Founded in 1986 by Johnny Carrabba and Damian Mandola in Houston, Texas, Carrabba’s Italian Grill has established itself as a household name for authentic Italian-American comfort food. Known for its wood-burning grills, rich house-made pomodoro sauces, and warm family hospitality, the restaurant offers a varied menu that spans crispy starters, handcrafted pasta, oak-grilled steaks, and indulgent desserts.
Starters & Appetizers (Antipasti)
Every great Italian meal starts with shared small plates. Carrabba’s signature starters combine seafood, melted cheeses, and classic herbs paired with house marinara or lemon butter sauces.
| Item Name | Description | Price (USD) |
| Calamari | Hand-breaded crispy squid served with marinara and Ricardo sauce | $17.79 |
| Mozzarella Marinara | Hand-cut mozzarella slices, breaded and fried with pomodoro sauce | $13.79 |
| Shrimp Scampi | Garlic, white wine, and lemon butter sauce served with toasted herb bread | $14.99 |
| Coze in Bianco | Prince Edward Island mussels steamed in white wine, basil, and lemon butter | $16.00 |
| Meatballs & Ricotta | Simmered meatballs in pomodoro sauce with dollops of ricotta and romano cheese | $9.49 |
| Four-Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms | Mushrooms filled with sausage, spinach, ricotta, romano, and mozzarella | $10.49 |
| Tomato Caprese with Burrata | Creamy burrata mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze | $13.79 |
Signature Pasta Dishes
Handcrafted pasta is the backbone of the menu. From slow-simmered bolognese sauces to rich white wine cream mixtures, these entrees represent traditional Italian comfort.
| Item Name | Description | Price (USD) |
| Fettuccine Carrabba | Fettuccine Alfredo topped with wood-grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and peas | $25.99 |
| Fettuccine Weesie | Fettuccine Alfredo with sautéed shrimp, scallions, and lemon butter sauce | $26.99 |
| Lasagne | Pasta layers with pomodoro sauce, meat sauce, ricotta, romano, and mozzarella | $21.99 |
| Mezzaluna | Half-moon ravioli filled with chicken, spinach, and ricotta in tomato cream sauce | $24.79 |
| Rigatoni Martino | Rigatoni tossed with wood-grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and ricotta salata | $25.99 |
| Lobster Ravioli | Ravioli stuffed with lobster and romano cheese in a white wine cream sauce | $29.29 |
| Linguine Positano | Pasta tossed with crushed tomatoes, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and basil | $22.79 |
| Spaghetti with Meatballs | Classic spaghetti served with house-made meatballs and pomodoro sauce | $18.29 |
Wood-Grilled Chicken, Steaks & Seafood
Carrabba’s uses real wood-fired grills to infuse smoky richness into tender poultry, aged cuts of beef, and fresh seafood.
| Item Name | Description | Price (USD) |
| Chicken Bryan | Grilled chicken breast topped with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and lemon butter | $29.29 |
| Chicken Marsala | Grilled chicken cutlet topped with mushrooms and Lombardo Marsala wine sauce | $29.29 |
| Pollo Rosa Maria | Stuffed chicken breast with fontina cheese and prosciutto, topped with basil lemon butter | $29.79 |
| Chicken Parmesan | Breaded chicken cutlet with pomodoro sauce, melted mozzarella, and parmesan | $26.49 |
| Tuscan-Grilled Sirloin (7 oz) | Center-cut sirloin seasoned with wood-grill baste, olive oil, and herbs | $26.49 |
| Tuscan-Grilled Filet (9 oz) | Tender filet mignon prepared on the wood grill with choice of topping | $41.79 |
| Simply Grilled Salmon | Wood-grilled Atlantic salmon cooked over open flames with signature herbs | $26.49 |
| Spiedino di Mare | Wood-grilled shrimp and sea scallops coated with breadcrumbs and lemon butter | $34.29 |
Combination Trios & Specialties
If choosing a single entree is difficult, signature combinations allow you to sample multiple house specialties on a single plate.
| Item Name | Description | Price (USD) |
| Carrabba’s Italian Classics Trio | Features Chicken Parmesan, Lasagne, and Fettuccine Alfredo | $30.29 |
| The Johnny Trio | Features Chicken Bryan, 7 oz Tuscan-Grilled Sirloin Marsala, and Mezzaluna | $36.29 |
| Chicken Trio | Features sampling portions of Chicken Bryan, Pollo Rosa Maria, and Chicken Marsala | $34.79 |
| Eggplant Parmesan | Layers of sliced eggplant coated with seasoned breadcrumbs, pomodoro, and mozzarella | $24.79 |
Soups, Salads & Sides
Entrees are commonly paired with scratch-made soups or house side items.
| Item Name | Description | Price (USD) |
| Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup | Spicy chicken soup made with rice and vegetables | $6.99 |
| Minestrone Soup | Traditional vegetable soup made with beans and herbs | $6.99 |
| Italian Cobb Salad | Field greens, wood-grilled chicken, bacon, eggs, blue cheese, and vinaigrette | $16.49 |
| Garlic Mashed Potatoes | Whipped potatoes blended with roasted garlic butter and cream | $5.49 |
| Sautéed Broccoli | Fresh broccoli cooked with garlic, olive oil, and red bell peppers | $5.49 |
| Grilled Asparagus | Lightly seasoned asparagus spears cooked on the wood grill | $8.79 |
Decadent Desserts
No meal is complete without traditional Italian sweets made fresh daily.
| Item Name | Description | Price (USD) |
| Sogno Di Cioccolata (“Chocolate Dream”) | Chocolate fudge brownie topped with mousse, fresh whipped cream, and chocolate sauce | $12.00 |
| Tiramisu | Ladyfingers soaked in espresso liqueur with layered mascarpone and chocolate | $12.00 |
| Traditional Cannoli | Two crispy pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta cheese, chocolate chips, and pistachios | $10.20 |
| Strawberry Cheesecake | New York-style cheesecake finished with fresh strawberry puree | $12.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Carrabba’s menu prices the same across all locations?
Prices can vary slightly depending on your region, city-specific tax rates, and whether you are ordering in-restaurant or via third-party delivery services. It is always recommended to check your local branch’s official menu for exact location pricing.
2. Does Carrabba’s offer gluten-free menu options?
Yes! Carrabba’s offers a dedicated gluten-free menu that includes gluten-free pasta substitutes, wood-grilled steaks, grilled chicken, fresh salads, and vegetable sides prepared with strict cross-contamination protocols.
3. What are the most popular signature dishes on the menu?
The most famous dishes include Chicken Bryan ( topped with goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes), Chicken Marsala, Fettuccine Weesie, and the Carrabba’s Italian Classics Trio for first-time diners who want a variety.
4. Is complementary bread served with meals?
Yes, dining in at Carrabba’s includes their signature warm, freshly baked crusty loaf of bread served with a famous dried herb blend mixed with extra virgin olive oil at the table.
5. Does Carrabba’s offer a catering or family menu?
Carrabba’s offers Family Bundles and large-format catering packages that serve 4 to 5 people (or larger groups). These bundles include entrees like Lasagne, Chicken Parmesan, or Penne Carrabba paired with fresh salad and warm bread.
Final Thoughts
Carrabba’s Italian Grill continues to stand out in the casual dining scene by balancing classic recipes with premium wood-grilled flavors. Whether you are stopping by for a light lunch special, bringing the family together over a classic pasta dish, or ordering a trio plate for a celebration, the menu offers diverse options suited for every budget and taste preference. Keep this pricing guide handy for your next meal planning experience!