3 Chain Restaurants With the Best Spaghetti and Meatballs, According to Chefs
Spaghetti and meatballs may be a classic, but not every restaurant gets it right. While the dish is seemingly easy to make, there are plenty of ways to make it bland and forgettable. The best versions strike a careful balance—meatballs that are flavorful and juicy, a rich sauce that’s not heavy, and pasta cooked just right. To separate the standouts from the mediocre, Eat This, Not That! asked chefs to name the chain restaurants that do spaghetti and meatballs best.
Olive Garden
When you’re hungry and craving a satisfying meal at an affordable price, Olive Garden is hard to beat. From its unlimited breadsticks and soup-and-salad deal to its generous portions, diners appreciate the value the chain delivers. It’s also a go-to spot for Dennis Littley, chef and culinary expert at Ask Chef Dennis, who recommends Olive Garden for its spaghetti and meatballs.
”Olive Garden does spaghetti and meatballs well because they focus on balance and consistency,” he explains. “The meatballs are tender and well-seasoned, not overly dense, and they hold together without drying out. The marinara is smooth and lightly sweet which makes it easy to enjoy without feeling heavy.” He adds, “From a chef’s perspective, this is a dish that works because it’s a classic and comforting, exactly what most people want when they order a dish like this.”
Romano’s Macaroni Grill
Romano’s Macaroni Grill offers diners comfort, familiarity, and a slightly elevated chain-restaurant experience without straying too far from classic flavors. It’s another spot Chef Dennis praises for its spaghetti and meatballs.
“Romano’s makes their spaghetti and meatballs dish that feels a bit more rustic and heartier,” he says. “The meatballs have a good meat-to-fat ratio, which keeps them juicy, and the seasoning comes through clearly without being overwhelming.” Chef Dennis explains, “The sauce leans more savory than sweet and pairs well with the pasta, which is cooked properly and holds the sauce nicely. It’s a straightforward plate done with care, and that’s why it stands out among chain restaurants.”
Spaghetti Warehouse
Spaghetti Warehouse is the go-to spot for celebrations and for enjoying hearty, made-from-scratch Italian-American fare. This small chain, primarily found in cities throughout Ohio, comes highly recommended by Kyle Taylor, founder and chef at HE COOKS.
“I judge spaghetti and meatballs the same way I judge a red sauce in any kitchen: does it taste like patience?” he says. “Spaghetti Warehouse usually lands in that slow-cooked zone where the acidity is rounded, the sweetness feels natural, and the sauce clings to the pasta instead of behaving like tomato soup.” Chef Kyle adds, “The meatballs are the other tell. When they’re right, they’re tender and seasoned all the way through, not rubbery or overmixed. It’s comfort food, but it tastes like someone respected the basics.”
What Makes Delicious Spaghetti and Meatballs
Nobody wants to waste time and money on just an okay dish, so here are a few things to look for when ordering spaghetti and meatballs, according to Rena Awada, owner, head chef, food blogger and content creator at Healthy Fitness Meals.
- “Pasta: Al dente is non-negotiable. Bucatini also works because it also holds the sauce well.
- Sauce: A great sauce should taste like it’s simmered all afternoon (even if it didn’t lol). The best ones have a balance of acid and sweetness.
- Meatballs: The heart of the dish. They should be seasoned just right and have real flavor and texture. Not rubbery or bland.
- Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese or pecorino will always be superior. But pre-grated ones can also work, but they have to be the best kinds.”