Johnny Carino’s is a beloved Italian-American restaurant known for its warm ambiance and hearty, flavorful dishes. The lunch menu at Johnny Carino’s offers a delightful array of options that perfectly balance authenticity with comfort, making it an ideal spot for both casual diners and those seeking a satisfying midday meal.
Whether you’re craving classic pasta, fresh salads, or something a little more indulgent, the lunch offerings cater to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences.
Lunch at Johnny Carino’s is more than just a quick bite; it’s an experience marked by generous portions and rich flavors. Each dish is crafted with fresh ingredients and traditional Italian techniques, ensuring every bite transports you to Italy’s vibrant culinary landscape.
From light starters to hearty entrees, the menu is thoughtfully designed to satisfy your appetite without overwhelming your afternoon.
With a focus on quality and variety, Johnny Carino’s lunch menu encourages guests to explore different tastes, textures, and combinations. It’s an excellent choice for office lunches, family outings, or a casual meal with friends.
The blend of classic favorites and innovative dishes makes it a standout destination for anyone who appreciates Italian cuisine.
Appetizers and Starters
The lunch experience at Johnny Carino’s begins with a tempting selection of appetizers, perfect for whetting the appetite or sharing with friends. These starters highlight fresh ingredients and bold flavors that set the tone for the meal ahead.
Among the popular choices are the signature Fried Mozzarella, Crispy Calamari, and Bruschetta. Each appetizer is crafted to deliver a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor, making them ideal as a light beginning or a small snack.
For those seeking a lighter option, the garden-fresh Caprese salad offers a refreshing balance of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil drizzled with balsamic glaze. The appetizers are designed to complement the main courses without overpowering them.
Popular Starters
- Fried Mozzarella: Golden, crispy, and gooey on the inside, served with marinara sauce.
- Crispy Calamari: Lightly breaded squid rings fried to perfection with a side of zesty aioli.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil.
- Caprese Salad: Sliced fresh mozzarella and tomatoes with basil and balsamic reduction.
“Appetizers at Johnny Carino’s are crafted to ignite your palate, combining classic Italian flavors with a touch of modern flair.”
Pasta Dishes
Pasta is the heart and soul of Johnny Carino’s lunch menu, offering a variety of dishes that showcase traditional Italian recipes and rich, savory sauces. Whether you prefer a creamy Alfredo, a spicy arrabbiata, or a rich Bolognese, there’s a pasta dish to suit every craving.
Each pasta dish is prepared fresh daily, using high-quality ingredients and authentic techniques. The menu features both classic shapes like penne and fettuccine, as well as specialty pastas that provide unique textures and flavors.
Portion sizes are generous, making them perfect for a filling lunch that won’t leave you wanting. Many pasta dishes can also be customized with added proteins such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage.
Signature Pasta Options
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
| Fettuccine Alfredo | Fettuccine, creamy Alfredo sauce, Parmesan cheese | Rich, creamy, and buttery |
| Penne Arrabbiata | Penne pasta, spicy tomato sauce, garlic, red chili flakes | Spicy and tangy |
| Spaghetti Bolognese | Spaghetti, ground beef, tomato sauce, herbs | Hearty and savory |
| Lasagna | Layers of pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, meat sauce | Rich, cheesy, and meaty |
Salads and Lighter Fare
For those looking to enjoy a lighter lunch without sacrificing flavor, Johnny Carino’s offers a range of fresh salads and lighter fare. These dishes focus on crisp greens, fresh vegetables, and vibrant dressings that provide a refreshing contrast to the heartier menu items.
Salads are a popular choice for health-conscious diners or anyone wanting a balanced meal. They can be enhanced with proteins such as grilled chicken or shrimp, adding both substance and taste.
The variety ensures there’s something for everyone, from classic Caesar to Italian chopped salad, each bursting with fresh ingredients and house-made dressings.
Popular Salad Options
- Caesar Salad: Romaine lettuce, Parmesan, croutons, and creamy Caesar dressing.
- Italian Chopped Salad: Mixed greens with salami, provolone, olives, pepperoncini, and Italian dressing.
- House Salad: Fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and balsamic vinaigrette.
- Spinach & Strawberry Salad: Baby spinach, fresh strawberries, almonds, and poppy seed dressing.
“Fresh, vibrant, and satisfying – the salads at Johnny Carino’s prove that lighter fare can be just as indulgent.”
Sandwiches and Paninis
Johnny Carino’s lunch menu features a selection of sandwiches and paninis that blend traditional Italian flavors with modern sandwich craftsmanship. These handheld delights are perfect for those seeking a quick but flavorful meal.
The sandwiches are made with freshly baked Italian bread and filled with premium ingredients, including roasted vegetables, meats, and cheeses. They come with a side of house-made chips or salad to round out the meal.
Whether you prefer a hot, toasted panini or a classic cold Italian sub, the variety on the menu ensures a satisfying option for all tastes and preferences.
Featured Sandwiches
- Italian Sub: Genoa salami, ham, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, and Italian dressing on a hoagie roll.
- Caprese Panini: Fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil, and balsamic glaze pressed on ciabatta bread.
- Chicken Pesto Panini: Grilled chicken breast, pesto sauce, roasted red peppers, and provolone cheese.
- Meatball Sub: Juicy meatballs smothered in marinara sauce and melted mozzarella.
| Sandwich | Key Ingredients | Serving Style |
| Italian Sub | Salami, ham, provolone, veggies, Italian dressing | Cold, on hoagie roll |
| Caprese Panini | Mozzarella, tomato, basil, balsamic glaze | Hot, pressed on ciabatta |
| Chicken Pesto Panini | Grilled chicken, pesto, roasted peppers, provolone | Hot, pressed |
| Meatball Sub | Meatballs, marinara, mozzarella | Hot, on hoagie roll |
Entrees and Specialties
The entree section of Johnny Carino’s lunch menu offers a variety of hearty dishes that showcase the depth and richness of Italian cooking. These specialties are perfect for those seeking a more substantial meal.
Options include classic dishes such as Chicken Parmesan, Veal Marsala, and Shrimp Scampi. Each entree is served with complementary sides like pasta, vegetables, or garlic bread, providing a balanced and filling lunch.
Specialties are crafted to satisfy both traditional tastes and adventurous palates, with sauces and seasonings that bring out the best in every ingredient.
Signature Entrees
- Chicken Parmesan: Breaded chicken breast topped with marinara and melted mozzarella, served over spaghetti.
- Veal Marsala: Tender veal medallions cooked with mushrooms in a rich Marsala wine sauce.
- Shrimp Scampi: Jumbo shrimp sautéed with garlic, lemon, and white wine, served over linguine.
- Eggplant Parmesan: Breaded eggplant layered with marinara and cheese, baked to perfection.
“Our entrees are designed to deliver authentic Italian flavors with a touch of home-cooked comfort.”
Desserts
No meal at Johnny Carino’s would be complete without indulging in one of their delicious desserts. The lunch dessert menu offers sweet treats that provide a perfect ending to a satisfying meal.
From classic Italian favorites like Tiramisu and Cannoli to rich chocolate cake, the dessert options are crafted to delight the senses and complement the flavors of the main courses.
Portion sizes are just right for a midday indulgence, providing sweetness without overwhelming the palate.
Popular Desserts
- Tiramisu: Layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream dusted with cocoa powder.
- Cannoli: Crispy pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta and chocolate chips.
- Chocolate Cake: Moist and rich, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Lemon Mascarpone Cake: Light lemon-flavored cake with creamy mascarpone frosting.
| Dessert | Main Flavors | Texture |
| Tiramisu | Espresso, mascarpone, cocoa | Creamy and soft |
| Cannoli | Sweet ricotta, chocolate chips | Crispy shell with creamy filling |
| Chocolate Cake | Rich chocolate, vanilla ice cream | Moist and dense |
| Lemon Mascarpone Cake | Lemon, mascarpone | Light and fluffy |
Beverages
Complementing the delicious food options, Johnny Carino’s offers a variety of beverages that enhance the lunch dining experience. The beverage menu includes both non-alcoholic and alcoholic choices to suit any preference.
Freshly brewed coffees, iced teas, and soft drinks provide refreshing options for those seeking a casual drink. For those looking to elevate their meal, the wine and cocktail selections feature Italian-inspired flavors and classic pairings.
Whether you want a quick caffeine boost or a leisurely glass of wine, the beverage offerings are carefully curated to enhance each dish’s flavor profile.
Beverage Highlights
- Espresso & Cappuccino: Authentic Italian coffee drinks made with rich espresso and steamed milk.
- Italian Sodas: Flavored sparkling water options with a sweet twist.
- House Wines: Selection of red and white wines from Italy and local vineyards.
- Signature Cocktails: Classic Italian cocktails like Negroni and Aperol Spritz.
“A perfect meal deserves the perfect drink, and our beverage menu brings Italian tradition to your glass.”
Conclusion
Johnny Carino’s lunch menu stands out as an exceptional choice for Italian-American cuisine, balancing tradition with contemporary tastes. Each section of the menu—from appetizers and pasta to sandwiches and desserts—showcases a commitment to quality ingredients, authentic flavors, and generous portions.
This makes it a reliable option whether you’re craving a light salad or a hearty entree.
The diversity of dishes ensures that every diner can find something to enjoy, making Johnny Carino’s a versatile destination for lunch. The thoughtfully crafted beverages and desserts further enhance the dining experience, offering a complete meal that satisfies both palate and appetite.
Choosing Johnny Carino’s for lunch means indulging in delicious Italian flavors served in a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a place where fresh ingredients and traditional recipes come together to create memorable meals.
Whether you’re dining solo, with colleagues, or with family, the menu delivers consistent quality and comfort that is sure to please every guest.
