Review of Carrabba's Italian Grill

For my anniversary, my husband took me to one of my favorite Italian restaurants, Carrabba's Italian Grill. Although there are locations all across the country, I visited the location at 683 E. University Parkway in Orem, UT. I hadn't been there for awhile and was excited for my visit. I look back on the visit with mixed feelings.

Carrabba's Italian Grill is a restaurant chain with an extensive menu of Italian favorites, as well as some great chef concoctions and specials. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a night out in the Tuscan countryside in a local family's home that has been there for generations. With grapevines, candles, and antique pictures of members of the family, Carrabba's presents its guests with a pleasant place to sit and eat and enjoy the night.

As we perused the menu, I was greeted with some of my favorites like the steak Marsala, cooked with Marsala wine and mushrooms, always excellent, and the mushroom ravioli, with a delicious cream sauce. I was also presented with new specials like the Pasta Rambo, a light, buttery pasta with crab meat and vegetables. I settled on a favorite, the Mezzaluna, half moon shaped ravioli, type pasta filled with chicken, cheese, and spinach and smothered in a tomato cream sauce that is to die for.

The price for our meal is a bit more expensive than your everyday restaurant. A steak dish like the Steak Marsala or a seafood special like the Pasta Rambo runs about 16.99, whereas a salad or a more basic dish like the Mezzaluna costs 10.99. It's not going to break the bank, but isn't for a cheap night on the town. As an added bonus, the meal comes with a loaf of crusty bread with herbs and olive oil for dipping. And free, is always good.

The food and atmosphere was great, although it the restaurant was pretty full for a Monday night, and so it was a bit noisy. Our server was very attentive and friendly, but this is where the mixed feelings about my visit arrives. We were promptly seated and our waitress was very quick in attending to our needs. When we sat down we were presented with a menu and the server then proceeded to read to us all of the specials, although they were laid out in writing before us. We were left feeling a little awkward as we felt the need to smile and pay attention as our server explained each dish on the specials list in detail, giving reviews as we went. We could have easily read the menus and would have preferred to talk amongst ourselves during that time. It was not just our server that did this. As I watched other patrons around the room, each one was required to listen to a long description of five dishes, appetizers, and side dishes being featured that week, and each group sat politely, but uncomfortably. I think that it's great to highlight one or two of the items. I don't mind listening while a server points out their favorite dish or recommends something, but allow me a chance to breathe and make a decision myself. If I want a run through I'll ask.

After ordering and during our meal, our server was also extremely attentive to our water glasses. I appreciate a server who doesn't forget me and comes around occasionally to check on me and see if I need something, but every time my glass went down an inch, it was refilled and we were interrupted to ask how we were doing. This made conversation difficult. I love the food and our server was wonderful, but give me time to enjoy my meal and my husband without pestering me.

Carrabba's Italian Grill is a great restaurant with a wonderful menu. I would recommend it to anyone who wants an excellent meal. I would warn, however, be prepared for a busy night with lots of noise and a lot of attention. At Carrabba's you'll never go unattended.