Most Delicious Italian Chain Restaurants in the U.S.

Italian food is one of the best in the world. So, it makes sense that Italian-American food would also be too delicious to resist. This cuisine came from Italian immigrants who blended their traditions to life in a new continent, giving us gems like deep-dish pizza and fettuccine Alfredo sauce. 

Because everyone loves this food, you’ll find Italian chains all over the United States. Some are OK, others are decent, and a few are worth coming back to time and time again. 

These are the top 10 Italian chain restaurants in the U.S. We’ve excluded ones that focus on pizza since that would be a list of its own. 

Headquarters: Austin, Texas

Year opened: 1997

With locations all over the U.S., Johnny Carino’s delivers consistently good food. The restaurant claims to be known for its baked lasagnas, spicy shrimp, and chicken and family platters. Order these if you’re at a loss, but rest assured the rest of the menu is equally good. 

The chain has amassed such a following that it offers a loyalty rewards program so that frequent diners can enjoy discounts. That’s certainly a green flag.

Headquarters: Orlando, Florida

Year opened: 1992

Bravo! boasts generous portions and a menu that includes everything from calamari to flatbread to grilled salmon and veal Parmesan. Its Sunday brunch menu complements dishes like the Tuscan scrambler with interesting cocktails that go way beyond the typical mimosas. 

The restaurant claims to use fresh ingredients and makes its dishes from scratch. This is probably the reason for its success since it is now one of the most beloved Italian chains in the country.

Headquarters: Portland, Oregon

Year opened: 1969

Playing on the theme of its name, Old Spaghetti Factory sports a chic industrial look. There’s usually a trolley car somewhere on the property — a nod to the chain’s beginnings in an actual trolley car in Portland. 

The really awesome thing about this chain is that ordering an entree will also get you bread, soup or salad, and a dessert. This makes it an economical option for a good Italian-American dinner in a cozy setting.

Headquarters: Northborough, Massachusetts

Year opened: 1981

You’ll never go into a Bertucci’s without seeing a brick oven, so we recommend you always order something made in said brick oven. Pizzas are the obvious choice. But if you feel like having something different, you can also get oven-baked calzones, casseroles and roasted vegetables. 

Despite its delicious food, Bertucci’s is an affordable option for scratching your Italian food itch, with lunch specials that’ll tempt you to eat here every day.