Every Item From Maggiano's New Gluten-Free Menu, Ranked - Tasting Table

"There are few sights more comforting than a steaming bowl of pasta. But for those avoiding gluten - whether due to Celiac disease, sensitivity, or some other reason - the experience is often disappointing. As a food writer who generally avoids gluten (and who has family members who can't touch it), I've endured my fair share of gummy noodles. So when Maggiano's Little Italy announced a complete revamp of its gluten-free menu, I was intrigued, and, admittedly, a little skeptical."

"For years, Maggiano's relied on a corn-based penne that often went mushy before it hit the table. The new version, described by the chef at my local Atlanta location as a "night and day difference," uses a blend of potato starch and rice flour in a fun fusilli shape designed to hold sauce. The pasta is made and dried at Maggiano's headquarters, then shipped to each restaurant for consistency."

"Some recommendations are based on firsthand impressions of promotional materials and products provided by the manufacturer. There's still no gluten-free bread (yet), but this update feels like a genuine step toward inclusivity. So, with cautious optimism - and my gluten-eating husband as backup - I set out to try and rank every dish on Maggiano's new gluten-free menu based on its texture and flavor."

Maggiano's Little Italy revamped its gluten-free menu, replacing a corn-based penne with a potato-starch and rice-flour fusilli designed to hold sauce. The pasta is produced and dried at company headquarters, then shipped to restaurants to ensure consistency. Sauces were reformulated with a corn starch slurry to remain allergen-friendly; Alfredo now includes a hint of rosemary and Caesar has extra anchovy for more punch. The menu highlights salads, classic pastas, seafood, and steak entrées adapted for gluten-free diners. There is still no gluten-free bread, but the update represents a meaningful step toward inclusivity. Dishes were tasted and ranked for texture and flavor, with some recommendations informed by promotional materials and manufacturer-provided products.

Read at Tasting Table