Maggiano’s: What’s Vegetarian Editorial Review

Maggiano’s is one of the easier big Italian chains for vegetarians, mostly because everything comes out of a from-scratch kitchen that’s used to modifying plates. The marinara is meat-free, a few dishes are vegan before you change anything, and the portions are big enough to share. That from-scratch approach runs through a chain with dozens of locations, so a busy kitchen can usually handle a vegetarian request without blinking.

What to order at Maggiano’s

Start with the Spaghetti with Marinara or the Spaghetti Aglio Olio, both vegan as served since the sauces are just tomato or garlic and olive oil. From there, the cheese dishes take over: Fettuccine Alfredo in Asiago cream, Four-Cheese Ravioli with Pesto Alfredo, and Mushroom Ravioli in Marsala cream all work if you eat dairy. Add Roasted Garlic Broccoli or Fresh Grilled Asparagus as a side, and finish with Tiramisu or New York Style Cheesecake.

What to watch out for

The Maggiano’s Salad, Chopped Salad, and Wedge Salad all come with bacon by default, so you’ll need to ask for them without it. The Caesar Salad dressing may contain anchovy, and the Crispy Zucchini Fritte comes out of a shared fryer, so both are a check rather than an automatic yes. Eggplant Parmesan is breaded and fried, and its provolone may use animal rennet, so ask if that matters to you before you order it. When in doubt, talk to your server. The scratch kitchen can usually leave an ingredient off rather than send the dish back.