Looking for a place to celebrate Thanksgiving without the hassle of cooking and cleaning? Look no further than Maggiano's Little Italy in San Jose, California. This Italian-American restaurant is ready to serve up a delicious holiday meal that will have you saying "Grazie" faster than you can twirl a fork in your spaghetti.
Location and Hours
Maggiano's Little Italy is conveniently located at 3055 Olin Ave, Suite 1000, San Jose, CA 95128. It's right in the heart of Santana Row, making it easy to find and even easier to enjoy. The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. However, it's always a good idea to check their website or give them a call for special holiday hours.
A Thanksgiving With an Italian Twist
Now, you might be thinking, "Italian food for Thanksgiving? That's crazier than putting pineapple on pizza!" But hold onto your pilgrim hats, folks, because Maggiano's knows how to blend Italian flair with American tradition.
While Maggiano's doesn't typically offer a specific Thanksgiving menu, they do have a knack for creating special holiday experiences. Their regular menu is packed with comfort food that could easily stand in for your traditional turkey day fare. Imagine swapping out that dry turkey breast for a juicy Chicken Parmesan or trading bland mashed potatoes for a creamy Fettuccine Alfredo. Suddenly, Thanksgiving doesn't sound so boring, does it?
Family-Style Dining: Perfect for Thanksgiving
One of the best things about Maggiano's is their family-style dining option. It's like Thanksgiving at home, but without your Uncle Bob hogging all the stuffing. You can order various dishes for the table to share, allowing everyone to try a little bit of everything. It's a great way to keep the communal spirit of Thanksgiving alive, even if you're dining out.
Appetizers to Give Thanks For
Start your meal with some appetizers that will make you thankful you chose Maggiano's. Their Crispy Zucchini Fritte is like a vegetable in disguise - even the kids might eat it without realizing they're consuming something green. And let's not forget about the Stuffed Mushrooms. They're so good that you might forget all about stuffing a turkey.
Main Courses: Move Over, Turkey
While Maggiano's might not have turkey on the menu, they have plenty of other options that will make you forget all about that big bird. Their Famous Rigatoni "D" is so good it might start a new Thanksgiving tradition in your family. And if you're feeling fancy, try the Salmon with Crispy Calabrian Shrimp. It's spicier than your average Thanksgiving dinner conversation and twice as satisfying.
Desserts: The Real Reason for Thanksgiving
We all know dessert is the best part of any meal, especially on Thanksgiving. Maggiano's doesn't disappoint in this department. Their Warm Apple Crostada is like apple pie's cooler Italian cousin. And if you're a chocolate lover, the Chocolate Zuccotto Cake might make you consider replacing "Turkey Day" with "Chocolate Day."
The Maggiano's Experience
Dining at Maggiano's isn't just about the food (although that's a big part of it). It's about the experience. The restaurant has a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like you're dining in someone's home - if that someone happened to be an Italian grandmother with impeccable taste in decor.
The staff at Maggiano's are known for their friendly service. They're like that one relative at Thanksgiving who always remembers to ask how your job is going but without the awkward follow-up questions about when you're getting married.
A Word From Happy Customers
Don't just take our word for it. Here's what one satisfied customer had to say: "Great food and service! Our waiter was attentive and friendly. The portions are huge, so be prepared to take some home."
Planning Ahead
If you're thinking of spending Thanksgiving at Maggiano's, planning ahead is a good idea. While they might not offer a specific Thanksgiving menu, their regular offerings can more than satisfy your holiday cravings. Plus, by dining out, you're avoiding the dreaded post-Thanksgiving cleanup. No more spending hours scrubbing cranberry sauce stains off your best tablecloth!
A New Thanksgiving Tradition?
So, this Thanksgiving, why not shake things up a bit? Trade your turkey for some tasty Italian-American cuisine at Maggiano's Little Italy in San Jose. You'll get all the comfort and togetherness of a traditional Thanksgiving meal with none of the stress of cooking and cleaning. Plus, you might discover a new favorite dish that becomes part of your family's holiday tradition.
Oh, and did we mention that this fabulous feast is included in our Thanksgiving Guide 2024? It's true! We wouldn't let you miss out on these pasta-abilities. (Sorry, we couldn't resist.)
Remember, Thanksgiving is about being grateful for what we have and spending time with loved ones. Whether that happens over a plate of turkey or a bowl of pasta shouldn't matter. So grab your family, head to Maggiano's, and get ready for a Thanksgiving meal that's more "That's Amore" than "Over the River and Through the Woods." Buon appetito and happy Thanksgiving!
Sources: maggianos.com, Maggiano's Facebook Page, Maggiano's Little Italy Instagram Page
Header Image Source: maggianos.com
