Every table at Johnny Carino’s tells a story of Italian comfort, but the prices tell the real tale of portion sizes and value. When you search for Johnny Carino’s Menu with Prices, you want real numbers, not vague descriptions. You want to know if the Chicken Scaloppine is worth your hard-earned cash before you drive across town.
This guide breaks down the current menu, item by item, with the actual dollars and cents you can expect to pay. We will look at appetizers, pastas, pizzas, and those famous family-style dinners. You will also get a few tips on how to order smart and maybe save a buck or two.
Johnny Carino’s Menu With Prices
Prices can shift slightly depending on your location, but the figures below represent the national average. You might see a difference of a dollar or two in certain states or cities. The menu focuses on hearty, Southern-Italian inspired dishes that are meant to be shared.
Most locations offer lunch specials that are significantly cheaper than the dinner portions. If you are eating between 11 AM and 3 PM on a weekday, you can often get the same pasta for three to four dollars less. Always ask your server about the lunch menu before ordering from the main list.
Appetizers And Starters
The starters are large. Seriously, one order of the Calamari could feed two people as a snack. The prices here reflect that sharing mentality.
- Bruschetta Carino – $8.99
- Calamari – $10.49
- Fried Mozzarella – $8.49
- Italian Nachos – $9.99
- Chicken & Gnocchi Soup (Cup) – $4.29
- Chicken & Gnocchi Soup (Bowl) – $5.79
- House Salad (Small) – $4.99
- House Salad (Large) – $7.49
The Italian Nachos are a sleeper hit. They come topped with pepperoni, sausage, and banana peppers. It is a heavy dish, so do not order a full pasta if you plan to finish these alone.
Specialty Pastas And Entrees
This is the heart of the menu. The pastas are served with a choice of soup or salad. You also get their famous bread and olive oil dip on the table. Remember that the dinner portions are big enough for leftovers.
- Spaghetti with Meat Sauce – $12.99
- Spaghetti with Meatballs – $14.49
- Fettuccine Alfredo – $13.99
- Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo – $16.49
- Chicken Scaloppine – $17.99
- Chicken Parmigiana – $16.99
- Eggplant Parmigiana – $14.99
- Lasagna – $15.49
- Rigatoni with Chicken – $16.99
- Shrimp Scampi – $18.49
- Grilled Chicken Spedini – $17.49
- Chicken Marsala – $17.99
The Chicken Scaloppine is a crowd favorite. It comes with artichoke hearts, capers, and a light lemon butter sauce. It is tangy and rich at the same time. If you like mushrooms, ask them to add some for a small upcharge.
Pizza And Flatbreads
Carino’s does not just do pasta. Their pizzas are thin crust and cooked in a brick oven. They are crispier than standard delivery pizza. You can order a personal size or a large to share.
- Personal Cheese Pizza – $9.49
- Large Cheese Pizza – $14.99
- Pepperoni Pizza (Large) – $16.99
- BBQ Chicken Pizza (Large) – $17.99
- Margherita Pizza (Large) – $15.99
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza (Large) – $18.49
The personal pizza is actually a decent size for one person. It comes with a side salad if you order it as a combo, but that will add about two dollars to the price. The crust has a nice chew to it, which is rare for chain restaurants.
Family Style Dinners
If you are feeding a group, this is where the value jumps out. The family style option gives you a large platter of pasta, a big salad, and a basket of bread. It is designed for two or more people.
- Family Style for Two – $29.99
- Family Style for Four – $54.99
- Family Style for Six – $79.99
You get to pick one pasta and one salad for the two-person option. For the larger sizes, you can pick two different pastas. This is the best deal on the menu if you are splitting the bill. The portions are massive and often leave enough for lunch the next day.
Lunch Menu Prices
Do not skip the lunch menu. It is available Monday through Friday until 3 PM. The portions are smaller, but they are still filling. You get a side salad or a cup of soup with every lunch entree.
- Lunch Spaghetti – $8.99
- Lunch Fettuccine Alfredo – $9.49
- Lunch Chicken Parmigiana – $10.99
- Lunch Lasagna – $10.49
- Lunch Chicken Scaloppine – $11.99
- Lunch Grilled Chicken Spedini – $11.49
The lunch menu is the secret weapon for budget diners. You get the same quality of food and the same bread service. The only difference is the portion size on the plate. For most people, the lunch portion is actually the perfect amount.
Desserts And Drinks
You will need to save room for dessert, or just take it to go. The desserts are made in-house and are quite rich. The prices are reasonable compared to the entrees.
- Tiramisu – $6.99
- Chocolate Chip Cannoli – $5.99
- Italian Cream Cake – $6.49
- Spumoni – $5.49
- Soft Drinks – $3.29
- Coffee – $2.99
The Tiramisu is the standout. It has a strong espresso flavor and is not overly sweet. If you are sharing, one slice is enough for two people. The cannoli shells stay crispy, which is a good sign of freshness.
How To Save Money On Your Visit
You do not have to pay full price every time. There are a few strategies to keep the bill lower. First, sign up for the Carino’s email club. They send out a welcome coupon for a free appetizer or a discount on your first order.
Second, check the happy hour menu. Many locations have discounted drinks and small plates from 3 PM to 6 PM. You can get a few appetizers and make a meal out of them for under fifteen dollars.
Third, look for the “Buy One, Get One” pasta deals. These happen on certain weekdays, usually Tuesday or Wednesday. You can order one pasta and get a second one free to take home. This is perfect for meal prep.
Finally, always ask about the current promotions. Servers are often told about limited-time offers that are not on the printed menu. They might have a coupon behind the counter or a special on a new dish. It never hurts to ask politely.
Understanding The Portion Sizes
New customers are often shocked by the size of the dinner plates. The standard pasta portion is about double what you would get at a regular Italian spot. You can easily split one dinner entree between two people if you also order a side salad.
If you are watching your carb intake, the grilled chicken dishes are a better bet. The Spedini comes with a side of vegetables instead of pasta. The portion is still generous, but it is lighter than the Alfredo or the Lasagna.
For kids, there is a separate menu with smaller prices. The kids spaghetti is around $5.99 and comes with a drink. The kids menu includes chicken fingers and macaroni and cheese as well.
Gluten Free And Allergy Options
Carino’s offers gluten-free pasta at most locations. It is a penne style that costs an extra $1.50 to substitute. They also have a gluten-free pizza crust, but it is not available at every single store. You should call ahead to confirm.
The kitchen is generally good about handling allergies. They will clean the grill and use separate utensils if you tell them. The staff is trained to ask about food allergies when you order. The menu does not have a huge selection of vegan options, but the marinara sauce is vegan.
If you have a dairy allergy, you can order the spaghetti with marinara and skip the parmesan cheese. The bread service contains dairy, so you should ask for a substitute or just decline it.
Takeout And Catering
You can order takeout directly from the restaurant or through third-party apps. The prices are the same as dining in, but you will pay a delivery fee if you use a service like DoorDash or Uber Eats. Pickup is always cheaper.
When you order takeout, they pack the bread and the pasta separately. This keeps the bread from getting soggy. The salad dressing is also on the side. They do a good job with packaging to ensure the food arrives hot.
Catering is available for large events. You can order trays of lasagna, chicken parmigiana, and salads. The catering menu is priced per tray and serves about ten people. This is a cost-effective option for office lunches or family gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Johnny Carino’s Have A Happy Hour Menu?
Yes, most locations have a happy hour from 3 PM to 6 PM on weekdays. You can find discounted prices on select appetizers and drinks. The specific items vary by location, so it is best to check with your local restaurant.
Are There Any Coupons For Johnny Carino’s?
You can find coupons on their official website or by signing up for their email newsletter. They often send out a coupon for a free appetizer with the purchase of two entrees. Check your local mailers as well for paper coupons.
What Is The Cheapest Item On The Menu?
The cheapest item is the cup of Chicken & Gnocchi Soup at $4.29. If you want a full meal, the Lunch Spaghetti at $8.99 is the most affordable entree option. The personal cheese pizza at $9.49 is also a good budget choice.
Do They Offer A Military Discount?
Many locations offer a 10% military discount with a valid ID. This is not a national policy, so it depends on the franchise owner. You should ask your server if they offer this discount before you pay.
Can I Order A Half Portion Of Pasta?
No, the restaurant does not officially offer half portions on the dinner menu. However, you can order from the lunch menu during lunch hours to get a smaller portion. You can also just ask for a to-go box and save half for later.
Final Thoughts On Pricing And Value
Johnny Carino’s is not the cheapest Italian chain, but you are paying for larger portions and better ingredients. The quality of the chicken is noticeably higher than some competitors. The service is usually friendly and attentive, which adds to the overall experience.
If you are on a tight budget, stick to the lunch menu or the family style deal. If you are celebrating something, the dinner entrees are worth the splurge. The key is to know the prices before you go so you are not surprised by the bill.
The menu does change seasonally, so check the website for the latest offerings. They often add a limited-time pasta or a seasonal dessert. The core menu items listed above have been stable for years, so you can rely on those prices.
Remember that the prices listed here are averages. Your final bill might be slightly higher or lower depending on your state’s tax rate and local food costs. Always confirm the price on the menu before ordering if you are concerned about the cost.
One last tip: the bread and oil dip is unlimited. You can ask for more bread at no extra charge. This is a great way to fill up if you are not ordering a huge entree. Just do not fill up so much that you cannot enjoy your pasta.
So next time you are thinking about Italian food, you have a clear picture of what you will spend. The portions are generous, the flavors are bold, and the prices are fair for what you receive. Go in with a plan, and you will leave satisfied with your wallet intact.