Romano’s Macaroni Grill is a casual dining restaurant chain. The establishment serves Italian-American food. The restaurant is inspired by Italian trattoria cuisine and culture. The chain serves memorable meals that leave great impressions on its guests. The establishment has infused Italian charisma in all aspects of the restaurant. Everything from the food, to the décor, to the signature honor system wine, and the open kitchen, all create a memorable dining experience that guests will remember long after this visit. It is the overall experience that causes guests to return.
Romano’s Macaroni Grill provides a warm and friendly atmosphere. It boasts an amazing old Italian Tuscan inspired décor. The delicious rosemary topped bread with olive oil is definitely a crowd favorite. The restaurant utilizes simple recipes and uses the finest, freshest ingredients, such as Italian herbs, vine-ripened tomatoes, extra virgin olive-oil, fresh lemons and vegetables, imported pastas, and the finest seafood and meats. Overall, the establishment provides a rich Italian-American dining experience.
| Romano's Macaroni Grill Menu | |
|---|---|
| ANTIPASTI | |
| Bruschetta | $ |
| grilled ciabatta bread, whipped ricotta, roma tomatoes, garlic, basil | |
| Spicy Ricotta Meatballs | $ |
| beef, veal & ricotta meatball, caramelized onions, red chile | |
| Calamari Fritti | $ |
| crisp-fried, calabrian peppers pesto, citrus black pepper aioli | |
| Stuffed Mushrooms | $ |
| italian sausage, goat cheese, spinach, toasted breadcrumbs | |
| Portobello Fries | $ |
| parmesan-breaded portobello wedges, citrus black pepper aioli, house-made ketchup | |
| Mac & Cheese Bites | $ |
| toasted four cheese pasta, truffle dip | |
| Baked Prosciutto & Mozzarella | $ |
| prosciutto wrapped fresh mozzarella, arrabbiata, basil | |
| Goat Cheese Peppadew Peppers | $ |
| toasted breadcrumbs, honey balsamic glaze | |
| Crispy Fresh Mozzarella | $ |
| parmesan breaded mozzarella, arrabbiata | |
| Loaded Fries | $ |
| french fries, crispy prosciutto, parmesan, mozzarella cheese sauce, gorgonzola, calabrese peppers | |
| SALADS | |
| Caprese | $ |
| vine-ripened tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil | |
| Parmesan-Crusted Chicken | $ |
| fresh greens, prosciutto, parmesan ranch, balsamic glaze | |
| Bibb & Bleu | $ |
| bibb leaves, gorgonzola, crispy prosciutto, walnuts, pickled red onions, buttermilk dressing (add chicken or shrimp) | |
| Caesar | $ |
| fresh romaine, imported romano, creamy caesar (add chicken or shrimp) | |
| Chicken Florentine | $ |
| roasted chicken, chopped spinach, orzo pasta, tomatoes, capers, olives, pine nuts, lemon vinaigrette | |
| Steak & Greens | $ |
| 5 oz. sliced sirloin, balsamic herb dressing, baby kale, spinach, radicchio, arugula, crispy prosciutto, gorgonzola, crispy onions | |
| CHICKEN | |
| Add Fresh Greens or Caesar, or Bibb & Bleu | |
| Chicken Under a Brick | $ |
| roasted half chicken, seasonal vegetables, roasted parmesan potatoes | |
| Pollo Caprese | $ |
| grilled chicken breast, capellini pomodoro | |
| Chicken Scaloppine | $ |
| artichokes, mushrooms, capers, prosciutto, lemon butter, capellini | |
| Chicken Marsala | $ |
| cremini mushrooms, marsala wine sauce, roasted garlic, capellini | |
| ROMANO'S PARMIGIANA PLATES | |
| We've perfected the classics and invented some new ones along the way. Add Fresh Greens or Caesar, or Bibb & Bleu | |
| Chicken Parmesan | $ |
| capellini pomodoro, mozzarella | |
| Blackened Chicken Parmesan | $ |
| blackened chicken breast, mozzarella, spinach & garlic olive oil cappellini | |
| Eggplant Parmesan | $ |
| capellini pomodoro, mozzarella | |
| Buffalo Chicken Parmesan | $ |
| milanese style chicken, mozzarella, buffalo sauce, calabrian peppers, celery, gorgonzola cream cappellini | |
| CARNE | |
| Add Fresh Greens or Caesar, or Bibb & Bleu | |
| Cremini Pork Shank | $ |
| over a pound of pork shank, marsala wine sauce, caramelized onions, mushrooms, roasted parmesan potatoes | |
| Fig Marsala Pork Chop | $ |
| grilled bone-in pork chop, marsala wine sauce, fig jam, fresh rosemary, roasted parmesan potatoes, seasonal vegetables | |
| Veal Valdostana | $ |
| pan-seared veal chop, prosciutto, mozzarella, marsala wine sauce, roasted parmesan potatoes, seasonal vegetables | |
| Rosemary Ribeye | $ |
| grilled 12 oz. ribeye, house-made rosemary compound butter, roasted parmesan potatoes, seasonal vegetables | |
| Grilled Lamb Chops | $ |
| grilled lamb chops, mustard cream sauce, fresh rosemary, roasted parmesan potatoes, seasonal vegetables | |
| PASTA | |
| Add Fresh Greens or Caesar, or Bibb & Bleu | |
| Classic Italian Bake | $ |
| house made meatballs, italian sausage, rustic tomato sauce, rigatoni, roasted tomatoes, creamy ricotta, basil | |
| Mama's Trio | $ |
| chicken parmesan, lasagna bolognese, & fettuccine alfredo | |
| Penne Rustica | $ |
| roasted chicken, shrimp, rosemary cream, prosciutto, parmesan | |
| Mushroom Ravioli | $ |
| porcini-stuffed fresh pasta, caramelized onions, marsala cream sauce | |
| Create Your Own Pasta | |
| choice of pasta, sauce, accompaniments click camera for choices | |
| Cannelloni Bolognese | $ |
| ricotta, spinach, asiago cream, bolognese sauce | |
| Lasagna Bolognese | $ |
| bolognese sauce, italian sausage, ricotta, grana padano, pomodoro sauce | |
| Fettuccine Alfredo | $ |
| parmesan, butter, cream (add chicken or shrimp) | |
| Mom's Ricotta Meatballs & Spaghetti | $ |
| beef, veal & ricotta meatballs, imported romano, crushed red chile (pomodoro or bolognese sauce) | |
| Carmela's Chicken | $ |
| roasted chicken, rigatoni, caramelized onions, mushrooms, marsala cream | |
| Pasta Milano | $ |
| roasted chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, garlic cream | |
| Butternut Asiago Tortellaci | $ |
| four cheese stuffed tortellacci, asiago cream, butternut squash, prosciutto, parmesan | |
| SEAFOOD | |
| Add Fresh Greens or Caesar, or Bibb & Bleu | |
| Lobster Ravioli | $ |
| lobster-stuffed, chardonnay cream sauce | |
| Parmesan-Crusted Sole | $ |
| pan-seared, lemon butter, capers, sun-dried tomato orzo | |
| Shrimp Scampi | $ |
| sautéed garlic jumbo shrimp, capellini, house-made rosemary compound butter, grape tomatoes | |
| Shrimp Portofino | $ |
| jumbo shrimp, capellini, spinach, mushrooms, garlic, pine nuts, lemon butter | |
| Grilled Salmon | $ |
| atlantic fillet, mediterranean-spiced vinaigrette, sun-dried tomato orzo, lemon | |
| Pasta di Mare | $ |
| scallops, mussels, shrimp, fettuccine, white wine, pomodoro, garlic | |
| ARTISAN PIZZA | |
| Made with doppio zero ("00") flour, the gold standard of pizza dough flour, our artisan pizza has a thick crust and hearty toppings. Baked to perfection in our brick oven. Add Fresh Greens or Caesar, or Bibb & Bleu | |
| Cheese | $ |
| fresh mozzarella, fonduta, parmesan | |
| Margherita | $ |
| bruschetta tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, extra virgin olive oil, basil | |
| Pepperoni | $ |
| pepperoni, fresh mozzarella | |
| Farmhouse | $ |
| butcher-chopped bacon, prosciutto, and pepperoni, sautéed spinach, fresh mozzarella, fonduta, parmesan | |
| EXPRESS LUNCH | |
| SALAD | |
| More satisfying than your typical salad with fresh ingredients and italian flavors. | |
| Pronto Caesar | $ |
| fresh romaine, imported romano, crispy garlic croutons (add parmesan crusted chicken or parmesan crusted salmon bites) | |
| Chicken Milanese Panzanella | $ |
| lightly breaded chicken, roma and yellow grape tomatoes, arugula, pickled onions, olives, parmesan, mediterranean vinaigrette | |
| SANDWICHES | |
| Flavorful italian style sandwiches served warm on fresh ciabatta. | |
| Prosciutto Grilled Cheese | $ |
| lightly smoked prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, four cheese fonduta, ciabatta | |
| Caprese | $ |
| fresh mozzarella, tomato, arugula, basil pesto, mediterranean vinaigrette, ciabatta | |
| Italian Pulled Pork | $ |
| roasted pulled pork, italian slaw, calabrian chili pesto, balsamic glaze, ciabatta | |
| Chicken Parmesan | $ |
| parmesan chicken, mozzarella, imported pomodorina, fresh basil, ciabatta | |
| CALZONETTO | |
| Handheld pockets stuffed with italian flavors then baked in our brick oven. | |
| Chicken Caesar | $ |
| grilled chicken, tomatoes, spinach, oregano, parmesan, mozzarella, caesar dressing | |
| Pepperoni | $ |
| artisan pepperoni, mozzarella, parmesan, provolone | |
| PASTA | |
| Fresh and imported pastas combined with traditional italian ingredients. (add grilled chicken, italian sausage, or shrimp) | |
| Spaghetti Bolognese | $ |
| mediterranean herbs, parmesan, bolognese, imported pomodorina, spaghetti | |
| Sausage Rigatoni | $ |
| italian sausage, mushrooms, romano, creamy alfredo, rigatoni | |
| Baked Ravioli | $ |
| basil, mozzarella, parmesan, imported pomodorina, cheese ravioli | |
| Spaghetti Verdi | $ |
| spinach, romano, parmesan, creamy pesto, spaghetti | |
| EXTRAS | |
| Complete your meal with one of these house favorites. | |
| Tiramisu | $ |
| mascarpone, lady fingers, espresso, rum, cocoa | |
| Side Salad | $ |
| fresh greens or caesar | |
| Rosemary Peasant Bread | $ |
| baked fresh daily, served with seasoned olive oil | |
| Kettle Chips | $ |
| sea salt or barbeque | |
| Chocolate Chip Cookie | $ |
| baked fresh daily | |
| EXPRESS DINNER | |
| SIGNATURE | |
| Twists on Italian classics only found at Romano's | |
| Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti | $ |
| breaded chicken, buffalo butter, gorgonzola cream sauce, spaghetti | |
| Brisket Folded Ravioli | $ |
| beef brisket, rustic tomato sauce, whipped ricotta | |
| PASTA | |
| Imported pastas combined with traditional Italian ingredients | |
| Pesto Chicken Farfalle | $ |
| roasted chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, pesto cream sauce, bow tie | |
| Pork Napoletana | $ |
| neapolitan pork ragu, whipped ricotta, fettuccine | |
| Seasonal Pasta | $ |
| fresh seasonal vegetables, ask for details about today's selection | |
| Proscuitto & Chicken Penne | $ |
| grilled chicken, proscuitto, vodka cream sauce, penne | |
| Brisket Rigatoni | $ |
| beef brisket, marsala and bolognese truffle cream sauce, rigatoni | |
| Pork Belly & Chicken Carbonara | $ |
| grilled chicken, pork belly, creamy carbonara, spaghetti | |
| PLATES | |
| Indulgent dinner portions of classic Italian flavors | |
| Chicken Milanese Panzanella | $ |
| lightly breaded chicken, roma & yellow grape tomatoes, arugula, pickled onions, parmesan, mediterranean vinaigrette, crispy parmesan potatoes | |
| Diavola Scaloppine | $ |
| scaloppine chicken, spicy tomato sauce, four cheese ravioli | |
| APPETIZERS | |
| Start off with Romano's favorite bites. All appetizers are regular menu price. | |
| Spicy Ricotta Meatballs | $ |
| beef & veal, creamy ricotta, caramelized onions, tomato sauce, red pepper, parmesan, orange & lemon zest | |
| Bruschetta | $ |
| crostini, tomato, basil, creamy ricotta |
History
The first Macaroni Grill restaurant was opened in Leon Springs, Texas by Philip J. Romano on April 19, 1988. On November 22, 1989, the company Brinker International, Inc. purchased Romano Macaroni Grill, Inc. On December 18, 2008, Mac Acquisition, LLC purchased a majority of interest in the chain. Mac Acquisition, LLC is an affiliate of Golden Gate Capital. In 2013, Ignite Restaurant Group acquired the chain from Golden Gate Capital. In April 2015, just two years after purchasing the chain, Ignite Restaurant Group sold the chain to Redrock Partners LLC.
Ignite Restaurant Group’s decision to sell the restaurant chain was a result of the chain’s poor performance and inability to deliver. In 2014, the Ignite Restaurant Group closed all of its locations in the state of Missouri. The company had also closed numerous locations in several other cities. In 2014, the location in Germantown, Tennessee was heavily damaged by a fire. Mr. John Gilbert was the President of the Macaroni Grill while it was owned by Ignite Restaurant Group. Mr. Gilbert was also a member of Redrock Partners, LLC. Redrock Partners LLC purchased the chain for only $8 million in 2015.
This price was a drastic difference from the $55 million that Ignite Restaurant Group paid to purchase the chain just two years prior. After Redrock Partners’ purchase in 2015, John Gilbert remained as the Chief Executive Officer and President of the establishment. Mr. Dean Riesen became the chairman of the company. Mr. Dick Monfort, an investor, also joined the leadership team. In addition to restaurant service, the Macaroni Grill brand released a package food products line featuring dishes served in their restaurants. These package food products are manufactured by General Mills Restaurant Favorites.
The chain has expanded to over 200 locations throughout the world. There are locations in various states throughout the United States. These states include: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington. International locations include: Bahrain, Canada, Dubai, Egypt, Germany, Japan, Kuwait, Mexico, Qatar, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates.
Review
The establishment serves a wide variety of Italian-American cuisine. The establishment provides both lunch and dinner. There are also express lunch and express dinner menus available. Express lunch and dinner is available from Mondays to Thursdays for the dine-in option, and on a daily basis for the to-go option. There is also a Lite menu, which serves meals under 600 calories. The establishment also provides dessert, wine, and drinks menus. There is a $10 three course lunch menu available from Mondays to Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Catering is available upon request, along with a separate catering menu. A family meals menu is also available.
The main menu consists of Antipasti, Salads, Parmigiana Plates, Classics, Pasta, and Artisan Pizza, as well as Chicken, Beef, and Fish sections. The Antipasti section prices range from $3 to $10. This section offers Bruschetta, Spicy Ricotta Meatballs, Calamari Fritti, Stuffed Mushrooms, and Crispy Fresh Mozzarella. Salads are priced between $7 and $15, and include Caprese, Caesar, Chicken Florentine, Warm Spinach and Shrimp, Bibb and Bleu, and Parmesan Crusted Chicken Salads. The Parmigiana Plates are priced between $12 and $15. These plates include Chicken Parmesan, Blackened Chicken Parmesan, Eggplant Parmesan, and Buffalo Chicken Parmesan.
The Classics are priced between $11 and $16, and consist of the Classic Italian Bake, Lasagna Bolognese, Fettucine Alfredo, Italian Sausage and Potatoes, and Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs and Spaghetti. The pasta dishes are between $12 and $18. Examples of dishes under the pasta section are the Lobster Ravioli, Shrimp Portofino, Mama’s Trio, Penne Rustica, Pasta Milano, and Pasta Di Mare. There is also the option to create your own pasta. The pizzas cost around $10 and $12. Pizzas served include the Pesto Primavera, Smashed Meatball, Margherita, and Farmhouse pizzas.
The establishment is generally open seven days each week, from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays, and 11:00 a.m. to 11: 00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The establishment accepts reservations. However, there tends to be a wait time, especially on busy nights. There have been complaints of long wait times, even with reservations. Service is decent but slow. Some locations have had issues with cleanliness, so the chain could use some improvement in hygiene. The food is great at some locations but subpar at others. There are complaints that the food and service at certain locations are not what they used to be. The Shrimp Portofino, the Eggplant Parmesan, Penne Rustica and the Chicken Under a Brick are highly recommended.