I like Italian food, and I am usually pretty skeptical of chain restaurants, so when my visiting mother said she'd like to go to Carrabba's I was all set for the usual spaghetti and meatballs with tasteless tomato sauce chain experience. Boy was I surprised. \r
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The food was just great. Even the bread was unusually good - nice and warm and doughy, with olive oil & herbs for dipping. The calamari appetizer was done with a spicy batter, very authentic and not like the usual frozen stuff, with a chunky tomato sauce. The eggplant parmesan was wonderful - layered with cheese & sauce but not deep-fried, with a side of pasta that was the best I've had since Rome. My wife and mom had pasta with shrimp dishes, both of which were really good. Large, crunchy shrimps, and sauces that had a lot of flavor. They're not afraid to spice the food - lots of garlic, herbs, pepper... food that really tastes like something. \r
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The service was very friendly and prompt. We took our 7 month old baby with us, and felt very comfortable (whew - I'm always worried about bringing kids to restaurants). There's plenty of background chatter & noise around, so even when she started to fuss no one could hear it anyway.\r
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The best restaurants leave you feeling full and happy afterward, and that's exactly how we felt after our dinner at Carrabba's. Highly recommended, and we'll be going back.
Pros: Great food, casual & friendly ambience
Cons: Might have to wait a bit for a table on busy nights
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