Appetizers

CARRABBA’S APPETIZERS

Regarding authentic Italian-American dining, few restaurants deliver flavors as bold and comforting as Carrabba’s Italian Grill. Known for its handcrafted pasta dishes, wood-fired entrees, and hearty Italian classics, Carrabba’s also boasts an appetizer menu packed with rich, satisfying flavors designed to awaken your palate. Whether visiting for a family dinner, a casual lunch, or a special occasion, starting your meal with one of Carrabba’s appetizers is always a wise choice.

Let’s explore the most popular appetizers at Carrabba’s Italian Grill — dishes perfect for sharing and loaded with high-quality ingredients, robust seasonings, and genuine Italian flair.

Appetizers

Why Start with Appetizers at Carrabba’s Italian Grill?

At Carrabba’s, appetizers aren’t just small bites; they reflect Italian culinary heritage. Inspired by recipes from Sicily, Naples, and other regions of Italy, every dish is crafted using fresh, quality ingredients, housemade sauces, and authentic techniques.

Benefits of Carrabba’s Appetizers

  • Shareable portions are perfect for groups.
  • Fresh ingredients are sourced daily.
  • Housemade marinara, pomodoro, and lemon butter sauces.
  • Excellent with wine, cocktails, and Italian sodas.
  • Balanced flavors that spark your appetite.

Explore Carrabba’s Appetizers Menu: Full Breakdown

Let’s explore the most popular appetizers Carrabba’s offers, from crispy seafood to creamy cheeses and savory meats.

Classics Combination Platter

  • A trio of favorites: Calamari, Mozzarella Marinara, and Zucchini Fritte.
  • Served with marinara sauce and creamy ranch dressing.
  • Perfect appetizer sampler for groups.
Classics-Combination
Shrimp-Scampi

Shrimp Scampi

  • Sautéed shrimp in garlic, white wine, and lemon butter sauce.
  • Served with toasted garlic bread.
  • Zesty and rich seafood appetizer.

Calamari

  • Lightly breaded and fried calamari rings and tentacles.
  • Served with housemade marinara and spicy Italian pepper & lemon butter sauce.
  • Crispy, tender, and flavorful.
Calamari
Mozzarella-Marinara

Mozzarella Marinara

  • Thick-cut, hand-breaded mozzarella cheese.
  • Fried to a golden brown, served with our signature marinara sauce.
  • Cheesy, melty indulgence.

Zucchini Fritte

  • Thin slices of zucchini, lightly breaded and fried.
  • Served with roasted garlic aioli dipping sauce.
  • Crunchy and creamy combination.
Zucchini-Fritte
Meatballs-Ricotta

Meatballs & Ricotta

  • Two housemade Italian meatballs.
  • Simmered in pomodoro sauce, topped with ricotta and Romano cheese.
  • Classic, comforting, and hearty.

Four-Cheese & Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

  • Mushroom caps stuffed with Italian sausage, ricotta, Parmesan, Romano, and mozzarella cheeses.
  • Baked until golden and bubbling.
  • Savory, cheesy, and rich.
Four-Cheese-Sausage-Stuffed-Mushrooms
NEW-Tuscan-Breadstick-Tower

Tuscan Breadstick Tower

  • Warm garlic-buttered breadsticks stacked high.
  • Brushed with herbs and garlic butter.
  • Perfect for dipping or snacking.

Carrabba’s Appetizers MENu Nutrition Facts

Classics Combination Platter

1,450

77

89

44

Shrimp Scampi

960

45

31

36

Crispy Calamari

1,220

57

58

35

Mozzarella Marinara

1,050

43

38

27

Zucchini Fritte

760

53

45

9

Meatballs & Ricotta

480

33

13

22

Stuffed Mushrooms

320

41

18

24

Tuscan Breadstick Tower

770

30

78

12

Best Pairings with Carrabba’s Appetizers

Recommended Wines

Shrimp Scampi

Pinot Grigio

Meatballs & Ricotta

Chianti

Mozzarella Marinara

Prosecco

Stuffed Mushrooms

Merlot

Calamari

Sauvignon Blanc

Top Cocktail Pairings

  • Carrabba’s Italian Sangria — with Calamari or Mozzarella.
  • Negroni — with Stuffed Mushrooms or Meatballs.
  • Carrabba’s Margarita — with Zucchini Fritte or Breadsticks.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The Classics Combination Platter is the top pick — it offers three favorites in one dish.

No, it’s more buttery and garlicky with a hint of citrus, not spicy.

Most do not, but always ask your server about allergen information for safety.

Some dishes can be modified. Avoid breaded items and ask about gluten-sensitive sauces.

Yes. Carrabba’s is happy to adjust items (e.g., sauces on the side or no cheese) where possible.

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