A solid meal and every experience is likely just as you'd expect it to be.
From the top, let's admit - Maggiano's isn't a fine Italian Restaurant. The way I would describe it is that it's miles from the dumpster that Olive Garden is, but it's not quite up to going to an independent fine dining Italian Restaurant. It's somewhere right of the middle towards the positive side.
When I go to Maggiano's, I have my go-to meal, like I do at most places. The Lasagna. It kills, every time. I love it. It's a perfectly balanced Lasagna. Right amount of sauce, meat, cheese and right size. When I eat it, I just barely finish it or maybe leave so little left that it's not worth it to take any home. I leave feeling satisfied and stuffed. So good.
Now, on how much you may take home as leftovers.... this depends on your intake of appetizers and/or bread. We ordered a Calamari appetizer for the table. Very enjoyable. Good mix of the rings and the little squids. Crunch, well seasoned and just the right amount of chew. The bread rolls are stupid good. Hot, super light and a bit buttery sweet. They are a trap though. Good luck eating just one. They're good enough that you'll find yourself flipping a double-deuce bird off at your gluten allergy, should you have one. I don't, but I'm just saying. They're really that good.
Would I go back? Totally. It's not fancy but it's always crowded. Maggiano's does not want for business. They have business every day, all day long. I would make a recommendation of booking a table in advance with an app that might guide you to Open Table's for reservations (hint-hint). Now, you might have a small wait, even if you make an advanced reservation, but they take care of you pretty quickly.
Service is always outstanding. The Service Team at Maggiano's work their tails off. Fast, friendly and on top of their game.
Maggiano's does pack them in though. Some booths around the perimeter but it's made up of two levels with a larger number of tables. Square, round and rectangle. Maggiano's can handle large parties or a small table for two.
It's not overly loud but it's far from quiet. It's a busy restaurant, with a lot of people packed in tightly, but comfortable, with background music as added ambiance.
Parking is a situation. Like many Maggiano's, it should be called Mall-giano's, as this one is located on the outside of a mall. More specifically, about the last major mall left in the Cincinnati area. The parking lot is a nightmare, year round. I do believe that Maggiano's does have valet parking, but I've never used it. Drop your people off at the door and drive around to look for a spot. You'll find one eventually.
Would I go back? I don't go out of my way for it, but sometimes it's good for a celebratory meal or if you're in the area. I can't say that I've ever walked away unhappy. Always full and ready for a nap. Once I try to find my car again, that is. read more