Top Restaurant Chefs Rank Lasagna as their Number One Choice
Discover the Best Lasagna at Chain Restaurants: A Comparison
Buca di Beppo, a popular chain restaurant known for its Italian-American cuisine, is a contender for the best lasagna among chain restaurants. Its signature dish, a 9-layer extravaganza, showcases the layers of ricotta, making it stand out among other chain restaurant lasagnas. According to culinary experts and food critics, the best lasagna should have a harmonious taste, with no single element overwhelming the others, and signs of authenticity include fresh herbs in the sauce, a subtle creaminess from bechamel, and a pasta layer that's tender but not mushy. Kyle Taylor, Founder and Chef at HE COOKS, considers Buca di Beppo's lasagna to be over-the-top and well-balanced, while Marissa Stevens, recipe developer and founder of Pinch and Swirl, praises it for its bold, tomato-forward sauce and well-balanced richness.
Maggiano's Little Italy, with 52 locations across the U.S., is another chain restaurant renowned for its lasagna. Its infamous dish boasts 30 layers of pasta, bechamel sauce, and Bolognese sauce. Saul Ramos, Chef-Partner at Chicago's Forte Hospitality Group, considers Maggiano's Little Italy's lasagna to be the best. However, Maggiano's is not the only regional chain offering a standout lasagna. Mario's Italian Cafe, with six locations in Coachella Valley, California, is known for its old-school Italian ambiance and busy atmosphere, especially during snowbird season. According to Rachel Kirk, the lasagna at Mario's Italian Cafe has a homemade taste and a big but not overly huge portion. Mario's also offers giant glasses of wine for $5.
It's worth noting that while Buca di Beppo and Maggiano's Little Italy are chain restaurants, they both offer unique and delicious lasagna options. For those seeking a family-style setting and generous portions, Maggiano's Little Italy might be the better choice. On the other hand, Buca di Beppo's humungous serving size and bold flavours make it a great option for a sharing experience.
As for other chain restaurants, it's important to remember that the restaurant industry is constantly evolving. While a pasta chain with nearly 500 restaurants has shuttered locations, it's essential to keep an eye out for new contenders offering standout lasagna options. Whether you're a fan of classic Italian-American cuisine or seeking a more authentic Italian experience, there's a chain restaurant lasagna out there for everyone.
