is evident in everything he does. Stephen is always friendly, kind, and incredibly hardworking—he doesn’t just oversee the restaurant, he’s right in the mix, jumping in to help with tables, assisting with customer service, and doing whatever is needed. His dedication is unmatched, and you can tell he loves this place just as much as his customers do.

Beyond Stephen, Carrabba’s is home to an exceptional staff—from the friendly faces at the front of the house to the talented chefs working tirelessly. The hosts and servers consistently provide top-notch service, ensuring every visit is smooth, welcoming, and enjoyable. Their attention to detail, warm hospitality, and ability to make every guest feel special truly set this restaurant apart.

A special shoutout to Jared, one of the most attentive and thoughtful servers we’ve ever had. My children were so excited to share with Stephen how Jared always remembers their names, their favorite meals, and drinks—it’s those personal touches that make Carrabba’s feel like home. In fact, they were so impressed that they even suggested Jared deserves a promotion!

And let’s not forget the incredible kitchen staff, who work behind the scenes crafting every meal to perfection. The food here is always fresh, flavorful, and consistently delicious, a true testament to the dedication of the culinary team. Whether it’s a classic favorite or something new, you can always taste the passion in every dish.

Carrabba’s has been a part of so many milestones in our lives. What started as date nights with my husband turned into visits while pregnant, then bringing a baby carrier with my first son, and eventually bringing my twins. Now, we all go as a family to celebrate every birthday, graduation, and major moment in our lives. This place isn’t just a restaurant—it’s part of our story.

If you’re looking for amazing food, exceptional service, and a place where you truly feel like family, Carrabba’s in Maple Shade is the place to be. A huge thank you to Stephen and the entire team—front and back of house—for making every visit so special!

Would highly recommend to anyone looking for an outstanding...

This evening ( 9/13/2025 ) we celebrated my Dad’s Retirement Dinner at Carrabbas Italian Grill in Maple Shade. We had a different venue originally set up, and two days before the dinner they informed us they could not accommodate a large party or could not take reservations. My Family and I were becoming frazzled as this was a Surprise party, but we had up to 30 guests confirmed for the party, and needed to find a venue. I called Carrabbas less than 48 hours of when our dinner was planned, and I spoke with the Manager, Kelli. I explained our situation to Kelli and she checked in with her boss, Steve. Kelli got right back to me and informed me that they would be able to accommodate us for my Dad’s dinner party. My family was so relieved and excited! She helped us pick menu items, the wording for the menu, and was always available anytime I called with questions. She also asked what color table cloths we would like to match our decorations. When my Mom and I arrived to set up the decorations, we met Kelli, and our Servers; Kacie and Rob came over to introduce theirselves. Our area and tables were set up by the team and looked great! The Hostess team that we checked in with were also great and helped us to be on the lookout for our Dad. The whole team worked together throughout the evening. Kacie and Rob are great servers; they are friendly, attentive, accommodating, and I was impressed with their hard work for a large dinner party. Kelli checked in with us throughout the evening , she helped with being on the lookout for our Dad, and truly cared that we all had a positive experience. We also appreciate the chefs/cooks as the food was delicious, came out hot, and was great portions. The atmosphere was beautiful, clean, and cozy. My Dad was so surprised and enjoyed his time celebrating with family and friends. Thank you Kelli, Rob, Kacie, and to all the team for making our Dad’s party special! Sincerely, Noelle, Phallon, Troy, Kath,...