16 Best Italian Fast Food Chains for 2024
Searching for Italian fast food chains to satisfy your cravings? Luckily, you have several options. For many people, Italian is a favorite cuisine. The flavorful sauces, savory meats and rich cheese combine to create a delicious meal. While authentic Italian food is delightful, it's not always the most accessible. Fortunately, there are a number of Italian fast food chains across the country, providing novel and convenient ways to enjoy Italian food.
From classics like chicken Parmesan and fettuccine Alfredo to various pizzas and paninis, there are plenty of options at the country's best Italian fast food chains. Whether you’re looking for a place for a family dinner or somewhere to celebrate a special occasion, you can be sure you’ll have a delicious meal at one of these Italian fast food chains. We’ve rounded up the 16 best ones for you to try the next time you’re craving Italian.
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16 Best Fast Food Italian Restaurant Chains
1. Fazoli's
Among Italian fast food chains, Fazoli's is unique because it has a drive-through window as well as a traditional dine-in space. With more than 200 restaurants in 25 states, it's a widespread chain. This chain uses high-quality ingredients, fresh vegetables and 100% real cheese, so you can be sure you’re getting a delicious meal. You can sit down with family and friends in the dining room or order a pizza to pick up in the drive-through for a quick dinner.
2. Olive Garden
Olive Garden is probably one of the most well-known Italian fast food chains in the country. Though it's not authentic Italian, it provides beloved American-Italian cuisine with reasonable prices for delicious comfort food. What drives many diners to this restaurant is the breadsticks, which some would argue are the best among America's Italian fast food chains. The specials are also popular, with favorites like the Never Ending Pasta Bowl and unlimited breadsticks, soup and salad, keeping diners coming back. Olive Garden is a reliable choice for casual Italian dining.
3. Romano's Macaroni Grill
One Italian fast food chain most diners consider the best is Romano's Macaroni Grill. With over 40 locations in 15 states, it's a relatively popular chain for diners across the country. It's also a top choice for those who love a good meat dish like braised lamb shank and shrimp Portofino, which gives the feel of a fine dining restaurant. You’ll also love ending the meal with decadent desserts like cannolis and tiramisu.
4. Marco's Pizza
Need an Italian fast food chain for pizza night? Marco's Pizza is your new go-to. This chain has over 1,000 locations in 35 states, which makes it one of the largest pizza chains in the country. The popularity of Marco's is well deserved with the use of high-quality ingredients like filler-free meat, real cheese and fresh-cut vegetables. Along with pizza, you can enjoy other Italian favorites like tiramisu and cannolis for dessert. This fast food Italian restaurant chain is convenient and quick, making it a great option for picking up a pizza.
5. Sbarro
You probably know this Italian fast food chain from its locations in airports and shopping malls. However, you shouldn’t allow these locations to sway your opinion of this restaurant. Though it's relatively casual, Sbarro still offers fresh and authentic Italian-inspired dishes. This fast food Italian restaurant chain is known mostly for pizza, however, it also serves pasta like baked ziti and spaghetti and meatballs, as well as sandwiches and strombolis. Sbarro also has gelato and tiramisu if you’re looking to satisfy a sweet tooth. This is one of the best Italian food chains to grab a quick bite of Italian on the go.
6. Buca di Beppo
With a fancy name that belies its casual vibe, Buca di Beppo is a beloved Italian fast food chain. This restaurant is a laid-back and family-friendly spot that is sure to hit the spot if you’re searching for comforting Italian food. What makes Buca di Beppo unique is that the portions are large enough to be served family-style. This means you can order a couple of dishes and try a little bit of everything on the table. Plus, you’ll go home with plenty of leftovers to enjoy over the next few days. Buca di Beppo is the place for large gatherings of family and friends.
7. Carrabba's Italian Grill
If you’re looking for an Italian fast food chain that's a little more sophisticated, Carrabba's Italian Grill is a great option. This restaurant has great meat and pasta dishes inspired by the fresh cuisine of Italy. Chicken Bryan, which features wood-grilled chicken topped with sun-dried tomatoes, goat cheese and lemon butter, is one of the favorite choices of regular diners. But don’t worry, it's also a good vegetarian fast food chain, with dishes like vegetable ravioli and linguine Positano. Carrabba's is a great option for anyone looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply in need of a nice meal out.
8. Amato's
With a long history of over 120 years, Amato's is one of the longest-running Italian fast food chains in the country. The founder began by selling Italian sandwiches; now, the chain sells many more Italian-inspired dishes, including calzones, pizzas and pasta among many famous Italian sandwiches. With solid prices, this is a great Italian fast food chain whether you're grabbing lunch on the go or stopping by for a quick dinner.
9. Johnny Carino's
With most of its restaurants in California and Texas, Johnny Carino's is a relatively local Italian fast food chain, though there are a few scattered around the country. It's moderately priced, so it's a good option for lunch or an inexpensive dinner. While Johnny Carino's doesn't serve the most authentic Italian cuisine, it takes inspiration from Italian-American dishes and infuses them with Southwestern flavors, and the results are no less delicious. The fusion results in dishes like the Sizzling Skilletini Cacciatore, which is a pasta dish served in a skillet like a fajita.
10. Bertucci's
New Englanders will rave about Bertucci's, which is native to Massachusetts. This Italian fast food chain is primarily in the Northeast and a popular option for Italian dinner there, though it does extend a little south. What draws people to this Italian fast food chain are the extensive lunch and dinner menus. You’ll have plenty of options to choose from for Italian-American cuisine. It also has a relatively large children's menu so, if you’re looking for a place to host a family dinner, Bertucci's might just be the place.
11. Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano
Though it's a little more expensive, this Italian fast food chain is worth it. Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano serves delicious dishes that feel elevated and authentically inspired. Those who require gluten-free options may find themselves missing Italian food, and if this sounds like you, Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano is the place to go. This restaurant has gluten-free options that are sure to satisfy a craving for Italian food without losing any of the flavor. Because of its slightly higher prices, this can be a good option for a date night or special occasion.
12. The Spaghetti Warehouse
A fun and eclectic Italian fast food chain, The Spaghetti Warehouse is a go-to for many on the list. The restaurant is known for its unique décor and large warehouse-like buildings. With most restaurants located in Ohio, it's a local Italian fast food chain that may be worth a visit if you’re ever in the state. It's a reasonably priced restaurant, too, which makes it great for weeknight dining and family meals. The Spaghetti Warehouse serves comfort classics like lasagna and Alfredo, as well as authentic Italian specialties like frutti di mare.
13. Il Fornaio
This Italian fast food chain is mostly found in affluent parts of California, however, it also has locations in Las Vegas. The chefs at Il Fornaio prepare the dishes with traditional techniques and make authentic plates like bolognese and branzino. This Italian fast food chain is more formal with an elegant dining space, so be prepared to dress up to enjoy a nice meal out. Guests should also know that each location's menu is a little different, perfect if you're on the road regularly and like to sample something different each time you stop by.
14. Carbone
This Italian fast food chain is a little different because it's fine dining that's still comfortable and elegant. The flagship Carbone restaurant is in New York City, but you’ll also find locations in Miami, Dallas and Las Vegas. Carbone is also a favorite place for celebrities to indulge in delicious Italian cuisine with elevated dishes and its selection of salads, fish and fresh meats make it one of the healthiest fast food chains on this list. Because of the fine dining aspect, it's a pricier option, but one taste of the food and you’ll see that it's worth it.
15. Bravo! Italian Kitchen
With decadent Italian-inspired dishes, Bravo! Italian Kitchen is one of the top Italian fast food chains in the country. With over two dozen locations across 14 states, it serves elevated versions of comfort classics like chicken Parmesan as well as signature dishes like Fra Diavolo. The prices at Bravo! Italian Kitchen is a little higher than similar restaurants, but the food is often worth the higher price tag. The elevated atmosphere and dishes are also great for date nights and celebrating special occasions. But it's also great as a sit-down meal any day of the week.
16. Maggiano's Little Italy
There's no doubt that Maggiano's Little Italy is one of the top Italian fast food chains in the country. The restaurants are warm and inviting and the portions are large. Its delicious dishes are easy to split or you can opt to take some home to enjoy leftovers the next few days. The portions are large, but so is the menu, so you’ll have plenty of options to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy a multi-course meal and save room for dessert at this delicious Italian fast food chain. It's one of the closest options to authentic Italian available through a chain.
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With this selection of delicious Italian fast food chains, there's no need to fly across the ocean to get delicious Italian food! Boasting a range of traditional Italian food and Italian-American favorites, these restaurants have some meals that will make your mouth water and satisfy your cravings. Bring your friends and family to dine at these Italian fast food chains or stop in to grab yourself a quick lunch or dinner. No matter where you go or the reasons for eating, these are the best Italian fast food chains to enjoy a meal.
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