Came for the cocktail dinner. Amazing food. Amazing drinks. Amazing service! We'll be back again and again! Next month we're trying the wine dinner! read more

Carrabba's Italian Grill - Italian Near Me - Ellicott City, Maryland

First time coming to this location. We were a party of three. We were seated quickly and ordered the chicken trio, chicken parmesan, husband had a fish dish. We all had Caesar salads and shared a large sausage lentil soup. I have to mention that we all agreed the food was delicious and perfectly prepared. This was the case for EVERYTHING we ate. This is the best Carrabba's location we have ever visited. And the service was almost exceptional. We were taken aback with it, from the hostess, to our waitress, to the person who brought out our food. Everyone seemed like they wanted to be there, smiling, nice and attentive. I'm a little surprised at the ratings because Carrabba's is usually very good. Too bad I can only give 5 stars because I would have given it more. This will be our favorite location moving forward and it's also closer to home. read more

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I hadn't been to Carrabba's in probably 10-20 years. The last time I went, children could make their own bread. Naturally, I assumed things would be just as good or okay. We came because I had a 10% discount through my credit card, and I thought, "Why not?" I used to like Carrabba's! I even convinced my husband to skip Topgolf for this "experience." The discount ended up saving me $8. Easily the hardest $8 I have ever earned. We walked in and were immediately hit with approximately 1,000 watts of fluorescent lighting. This restaurant was so bright you could see the booths were literally hot-glued to the wall. The hosts handed us approximately 47 menus (actually 10) and directed us to a booth that looked like it had been installed during the Bush administration. We ordered cocktails, appetizers, and entrées. The bread? Excellent. No notes. FOOD: The chicken soup was salty enough to qualify as a preservation method. The Mezzaluna summer special tasted like someone melted a lemon Jolly Rancher onto unfinished pasta and then introduced it to goat cheese. Please avoid the Mezzaluna. It has suffered enough. The lemon berry sangria tasted like someone poured vodka into a glass of lemonade and whispered "berry" over it. And then there was the open kitchen. An open kitchen can be beautiful. Unfortunately, this one was being displayed under stadium lighting, so instead of "fresh Italian cooking," it gave "Applebee's during an IRS audit." Even the bathroom was committed to the experience. Trash cans? Yes. Paper towels? Absolutely not. One lonely hand dryer with a bit more power than me blowing on my own hands. Service: But here's the plot twist: our server was fantastic! All servers were 10/10. Truly wonderful service. I couldn't have asked for a better server while simultaneously being served some of the worst food I've had in this decade. At this point, I can only assume Carrabba's happy hour is an absolute masterpiece keeping this place alive. My recommendations to Carrabba's owner: Dim the lights. Hide the hot-glued booths. Close the kitchen. Reconsider the menu(s). My recommendation to customers: Take any discount you're offered and go somewhere else. I'm not sure why we did this but we took some of the pasta in a box to-go. Afterwards, we explored the small city nearby and after an hour, returned to my car and my husband sat in the car and made a face of horror, disgust, and fear. He asked if I farted due to a foul odor in my car. No... it was the left over pasta in my car. We both laughed and tossed the pasta in the trash before going home. My recommendation to my husband: Next time, we're going to Topgolf. read more

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2.7.26 Loved the Mama Mandola's Sicilian Chicken Noodle Soup, though I would have preferred it a bit milder since it had more of a kick than I expected. Hubby and I split the Johnny Trio, which came with the sirloin marsala, chicken Bryan, and mezzaluna ravioli. I enjoyed the ravioli, but the sirloin was chewy and the chicken was on the dry side. Our entrée also included a Caesar salad, but it didn't come with enough croutons or dressing. I could have asked for more, but we were already getting full, so I let it go. Our server was super friendly and attentive. If we return, I'd be more inclined to order a pasta dish with the protein mixed in. read more

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Wait staff is great and food during wine dinner was outstanding - as was the wine both the selection and the taste

Probably haven't been here in over 15 years. All the pasta taste freshly made ... my Italian salad I didn't care for too much but the chicken minestrone soup was delicious I can definitely return for a bowl of that alone taste like it was homemade. Very large portions. Easy parking. Bathrooms very clean. I. Price everyone had sangria I didn't get any but from the looks of it I must've missed something awesome ...our waiter was ok. Did his job not overly friendly nor mean.... Just ok. read more

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I chose to try Carrabba's locally after we had such a wonderful experience at Carrabba's while visiting out of town in North Carolina. We came here for the Valentines special which was perfect on so many levels. There was a curated Valentines menu that I checked out online and via email promotions prior to coming to the restaurant. The restaurant was not crowded which was perfect and the service and food were on point. This made for a wonderful evening and Valentine's Day dinner minus the crowds along with excellent service. Will definitely love to return especially for those curated meal options. read more

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Great service by Desere. She was supper attentive and friendly. The food I ordered came out in reasonable time. It was a cloudy day and the lights were low inside but the restaurant still had a great atmosphere. read more

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Ambiance = nice Service = excellent Food = very good. Karla our server was fantastic tonight. We enjoyed all of our dishes but the lentil and sausage soup was fantastic as was the tiramisu. The bread and olive oil were outstanding. My chicken piccata was pretty good but I would have put less sauce on the good quality chicken breasts. Overall I would definitely return. read more

My mom and I went to Carrabba's for lunch; we were pleasantly surprised. We ordered the appetizer trio combo and from the lunch menu. Not sure if it was because it wasn't busy, but the food came out fresh and hot. There was only waiter but he did a great job. Efficient and attentive. read more

Carrabba's Italian Grill - Cannoli Cake for 2 - Italian Near Me - Ellicott City, Maryland

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Carrabas Ellicott City, why do you torture me? Eating here feels like choosing a NFL first round draft pick...incredibly high upside, but always the chance of a bust. We wandered into this location on a moderately busy Saturday evening. The folks manning the hostess stand seemed pretty confused, perhaps they're new...but with plenty of empty tables in both the bar and restaurant, it shouldn't have taken 15 minutes to figure out where to park us. I almost walked out, but I'm glad I didn't. Once seated, a very friendly Carla came over to take our order. Drinks came out quickly and the first and second courses followed in a timely fashion. It's certainly worth mentioning that the Tuscan grilled sirloin and chicken were both excellent. The sides of mashed potatoes and pasta were fine, but the sautéed broccoli tasted and smelled like it just came out of a pan that had just cooked salmon. I actually quite like salmon, but it was somewhat odd to have the broccoli taste like it. The chocolate sogno dessert was great. Had it not been for the difficult seating and fishy broccoli, you would have easily earned 4+ stars...the bulk of the meal was stellar. Note to the management, kudos for the mortar boards dangling from the ceiling during graduation season and supporting the local graduates and their families. Also, you would do well to have Carla train other servers how to speak to patrons. Loud enough to be heard over the robust chatter in the space, without being boomy. She also articulated well...no mumbles. Lastly, get some bus staff...your hosts should not have to bus tables leaving me waiting around for a seat. read more

The food was excellent. However the carry out service was horrible. They don't double check the order so items are sometimes missing. No one came to my car so I resorted to going inside the restaurant to pick it up. read more

I have not been here in ages. Came down for a drink and was not disappointed. I had an old fashion. It was pretty strong but also well made. I have to say that complementary bread/herbs/oil is so dangone good!!! The service was fast polite and accurate. The setting here is always intimately lite. Put me in the right mind state. I'll come back to try some food another time. read more

Carrabba's Italian Grill - Italian old fashion. - Italian Near Me - Ellicott City, Maryland

Our server (Jason) couldn't have been better. A+ service from beginning to end! The restaurant was almost deserted on this Fourth of July Friday. Amazingly quiet. Both of us thoroughly enjoyed our meals. Pollo Rosa Maria for me and Shrimp and Scallop Linguine alla Vodka for my partner. read more

Just finished for Mother's Day and it was excellent! Desiree our server was awesome! So sweet and attentive. From the moment we walked in till the time we left everyone was fabulous. The food was pretty darn tasty too read more

The host who was a tall brown haired young woman was horribly rude. We had to wait for at least 20-30 minutes until she came to the front . She also gave us attitude and rolled her eyes at us. We will not be coming here again. Very disappointed. read more

waited over 25 minutes, had to ask two servers at least to get service. Other servers looked at me standing there did not offer service at all. Server staff really needs training in this regard. read more

Service is what we are thrive for. We had a party for 22, using two big tables and 4 separate checks. Whew..... not easy. Rachel, our waitress, was as cool and calm as you would desire. Her professionalism was obvious! She took all the orders and got help to deliver. She served our cocktails with a smile! Now for the food. I did two appetizers instead of one main meal. Loved the shrimp scampi and meatballs with ricotta. The steak dinners people ordered were superb! Of course the pasta dishes shined. All in all, a wonderful experience! Coming from NY, I was neutral, but now I know I found a keeper with this Carrabas for sure! read more

We went to Carrabba'a for a quick date night and dinner on a weekday, so it was pretty quiet and chill vibes. We sat that the bar, and our waiter was nice. My favorite dish was the shrimp scampi and bread; it was unique! The soup was mediocre and as were the calamari. My husband and I shared a steak; it was flavorful! read more

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I was hoping for more. The good: service was very good. Prompt and while there was an error in a dish prep, they were apologetic, quick to remake, and did everything to make us feel valued. The bad: the food. Average at best. It's been a minute since I've been to a Carrabba's, and I thought the food was really good. Nope. Basic at best. No pasta with entrees. No sauce on the chicken. Tons of daises on the ravioli. Just not good. A bit salty as well. I would not rush back anytime soon. I'd prefer to support a local place. But the servers were excellent!! read more

I've been coming to this location for about a year and I do genuinely enjoy it. It's a great place to come if you are looking for casual Italian-American meal, this is a great place to come to. Service is consistently prompt and courteous. Food is always fresh and I think the servers are always friendly. Service can get a little slow on Friday or Saturday nights after 6, but that's a minor complaint. They are also eager to please and adapt meals for dietary concerns. read more

Carrabba's Italian Grill - Mezzaluna ravioli - Italian Near Me - Ellicott City, Maryland

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The food was delicious. Our server Searra was a fantastic! Professional, cheerful and checked in regularly to ensure we were enjoying the food and drinks. read more

Horrible experience at this Ellicott City location, went there for my birthday today and couldn't even get seated. There was no host/hostess for 15 minutes and finally one came but was so checked out that they didn't even make eye contact but disappeared for over 10 minutes to find us a table but we left because the service was so bad. Driving to Pasadena now. read more

If you're looking for a good affordable happy hour spot check out Carrabba's. I stopped in on 23 Feb 2024. The pomegranate martini was dangerously delicious! I also enjoyed the meatball sliders, and calamari. For dinner I had the rigatoni with sausage, and the lentil soup with sausage. Very good outing. read more

Carrabba's Italian Grill - Sausage and lentil soup - Italian Near Me - Ellicott City, Maryland

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I just canceled my dine in order the location in Ellicott City MD because I watched the manager handle food directly after coughing in his hands. When I told him what I observed he told me that it's perfectly fine because his hands are pre loaded with hand sanitizer. Please send your managers to food handling training. read more

Carrabba's Italian Grill - Italian Near Me - Ellicott City, Maryland

I was sitting around bored on a Friday evening and decided to head down to Carrabas since it was close by and via Google one of the few places left with Happy Hour until 7!!!! I am very happy I did. HH deals are great! My HH white wine was really good & came with the cutest little charcuterie board topper. I sat at the bar and the bartenders Jason and Wendell were awesome and very attentive. I ordered the soup and chicken piccata with spaghetti- the soup was FAB! I am normally a die hard Caesar salad girl but just wasnt in the mood tonight. All and all, my last minute decision turned into a wonderful decision. I will be back! read more

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worst meal in a long time. wife and granddaughter ordered chicken with broccoli . don't know they call it. cheap small piece of chicken with 7-8 pieces of broccoli. that was it. I could make that for $3. they charged $25. it was terrible. I will never go back there. read more

Came here for quick lunch pick up that turned into a fiasco. I was trying to use my bonus cards and their system was already down when I arrived so ordered were running behind. I really don't want to relive this so I'll make it quick. The young lady who was taking care of curbside does not understand simple directions. I was asked if I wanted my second dish ordered and I be replied "no" since I was not able to use the bonus card from a prior giftcard purchase. Somehow I was running up for that item and everything else when I started I only wanted one think ‍ I'm irritated I spent 90% of my lunch break in the parking lot waiting for my food that came out a total of three times before I was able to leave with it street being charged for what I did not want read more

Carrabba's Italian Grill - Showing out for this wine dinner - Italian Near Me - Ellicott City, Maryland

So I've been a devout customer since they opened in Ellicott City. They've changed a bit but there aren't many that can remain a 4 star. Right? Recipes change. Cooks change. Servers come with attitudes. Right? I understand that and still remain a dedicated customer until recently. Why? Sanitation. That's a big one for me. Major. I was in the lady's room and a food handler manager (helping out during a shortage) came in, did her business and just left...simply bypassed sink, soap and water. After I washed my hands, there she was- gloveless mind you - at the cook's counter handling entrees and salads and appetizers- without a care. Disgusting. Her. Her hands. Her habits. All of it. I was done! Never again! read more

Food was good but the wine even better. Will go back for the mozzarella sticks. Service was ok read more

Carrabba's Italian Grill - Italian Near Me - Ellicott City, Maryland

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I have eaten at many places but Carrabbas in Ellicott City by far is number 1. Our server Jessica was friendly, knowledgeable and made our time very special. She offered $10 takehomes which is definitely worth the deal and the wine dinners We will be telling everyone and will be coming to the dinner. The manager Therese came to our table and spoke so highly of the staff and food she was amazing. The restaurant was very clean. read more

I usually stay away from chains, but we were at target and we were hungry and this was close. This is a quintessential family style restaurant. We sat at the bar and the bartender, Jason, was great, and very polite. The food presented well and decent tasting. I also got the steak (not pictured) and that was decent. The fact that you can add pasta as a side really ensures you can get your Italian American fix when coming here. Again, I don't do chains usually but this place was enjoyable. read more

Carrabba's Italian Grill - Combination sampler - Italian Near Me - Ellicott City, Maryland

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Excellent tasting food with superior service. Dine rewards customer that keeps coming back.

I have been to Carrabbas a few times and I have never been a fan. I think it's because most of their menu items contain mushrooms and I am allergic. Went hiring the week and it was pretty crowded. I did the call ahead to be added to the waiting list because they do not do reservations. I don't think calling already made any difference because I still had to wait 30 minutes to be seated. Food was average and service was average as well. There was nothing particularly bad but nothing to work me and keep me coming back. read more

Carrabba's Italian Grill - View from outside - Italian Near Me - Ellicott City, Maryland

Food was not hot and tasted like it was made with cheap ingredients. Restaurant also could use an update.

The worst service by the manager, host and car side carry out. Called about my order and the phone rang and rang and rang. Finally, a live person and Erin at the hostess desk was no help, as she continued to transfer me without trying to get someone on the phone to help me. The manager was useless, as he rambled on about not being able to help me before hearing my problem. Got my overpriced order that had no soup or bread. Sorry excuse for a restaurant. read more

We went for a weekday lunch on a Thursday at 1 pm, which was not crowded. Our server was very pleasant and checked on us periodically. Lunch entrees are reasonably priced starting at $10.99. Only setback was waiting for our meals that took 20-25 minutes. read more

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Food was very good. Our server was excellent. A nice dining experience with friends.

Carrabbas The best restaurant, service, and quality in all their dishes. Excellent catering service! They catered our wedding. Our guests were delighted! With Carrabbas, Ellicott City. Thank you, Theresa Desery and Searra Lety & Jack read more

We go to Carrabba's once every 2 weeks or so. The food is consistently good; Ive never had anything bad there. The service is also good. The bread comes out warm, the calamari app is good, any of the pastas are good - I really like their steak as well. Desserts are great! And the Italian Old Fashioned is a great alcoholic drink they have. read more