Performing chefs cook up rustic, home-style Italian entrees at this buzzing family restaurant.

by Contributor

In Short
A boisterous, all-ages crowd of pasta lovers pack this energetic Italian spot, where chefs clad in white hats and red scarves keep diners wide-eyed by showing their moves in the busy open kitchen. The menu boasts family-sized portions of hearty traditional fare, from antipasti, chicken and pasta dishes to seafood, steak and wood-fired pizzas. Signature plates include grilled pork chops, lobster ravioli, and penne rustica with shrimp, grilled chicken and smoked prosciutto in cream sauce.

07/02/06

Happy atmosphere.

by halleybell

Just average food. Actually going to Olive Garden after many years ago, I found the food to be much better. I think Macaroni's popularity is all the gimmicks.

01/22/04

Best Since Boston

by ssrcontrol

I found Romano's Macaroni Grill in Memphis. Asking, I found the restaurant at Franklin. For me, there has not been an equivalent to Vinney Testas in Boston for years. I found Macaroni Grill came very close in taste, quality, and service. There are some really fine Italian restaurants in New York but still Vinney's is my favorite. But if you live in TN and aren't traveling, then I would tell anyone asking, Macaroni Grill is the best they will find. The few things they could do to improve atmosphere would be to have a few areas of quiet where no children are seated. Iif you wanted to add a little romance to your meal or talk to friends without raising your voice would be great.

• Pros: High Quality food, Best of chefs, Great Service
• Cons: Crowded, Better parking, Some areas of quiet

01/13/03

Good Grub (but expect to wait)

by Epi_Curious

I have eaten at the Cool Spring's location dozens of time and never have had an unpleasant experience. The service can be a bit leisurely but at Friday evening peak, that's true of of every restaurant anywhere near Cool Springs. I wish they still had the self-serve jug of Chianti on the table (darn that ABC) but the food is always good (HINT: skip the veal saltimboca -- my Mom's pot roast is better), the atmosphere is pleasant, and the prices aren't too far out of line.

• Pros: good food, good service(usually), fair prices
• Cons: long wait for seating

10/21/02

Waiting is OK with me!

by girlfabolous

My boyfriend and i always visit Romanos when we are in coolsprings. We usually wait for a table on the week-ends however we like that exscuse to spend a little more time together. The food is excellent, Try Lobster Ravioli or the San Marino. Our service has always been excellent, and the food worth the wait for the table. The butcher papere and crayons have been a treat for the children(and Me). Saturday was the fastest our food had come out in our few visits and the food was no less terriffic. Visit the macaroni grille. And that would be a romantic place to propose(hint,hint)

• Pros: Great Servers, diverse menu, All Ages friendly
• Cons: Wait for table(30-55), limited waiting area, close at 11

09/21/02

Be aware of food

by jordanharkins

As a former employee of Macaroni Grill, I will tell you to be very afraid of eating there! I loved eating there before I worked there, but not after I worked there for 2 years! Nothing is authintic and everything comes out of a bag from the feezer! That is not real Italian food! You get that same quality at Friday's and there food quality is unacceptable! Who wants to eat food out of frozen bags heated up? Go but Ragu! They go through soooo many employees there at Macaroni Grill becuase the managers treat the employees like trash! I worked there for two years and I was the longest employee that worked there! I finally left becuase I was embarressed by the food and what they did to it! Please be aware of eating the food! Seriously!

08/28/02

Italian at its best

by fpasos

Romano's Macaroni Grill has always satisfied my italian appetite. Good food, Good drinks and great atmosphere

08/26/02

a weekly habit

by moulthropc

A friend of mine and I visit Romano's almost every Saturday for lunch with my toddler. The staff recognizes us when we come in and treats us like family. The high chair is brought out for my daughter and our usual orders are placed after checking to make sure we want the same. Occasionally there may be a slipup with an order but the management takes care to make up for it. I do miss the singing waiters and waitresses of the past, but I imagine it is hard to find enough to staff the restaurant. The food is good and plentiful and I love their house chianti!