Johnny Carino’s is a beloved Italian-American restaurant chain, famous for its hearty classics, warm hospitality, and an ever-evolving selection of menu specials. With locations across the United States, the restaurant has become a go-to spot for families, friends, and food lovers craving authentic flavors with a modern twist.
The menu at Johnny Carino’s isn’t just about traditional favorites—diners can always expect a tempting array of specials that highlight fresh ingredients, seasonal flair, and the creativity of their chefs.
From signature pastas to innovative appetizers, these specials provide something new and exciting every time you visit.
“Johnny Carino’s transforms familiar Italian cuisine into extraordinary dining experiences, thanks to their inspired specials and passionate approach to food.”
– Foodie Magazine Review
Understanding Johnny Carino’s Menu Structure
The menu at Johnny Carino’s is thoughtfully divided into several categories, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Classics like Spaghetti & Meatballs and Chicken Parmesan are always available, while the specials offer a chance to try unique dishes not found elsewhere.
Specials are often designed around seasonal ingredients or chef’s inspiration, and they allow regular guests to experience something new. Whether you’re a first-timer or a loyal fan, exploring the specials is a must for a complete Johnny Carino’s experience.
Key Menu Sections
| Menu Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Appetizers | Classic and inventive starters, perfect for sharing. |
| Salads & Soups | Fresh greens, hearty soups, and Italian-inspired salads. |
| Pasta Specials | Signature and seasonal pasta dishes, often featured as specials. |
| Entrées | Chicken, seafood, steak, and vegetarian options with Italian flair. |
| Pizza & Flatbreads | Hand-tossed pizzas and flatbreads with gourmet toppings. |
| Desserts | Classic Italian sweets and unique chef creations. |
| Drinks | Wine, cocktails, Italian sodas, and more. |
Appetizer Specials: A Flavorful Start
Johnny Carino’s appetizer specials set the tone for your meal, offering bold flavors and innovative combinations. These starters are great for sharing and provide a glimpse into the restaurant’s culinary creativity.
Popular appetizer specials have included items like Italian Nachos, featuring crispy pasta chips topped with Italian sausage, pepperoncini, and a creamy cheese sauce. Another favorite is the Sicilian Fire Sticks—spicy stuffed flour tortillas with chicken, sausage, and cheese, served with a cool ranch dip.
Tip: Don’t miss out on the limited-time appetizer specials; they often feature fresh, seasonal ingredients and a unique twist on Italian classics.
Sample Appetizer Specials Table
| Special | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Italian Nachos | Pasta chips, sausage, pepperoncini, olives, jalapeños, cheese sauce | $10.99 |
| Sicilian Fire Sticks | Spicy stuffed tortillas with chicken, sausage, cheese, ranch dip | $9.99 |
| Bruschetta Trio | Three varieties: tomato-basil, artichoke-spinach, and roasted garlic | $8.99 |
Pasta Specials: Heart of the Menu
The heart and soul of Johnny Carino’s is, without a doubt, its pasta. While classics like Spicy Shrimp and Chicken or Angel Hair with Artichokes are always on offer, the pasta specials bring a fresh perspective to Italian comfort food.
Chef-inspired pasta specials often showcase seasonal produce, premium proteins, and bold sauces. Whether you crave something creamy like a Chicken Alfredo Primavera or something robust such as Italian Sausage & Pappardelle, there’s always a pasta special to delight your palate.
“The pasta specials at Johnny Carino’s are the perfect blend of old-world tradition and modern flavor.”
– Local Food Blogger
Featured Pasta Specials Table
| Pasta Special | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Alfredo Primavera | Grilled chicken, seasonal vegetables, fettuccine, creamy Alfredo sauce | $15.99 |
| Italian Sausage & Pappardelle | Spicy sausage, wide pappardelle pasta, roasted peppers, tomato sauce | $16.99 |
| Seafood Florentine | Shrimp, scallops, spinach, linguine, garlic white wine sauce | $18.99 |
| Pesto Chicken Penne | Roasted chicken, penne pasta, basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes | $14.99 |
Entrée Specials: Beyond Pasta
For those seeking something beyond pasta, Johnny Carino’s entrée specials offer a delicious range of options. From expertly grilled steaks to innovative seafood dishes, these specials are perfect for anyone looking for a heartier meal.
The menu often features items such as Parmesan Crusted Tilapia and Italian Herb Chicken. Entrée specials are designed to complement the pasta dishes, ensuring there’s always something for every taste and appetite.
Pro Tip: Pair your entrée special with a glass of Italian wine from the restaurant’s curated selection for a truly memorable meal.
Sample Entrée Specials Table
| Entrée Special | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Parmesan Crusted Tilapia | Tilapia fillet, parmesan breading, lemon butter, seasonal vegetables | $17.99 |
| Italian Herb Chicken | Herb-marinated chicken breast, roasted potatoes, sautéed spinach | $16.49 |
| Balsamic Glazed Sirloin | 8oz sirloin, balsamic glaze, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans | $21.99 |
Pizza & Flatbread Specials
Johnny Carino’s brings Italian authenticity to their pizza and flatbread specials. Hand-tossed dough, premium cheeses, and bold toppings come together to create truly irresistible pies.
Pizza specials rotate frequently, ensuring regulars always have something new to try.
Favorites have included the Prosciutto & Arugula Flatbread and the Four Cheese Bianca Pizza. These specials are perfect as an entrée or for sharing with friends and family at the table.
Pizza & Flatbread Specials Table
| Pizza/Flatbread | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Prosciutto & Arugula Flatbread | Thin crust, prosciutto, fresh arugula, parmesan, olive oil drizzle | $13.49 |
| Four Cheese Bianca Pizza | Mozzarella, provolone, ricotta, parmesan, garlic cream sauce | $12.99 |
| Spicy Italian Sausage Pizza | Spicy sausage, bell peppers, red onion, tomato sauce, mozzarella | $13.99 |
Lunch Specials: Quick, Affordable, Delicious
For guests on the go, Johnny Carino’s lunch specials provide a perfect midday escape. These specials are designed to be quick, satisfying, and budget-friendly, without sacrificing the bold flavors diners expect.
The lunch menu often features smaller portions of popular entrées, exclusive sandwiches, and unique pasta bowls. Many locations offer a “Pick 2” combo, allowing guests to mix and match soups, salads, and pastas for a customized lunch experience.
Sample Lunch Specials Table
| Lunch Special | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Pick 2 Combo | Choice of soup, salad, or half-pasta | $9.99 |
| Chicken Caesar Sandwich | Grilled chicken, Caesar dressing, romaine, ciabatta bread, fries | $10.49 |
| Lunch Spaghetti & Meatball | Half portion of spaghetti, meatball, marinara sauce | $8.99 |
Family Platters & Group Specials
Johnny Carino’s is known for its warm, family-friendly atmosphere, and their family platters and group specials are perfect for sharing. These large-format dishes make it easy to feed a crowd, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying dinner with loved ones.
Family platters typically serve four to six people and include generous portions of classic pastas, salads, and bread. Group specials often feature discounted pricing and added extras, such as dessert platters or beverage deals, making them a fantastic value for gatherings.
Family Platter Specials Table
| Family Platter | Description | Serves | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spaghetti with Meatballs Platter | Spaghetti, Italian meatballs, marinara sauce, garlic bread | 4-6 | $32.99 |
| Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Platter | Fettuccine, grilled chicken, creamy Alfredo, salad, bread | 4-6 | $36.99 |
| Combo Platter | Lasagna, chicken parmigiana, spaghetti, salad, bread | 4-6 | $39.99 |
Dessert Specials: Sweet Endings
No meal at Johnny Carino’s is complete without sampling one of their indulgent dessert specials. These sweet treats are the perfect finale, often featuring Italian classics and chef-inspired creations.
Favorites include the Tiramisu, Italian Chocolate Cake, and the seasonal Lemon Mascarpone Cheesecake. Dessert specials often rotate, so there’s always something new to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Dessert Specials Table
| Dessert | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tiramisu | Espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone, cocoa | $7.49 |
| Italian Chocolate Cake | Rich chocolate cake, chocolate ganache, whipped cream | $7.99 |
| Lemon Mascarpone Cheesecake | Light, creamy cheesecake, lemon zest, graham cracker crust | $8.29 |
Beverage Specials: Toast to Italian Flavor
The drink menu at Johnny Carino’s offers a blend of Italian classics and modern favorites. Beverage specials range from handcrafted cocktails to Italian sodas, perfect for pairing with your meal or enjoying at the bar.
Popular choices include the Limoncello Spritz, Italian Margarita, and seasonal sangria. Many locations also feature local craft beers and an extensive wine list, carefully selected to complement the food menu.
Beverage Specials Table
| Beverage | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Limoncello Spritz | Limoncello liqueur, prosecco, soda, lemon | $8.99 |
| Italian Margarita | Tequila, amaretto, fresh lime juice, salted rim | $9.49 |
| Seasonal Sangria | Red or white wine, fresh fruit, orange liqueur | $7.99 |
Gluten-Free & Vegetarian Specials
Johnny Carino’s strives to accommodate all dietary preferences. Their menu often features gluten-free and vegetarian specials, ensuring every guest can enjoy a satisfying meal.
Gluten-free pasta is available for many dishes, and specials like Eggplant Parmesan and Vegetarian Penne Primavera are popular choices. Guests are encouraged to ask about ingredient substitutions or special accommodations to meet their needs.
Gluten-Free & Vegetarian Specials Table
| Special | Description | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggplant Parmesan | Breaded eggplant, marinara, mozzarella, gluten-free pasta available | Vegetarian, Gluten-Free Option | $14.99 |
| Vegetarian Penne Primavera | Penne pasta, seasonal vegetables, tomato basil sauce | Vegetarian | $13.99 |
| Gluten-Free Chicken Alfredo | Grilled chicken, gluten-free pasta, Alfredo sauce | Gluten-Free | $15.99 |
How to Find Out About Current Specials
Menu specials at Johnny Carino’s rotate frequently, based on seasonality, chef inspiration, and local preferences. To discover the latest offerings, guests can:
- Check the official Johnny Carino’s website for updated menus and promotions.
- Follow the restaurant on social media platforms for real-time updates and limited-time offers.
- Sign up for the Carino’s E-Club to receive exclusive deals and information about upcoming specials.
- Ask your server about today’s chef specials when you visit the restaurant.
Remember: Specials may vary by location and time of year, so it’s always a good idea to check before your visit or call your local Johnny Carino’s for details.
Events, Seasonal Promotions, and Limited-Time Offers
Throughout the year, Johnny Carino’s features special promotions tied to holidays, seasons, and events. These might include festive prix-fixe menus, discounted family platters, or unique dishes celebrating Italian culinary traditions.
Popular seasonal promotions include Mother’s Day Brunch Specials, Valentine’s Day Dinner Packages, and Holiday Family Meals for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Limited-time offers are typically announced through the restaurant’s website and email newsletter, so staying connected ensures you never miss out.
Sample Seasonal Promotion Table
| Event | Special Offering | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Mother’s Day Brunch | Three-course brunch menu, mimosas, dessert sampler | Mother’s Day Weekend |
| Valentine’s Day Dinner | Prix-fixe menu for two, wine pairings, chocolate dessert | February 14 |
| Holiday Family Meals | Take-out family platters, desserts, beverage deals | Thanksgiving & Christmas |
Tips for Enjoying Johnny Carino’s Specials
To make the most of your visit, consider the following tips when exploring Johnny Carino’s menu specials:
- Ask your server for recommendations, as they’re familiar with the latest and most popular specials.
- Share family platters or group specials to try a wider variety of dishes and save money.
- Pair your meal with a recommended wine or cocktail to enhance the dining experience.
- Save room for dessert—seasonal and chef’s specials are always worth sampling.
- Sign up for loyalty programs or email newsletters to receive updates and exclusive deals.
Why Johnny Carino’s Specials Stand Out
What sets Johnny Carino’s apart is their commitment to quality, creativity, and guest satisfaction. Specials are crafted with care, highlighting the freshest ingredients and innovative combinations that keep diners coming back.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic Italian dish or eager to try something new, the menu specials at Johnny Carino’s promise a memorable meal every time. The welcoming atmosphere, attentive service, and constant rotation of specials ensure there’s always something to look forward to.
“You can taste the passion and authenticity in every bite. Johnny Carino’s specials are a must-try for anyone who loves Italian cuisine.”
– Satisfied Customer
Conclusion: Make Every Visit Special
Exploring Johnny Carino’s menu specials is more than just a meal—it’s a culinary adventure. With flavors inspired by Italy, innovative twists, and a dedication to guest satisfaction, every visit feels like a special occasion.
Whether you’re craving a comforting pasta, a bold new entrée, or a sweet treat to finish your meal, the ever-changing selection of specials ensures you’ll always find something to love. Next time you dine at Johnny Carino’s, let the specials be your guide to a truly unforgettable experience.
