8 Restaurant Chains With The Best Lasagna
I’ve always been a lasagna enthusiast, hunting down those perfect layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese wherever I go.
Nothing beats the comfort of digging into a steaming slice of this Italian classic after a long day.
If you’re craving this hearty dish but don’t know where to start, I’ve compiled my personal favorites from coast to coast.
1. Olive Garden’s Lasagna Classico
Last month, I finally uncovered why Olive Garden’s Lasagna Classico has such a devoted following. Their signature dish features layers upon layers of pasta, meat sauce, and a harmonious blend of Italian cheeses that melt in your mouth with every bite. The secret? They don’t skimp on the ricotta – it’s creamy, light, and perfectly seasoned.
Each portion arrives bubbling hot with those coveted crispy edges that lasagna aficionados like myself live for. What really sets this lasagna apart is how they balance the acidity of their tomato sauce with a hint of sweetness. Paired with unlimited breadsticks and salad, it’s my go-to comfort meal when I’m feeling nostalgic for my Italian grandmother’s cooking (even though I’m not remotely Italian).
2. Buca Di Beppo’s Lasagna
Walking into Buca di Beppo feels like crashing a boisterous Italian family reunion, and their lasagna lives up to that same energy—loud, proud, and impossible to ignore. Served in portions that could feed a small village, this nine-layer behemoth arrives at your table looking like the Leaning Tower of Pasta. My fork practically disappeared into the depths of meat sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella when I tried tackling it.
The sauce has a tangy kick that cuts through the richness of the cheese, creating a perfect balance that keeps you coming back for more. Fun fact: they bake their lasagna in those quirky oval pans that somehow make everything taste better. The family-style serving encourages sharing, though I’ve been known to guard my portion with a fork held like a trident. No regrets!
3. Carrabba’s Italian Grill’s Lasagne
My birthday dinner last year featured Carrabba’s Lasagne, and honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better celebration on a plate. They spell it the authentic Italian way with an ‘e’ at the end, and that attention to tradition carries through to every aspect of this standout dish. Handmade pasta sheets cradle a perfect ratio of ground beef, ricotta, Romano, and their house-made pomodoro sauce.
The crowning glory is a blanket of melted mozzarella that stretches dramatically with each forkful—prime Instagram material, though I was too busy savoring to snap photos. What makes Carrabba’s version special is the slight char they achieve from finishing it in a wood-fired oven. Those caramelized edges add a smoky dimension that elevates this lasagne beyond standard chain restaurant fare. I dream about those crispy corners!
4. Maggiano’s Little Italy’s Mom’s Lasagna
“Holy moly!” were the first words out of my mouth when I tried Maggiano’s aptly named Mom’s Lasagna. This hefty masterpiece weighs in at what feels like five pounds per serving, making it perfect for those of us who believe leftovers are a food group. Constructed with homemade pasta sheets and stuffed with crumbled meatballs, sausage, and a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and provolone cheeses, each bite delivers an explosion of authentic flavors.
The marinara sauce has a depth that suggests it’s been simmering since sunrise. Family-style dining is Maggiano’s specialty, and I’ve made some of my best dinner memories sharing this lasagna with friends. The rustic presentation—slightly messy and unapologetically robust—reminds me that the best food doesn’t need to be picture-perfect to be absolutely delicious.
5. Romano’s Macaroni Grill’s Mama’s Trio Lasagna
Romano’s Macaroni Grill surprised me with their Mama’s Trio Lasagna when I stopped in during a road trip last summer. Unlike traditional versions, this creative spin includes chicken, mushrooms, and spinach alongside the classic ground beef, creating a flavor profile that kept me guessing with each bite. The lasagna arrives dramatically in its own cast iron skillet, still bubbling from the oven.
Steam rises from the five layers of pasta, three different sauces (marinara, alfredo, and pesto), and a generous helping of Italian cheeses that form a golden crust on top. My server suggested pairing it with their house Chianti, which perfectly complemented the complex flavors. While purists might raise an eyebrow at the non-traditional ingredients, I found the innovation refreshing—sometimes breaking the rules leads to delicious discoveries!
6. Fazoli’s Fast & Fresh Lasagna
Sometimes fast food and quality seem mutually exclusive, but Fazoli’s lasagna flips that assumption on its head. During a hurried lunch break last month, I popped in expecting mediocrity but left a convert to their saucy, cheesy masterpiece. For a quick-service spot, they don’t cut corners—the pasta maintains the perfect al dente bite, the meat sauce is richly seasoned without tasting processed, and the cheese blend achieves that coveted stretchy pull.
The portion size hits the sweet spot between satisfying and food-coma inducing. The best part? Those unlimited breadsticks that come alongside! I’ve developed a technique of using them to scoop up any remaining sauce—a move that earns disapproving looks from classier diners but maximizes enjoyment. When I need a lasagna fix without the wait or wallet damage of sit-down restaurants, Fazoli’s has become my guilty pleasure.
7. Bertucci’s Brick Oven Lasagna
My first encounter with Bertucci’s Brick Oven Lasagna changed my perspective on what chain restaurant Italian food could be. The magic happens when their signature lasagna meets the intense heat of their brick ovens, creating a dish with character that mass production simply can’t replicate. The edges caramelize to a perfect crispness while the center remains molten and gooey.
Their house-made pasta sheets are noticeably fresher than competitors’, and the meat sauce has distinctive notes of red wine and herbs that speak to slow, careful preparation. A sprinkle of fresh basil brightens the whole dish just before serving. The restaurant’s open kitchen concept meant I could watch the chef pull my bubbling lasagna from the brick oven with a long wooden paddle—dinner and a show! For those who appreciate textural contrast in their pasta dishes, Bertucci’s version hits all the right notes.
8. Bravo! Italian Kitchen’s Mama’s Lasagna Bolognese
Whoever Mama is at Bravo! Italian Kitchen, I’d like to personally thank her for the lasagna recipe. During a celebratory dinner with colleagues, this lasagna stole the spotlight with its elegant presentation and complex flavors that belied its chain restaurant origins. The Bolognese sauce is clearly the star—a velvety, meat-forward creation that tastes like it’s been simmering since dawn. Unlike some versions that go heavy on tomato, this sauce achieves a perfect balance between meat, aromatics, and a hint of cream that’s authentically northern Italian.
Six layers of pasta separate generous amounts of sauce and a heavenly mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and imported Parmigiano-Reggiano. The portion appears modest compared to some competitors, but the richness makes it perfectly satisfying. Their white tablecloth setting elevates the experience, making this my go-to recommendation for business dinners that need to impress.