There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of pasta. Whether it’s a rich, cheesy Alfredo or a tangy marinara with meatballs, pasta is the ultimate go-to for warm, satisfying meals. The U.S. may not be Italy, but that hasn’t stopped countless restaurant chains from serving up their take on this beloved comfort food. So, which pasta chains stand out—and which ones fall flat like overcooked noodles?
We’ve rolled up our sleeves (and twirled our forks) to bring you the ultimate ranking of 15 major U.S. pasta chains—from carb catastrophes to pasta perfection.
15. Fazoli’s
Once a roadside favorite for travelers craving cheap pasta and unlimited breadsticks, Fazoli’s hasn’t aged gracefully. The microwave vibes and watery sauces are tough to ignore, and though the breadsticks still slap, they can’t save the overall dining experience. Fazoli’s is fine in a pinch, but it’s far from the pasta destination it once aimed to be.
14. Spaghetti Warehouse
Spaghetti Warehouse feels more like a theme park than a pasta restaurant. The portions are enormous, and the décor is wildly nostalgic (think streetcars indoors), but the food rarely matches the fun atmosphere. With pasta dishes that often taste mass-produced and drowned in sauce, it’s hard to recommend unless you’re going for the Instagrammable aesthetic.
13. Bravo! Italian Kitchen
Bravo! serves up Italian-American classics with a bit of flair, but the inconsistency is hard to ignore. One day you’ll get a creamy, dreamy Carbonara; the next, a bland, forgettable plate of Penne alla Vodka. It’s a hit-or-miss chain that leaves pasta lovers wanting more—especially for the price.
12. Sbarro
Let’s be honest—no one is walking into Sbarro expecting a culinary masterpiece. This mall food court mainstay is better known for its pizza, but it offers a few pasta dishes like baked ziti and spaghetti with meatballs. While the quality is low, there’s a strange comfort in the predictability. If you’re in a pinch at the airport or mall, Sbarro will do.
11. Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano
Biaggi’s isn’t as widely known, but those who’ve dined there know it offers a solid mid-tier pasta experience. The ambiance is casual upscale, the portions are generous, and the pasta is reliably tasty. The downside? It lacks the excitement or creativity to really stand out in a competitive field.
10. Johnny Carino’s
Once more prominent, Johnny Carino’s has seen better days—but it still earns points for its bold flavors. Dishes like the spicy Shrimp Scampi or Skilletini (a spicy pasta stir-fry) make it memorable, even if the quality can be hit-or-miss depending on the location. It’s not fancy, but it gets the job done when you’re craving something with a little kick.
9. Bertucci’s
Bertucci’s brings the wood-fired oven vibes and offers hearty Italian-American staples. The brick oven pizzas often steal the show, but the pasta dishes hold their own. Think cheesy, bubbling lasagna and garlicky fettuccine with grilled chicken. It may not be destination dining, but it’s a reliable spot for a cozy pasta night.
8. Romano’s Macaroni Grill
Macaroni Grill once had a stronger foothold, but it’s still kicking with a well-rounded menu. You’ll find creative dishes like Shrimp Portofino and Penne Rustica, plus a cozy atmosphere with open kitchens and wine bottles on the tables. It’s a little pricier than some competitors, but the flavors and freshness often justify it.
7. Buca di Beppo
Buca di Beppo is the king of chaos—and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. This chain is known for its over-the-top décor, family-style servings, and loud, fun atmosphere. The pasta? Bold, cheesy, saucy, and unapologetically indulgent. It’s not refined, but it’s definitely a good time, especially for groups who want to share a literal mountain of pasta.
6. Maggiano’s Little Italy
Maggiano’s strikes a great balance between quality and quantity. With generous portions, rich sauces, and a classy ambiance, it’s a go-to for family gatherings and date nights alike. The baked ziti, lasagna, and Rigatoni “D” (chicken, mushrooms, caramelized onions, and Marsala cream) are standouts. Bonus: many dishes come with a “take one home” option.
5. The Old Spaghetti Factory
A nostalgic favorite, The Old Spaghetti Factory brings quirky charm and decent pasta in a kitschy setting—think antique décor and booths inside old trolley cars. The food isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s comforting and affordable. Their Mizithra cheese and browned butter pasta is a cult favorite and something you won’t find elsewhere.
4. Olive Garden
Love it or mock it, Olive Garden has carved out a huge fanbase for a reason. The Alfredo sauce is creamy and addictive, the breadsticks are iconic, and who can resist the never-ending pasta bowl promos? It’s not gourmet, but it hits the spot, especially when you want something familiar and indulgent. It’s the McDonald’s of pasta—and we mean that in a good way.
3. Il Fornaio
Il Fornaio offers a more refined Italian dining experience without being pretentious. With a focus on regional Italian dishes and fresh, high-quality ingredients, the pasta here feels more “authentic” than your average chain. The handmade pastas and rotating seasonal menus make it a favorite for those seeking a taste of Italy without the passport.
2. Eataly (La Pizza & La Pasta)
Eataly isn’t a traditional chain—it’s more of a high-end Italian food emporium with sit-down restaurants inside. But La Pizza & La Pasta, their dedicated pasta eatery, deserves a spot near the top. Fresh pasta is made daily, sauces are nuanced, and ingredients are imported straight from Italy. It’s more expensive, but it’s a culinary experience worth the splurge.
1. North Italia
Taking the crown is North Italia, a modern, upscale chain that has redefined what pasta can be in a casual setting. Their handcrafted pasta, beautifully plated dishes, and inventive flavor profiles (like Short Rib Radiatori or Squid Ink Mafaldine) put them in a league of their own. North Italia combines sophistication and comfort seamlessly, proving that chain pasta can absolutely be crave-worthy and creative.
Final Thoughts
From food courts to white tablecloths, pasta in the U.S. comes in many forms. Whether you’re in the mood for a nostalgic trip to Olive Garden or want to indulge in a handcrafted plate at North Italia, there’s a pasta chain out there for everyone. At the end of the day, pasta is personal—so grab a fork, dig in, and enjoy the carbs.