Maggiano's Little Italy

At Maggiano's they serve family style Italian-American food, where the portions are large, affordable and consistently well executed. With an ideal location in Park Plaza neighboring the Theater District, I've been here quite a few times since I've lived in the city (Adam's family loves this place!) generally as a preface to a show or a movie. I've even been to a wedding reception in the downstairs banquet rooms, which (who knew?!) offer a warm and inviting space with plenty of room for dancing! I still remember being blown away at how fantastic that wedding was!

When Maggiano's invited me in to sample their menu I happily obliged and invited Adam along to help me out. 
I started with a glass of White Wine Sangria ($8.75) which was sweet and fruity. I'm generally a fan of crisp, wine forward sangria, so I wished there had been a little more wine and a little less soda. Even so, it was refreshing and easy to drink. 

As far as appetizers go the Zucchini Fritte ($8.25) are a standout. Thick strips of the firm green vegetable are cloaked in coarse Japanese bread crumbs and fried until tender and perfectly crispy. The lemon aioli is just the right texture, smooth and on the thin side, so slather it generously on the fritters, they make an excellent pair. 

A robust and filling bowl of the Tuscan Style Steamed PEI Mussles ($9.95) come tossed in a white wine sauce with plenty of cannellini beans and sun dried tomatoes, finished with lemon and roasted garlic toasts.  

Somehow after these two appetizers and but one slice of bread, we were feeling stuffed! Family style dining is where it's at around here, as we glanced around and notice the restaurant was packed, mostly with large parties, even on a Monday night. We knew the entrees would be generous portions, nothing wrong with having lunch already planned for tomorrow. 

Their rendition of a traditional Chicken Saltimboca ($16.95) served in a garlic white wine sauce with caramelized onions was juicy and flavorful; the always delectable combination of salty prosciutto and earthy sage with a layer of melted provolone cheese was beautifully done. A side of Angel hair pasta aglio oilo comes included in with the entrée. Adam enjoyed his Spaghetti and Meatballs ($12.95). Simple, classic and inexpensive, these are the types of dishes you are going to find on the menu here. It is not for an adventurous meal and it is not aiming to be trendy. 

We ended the meal with frothy Cappuccino ($3.95) and Creme Brulee ($7.50). I appreciated how the crème brulee was served in a wide yet shallow dish, guaranteeing shards of burnt sugar in every creamy, custard filled bite. With kind-hearted, knowledgeable servers at the helm you're in good hands at Maggiano's. The food is classic, comforting and well executed. 

Adam and I practically had to roll each other out of there with our to go bags in hand. It was off to see The Dark Night Rises at the Boston Common Loews. (I loved it!) 

Maggiano's Little Italy

4 Columbus Ave

Boston, MA 02116

The food tonight was complimentary, (we paid for alcohol, tax and tip) all opinions are my own.