Carrabba’s Italian Grill structures its menu around the pasta-making station visible from the dining room, and the prices reflect that handmade approach. If you are looking for a full breakdown of the Carrabba’s Menu with Prices before you go, you have come to the right place. We have analyzed the current offerings so you know exactly what to expect when the check arrives.
Dining out should be fun, not stressful. Knowing the cost beforehand helps you pick the right dish without any surprises. Let us walk through the appetizers, the wood-fired pizzas, the pasta classics, and the famous chicken dishes.
Understanding The Current Price Range
Prices at Carrabba’s can shift slightly based on your location. Urban areas often have higher costs than suburban spots. However, the national average gives you a solid baseline.
- Appetizers: $9.99 to $16.99
- Soups and Salads: $5.49 to $17.99
- Pizza (Individual): $13.99 to $15.99
- Pasta Entrees: $15.99 to $24.99
- Chicken and Meat Dishes: $18.99 to $29.99
- Seafood Specials: $22.99 to $34.99
- Desserts: $7.49 to $9.99
- Kids Menu: $6.99 to $8.99
These figures are based on the standard dine-in menu. Lunch portions are often smaller and cheaper. You can usually save a few dollars if you visit before 4 PM on weekdays.
Carrabba’s Menu With Prices
This section gives you the detailed list. We focus on the most popular items that guests order time and time again. Remember that seasonal specials might not appear on this list, but the core menu is very stable.
Starters And Shareables
You cannot skip the appetizers here. The wood-fired grill is not just for entrees. It adds a smoky flavor to the starters too.
- Mussels in White Wine Lemon Butter: $12.99 – Served with grilled bread for dipping.
- Calamari: $11.99 – Fried crisp and served with a spicy marinara.
- Mozzarella Marinara: $9.99 – Hand-breaded and fried, served with marinara.
- Shrimp & Scallop Linguine (Appetizer Size): $14.99 – A smaller portion of the popular pasta.
- Coze Mussels: $13.99 – A spicier tomato-based version.
- Tomato & Fresh Mozzarella: $10.99 – Sliced tomatoes with basil and balsamic.
- Fried Mozzarella: $10.49 – A classic starter with a crispy exterior.
If you are with a group, consider the Family Bundle appetizers. They serve four to six people and cost around $29.99. This includes a mix of fried items and dips.
Soup And Salad Selections
The salads at Carrabba’s are huge. They are easily a meal on their own. The house salad comes with their signature Tuscan dressing, which is creamy and tangy.
- House Salad: $5.49 (Side) / $9.99 (Entree) – Includes Roma tomatoes, red onion, and black olives.
- Caesar Salad: $6.49 (Side) / $10.99 (Entree) – Crisp romaine with shaved parmesan.
- Chicken & Grilled Vegetable Salad: $14.99 – A hearty option with balsamic glaze.
- Italian Salad: $13.99 – Includes salami, pepperoni, and provolone.
- Soup of the Day: $5.49 per cup / $6.99 per bowl – Usually features Chicken Soup or Lentil Soup.
You can add grilled chicken to any salad for an extra $4.99. Adding shrimp costs $6.99. These add-ons are a good way to boost the protein if you are hungry.
Wood-Fired Pizzas
These are individual-sized pizzas. They are cooked in the same oven that roasts the chicken. The crust gets a nice char and is very thin in the middle.
- Margherita Pizza: $13.99 – Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomato sauce.
- Prosciutto Pizza: $15.99 – Topped with arugula and shaved parmesan after baking.
- Bolognese Pizza: $14.99 – Uses the slow-cooked meat sauce as the base.
- Quattro Formaggi: $14.49 – A four-cheese blend with a honey drizzle.
These pizzas are not huge. If you have a big appetite, you might want to order a salad alongside it. They are perfect for one person.
Pasta Classics
This is the heart of the menu. The pasta is made fresh daily. You can watch the chefs roll it out near the entrance. The texture is noticeably different from dried pasta.
- Fettuccine Alfredo: $16.99 – A rich, creamy classic. You can add chicken for $5.99.
- Spaghetti with Meat Sauce: $16.49 – A simple, hearty dish.
- Penne with Arrabbiata: $15.99 – A spicy tomato sauce with a kick.
- Linguine with Shrimp and Scallops: $24.99 – A seafood lover’s dream in a light lemon sauce.
- Rigatoni with Sausage and Peppers: $18.99 – A rustic dish with a lot of flavor.
- Mezzaluna: $17.99 – Half-moon ravioli stuffed with ricotta and spinach.
- Pasta Carrabba: $19.99 – Grilled chicken, mushrooms, and peas in a marsala sauce.
You can substitute the pasta type on most dishes. For example, you can swap linguine for fettuccine at no extra cost. Gluten-free pasta is available for an additional $2.49.
Chicken And Steak Entrees
These dishes come with a side. You usually get a choice of a side salad or a cup of soup. You also get a side of vegetables or potatoes.
- Chicken Bryan: $19.99 – The most famous dish. Grilled chicken topped with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and a lemon butter sauce.
- Chicken Marsala: $18.99 – Buttermilk-marinated chicken in a sweet wine sauce.
- Chicken Parmesan: $18.49 – Breaded and baked with mozzarella over spaghetti.
- Grilled Chicken Trio: $21.99 – A sampler of three different chicken preparations.
- Ribeye Steak: $29.99 – A 14-ounce cut, grilled to order.
- Filet Mignon: $32.99 – Served with a choice of sauce, like the Marsala or the creamy pepper.
The chicken is always moist. They use a buttermilk brine that keeps it tender even on the grill. The steaks are high quality, but they are pricier than the chicken options.
Seafood And Specialty Dishes
Seafood prices fluctuate with the market. The menu lists these at a “Market Price” sometimes. However, most locations have a fixed price for the standard offerings.
- Grilled Salmon: $23.99 – Served with a lemon butter sauce and seasonal vegetables.
- Shrimp Scampi: $21.99 – Served over linguine with a garlic butter sauce.
- Tilapia with Shrimp: $24.99 – A lighter fish topped with shrimp in a white wine sauce.
- Lobster Ravioli: $26.99 – A special that appears on weekends often.
Ask your server about the “Pescatore” special. It is a mix of mussels, clams, shrimp, and scallops over linguine. It usually costs around $28.99 and is very filling.
Lunch Menu And Value Deals
If you want to save money, go for lunch. The lunch menu is available Monday through Friday until 4 PM. Portions are slightly smaller, but the prices are much lower.
- Lunch Pasta Bowls: $10.99 to $12.99 – Includes Alfredo, Marinara, or Meat Sauce.
- Lunch Chicken Dishes: $13.99 – Includes a smaller Chicken Bryan or Marsala.
- Lunch Sandwiches: $10.99 – Includes the Chicken Parm Sandwich or the Italian Stack.
- Soup and Salad Combo: $9.99 – A cup of soup with a half salad.
These lunch deals are the best value on the property. You get the same fresh ingredients for a fraction of the dinner price.
Desserts And Drinks
You cannot leave without trying the dessert. The portions are generous and designed for sharing.
- Sogno di Cioccolata: $8.99 – A warm, flourless chocolate cake with a molten center.
- Tiramisu: $7.99 – A classic coffee-flavored dessert.
- Cheesecake: $7.49 – Served with a berry compote.
- Bread Pudding: $8.49 – Served warm with a bourbon sauce.
For drinks, the house wines are around $7.99 per glass. Specialty cocktails like the Italian Margarita cost about $10.99. They also have a solid selection of craft beers on tap.
How To Order To Save Money
There are a few tricks to keep the bill lower. Carrabba’s does not advertise these, but they are available if you ask.
- Ask for the “Family Style” option: This is for takeout, but it feeds more people for less money per head.
- Join the “Cara Cara” club: You get a free appetizer or dessert for your birthday. You also get a free appetizer just for signing up.
- Check for the “Soups on” special: On certain days, you can get a bowl of soup and a half salad for a reduced price.
- Share an entree: The pasta dishes are large. Ask for an extra plate and split it. There is a small sharing fee of about $2.99, but it is still cheaper than two full meals.
- Use the “Corkage” rule: You can bring your own bottle of wine. The corkage fee is usually $15.00, which is cheaper than buying a bottle from the list.
These strategies can cut your total cost by 20% or more. It is worth asking about the daily specials too. The chefs often run a “Pasta of the Day” that is not on the printed menu.
Nutritional Information And Allergens
If you have dietary restrictions, you need to plan ahead. The menu is not heavily marked with allergen icons. You have to ask your server.
Most sauces contain dairy or gluten. The tomato sauces are usually vegan. The grilled chicken and vegetables are safe for gluten-free diets if you ask for no croutons.
- Gluten-Free Pasta: Available, but it is cooked in the same water as regular pasta unless you specify.
- Vegetarian Options: The Eggplant Parmesan and the Margherita Pizza are good choices.
- Low-Carb Options: You can order any chicken dish and ask for extra vegetables instead of pasta.
Calorie counts are not listed on the main menu. However, you can find them on the Carrabba’s website. The Chicken Bryan is around 800 calories. The Fettuccine Alfredo is closer to 1,100 calories.
Comparing To Other Italian Chains
How does Carrabba’s stack up against the competition? It is generally pricier than Olive Garden. However, the food quality is considered higher by many diners.
Olive Garden’s unlimited soup and salad is around $10.99. Carrabba’s does not offer that. Instead, you pay for a la carte items. A comparable pasta dish at Olive Garden is about $15.99, while at Carrabba’s it is closer to $18.99.
You are paying a premium for the fresh pasta and the open kitchen. The service is also usually more attentive. If you want a cheap, filling meal, go to Olive Garden. If you want a nicer experience with better ingredients, Carrabba’s is the choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Carrabba’s have a happy hour menu?
A: Yes, most locations have a “Toast to Taste” happy hour. It runs from 3 PM to 6 PM on weekdays. You can get discounted drinks and small plates like the Calamari for about $7.99.
Q: Are the prices on the online menu the same as in-store?
A: Usually, yes. However, franchise locations might have slightly different pricing. It is always best to check the receipt. The online menu is a reliable guide, but it is not a legal contract.
Q: Can I use a gift card to pay?
A: Absolutely. Carrabba’s accepts its own gift cards and also the “Darden” brand gift cards. You can use them for dine-in, takeout, or the bar.
Q: Is there a discount for seniors or military?
A: Carrabba’s does not have a national policy for this. However, many individual locations offer a 10% discount. You have to ask your server. It is not advertised.
Q: What is the price range for the “Family Bundle” takeout?
A: The bundles start at $49.99. This usually includes a large salad, a loaf of bread, and a large pasta. It feeds about four people. This is the most economical way to feed a family.
Final Thoughts On The Bill
Carrabba’s is not a budget restaurant. A dinner for two with an appetizer, two entrees, and a dessert will easily run you over $80.00 before tip. However, the quality of the ingredients and the consistency of the cooking justify the cost for many people.
To keep the bill manageable, stick to the lunch menu or order a pizza and a salad. The pizza is filling and reasonably priced. The service is generally excellent, so factor in a 20% tip when you are budgeting.
Always check the receipt for any automatic gratuity if you are in a large party. Groups of six or more often have an 18% tip added automatically. This is standard practice.
We hope this guide helps you order with confidence. The menu is vast, but now you know the prices. Go enjoy the bread and the olive oil dip, and have a great meal.