Gluten-free guests get special treatment at Maggiano's Little Italy

July 2, 8:44 PMDenver Gluten-Free Food ExaminerTiffany Jakubowski

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Maggiano's Little Italy Menu Cover

Finding good gluten-free Italian food can be a challenge, especially if you are talking about eating out. Maggiano's Little Italy is somewhat of a secret because they don't advertise their gluten-free meal options. Maggiano's Little Italy doesn't have a gluten-free menu, at least not a printed one. They do have gluten-free pasta and a real commitment to the "allergic" customer. And with locations across the US, they offer a safe option at many top travel sites, including Las Vegas, Boston, and Denver.

Grilled Calamari at Maggiano's

The gluten-free customer can expect special treatment at Maggiano's. When you sit down at the table you need only to let the server know that you are gluten-free, and the chef will come out to take your order personally! Sometimes they will make suggestions if you are not sure what to order. If you are feeling adventurous they will work with you to make a dish that you want if they can make a gluten-free version. They carry at least 2 types of gluten-free pasta, usually a corn and potato-based version. The type of pasta available seems to depend on the location and local demand. Some chefs will even tell you which pasta is best with the sauce you want, making your meal truly custom! On a recent trip the chef suggested the "grilled calamari" as a change from the usual starters. The calamari was perfection!

Caesar salad at Maggiano's

A salad is a typical addition to any meal, but many gluten-free customers fear contamination from crouton crumbs or unsafe salad dressing. The Caesar salad at Maggiano's, without croutons and the dressing on the side, is a great addition to the meal. Ordering the salad dressing on the side allows you to look through the lettuce if you are concerned about croutons. This also prevents the kitchen staff from quickly mixing your salad in the same mixing bowl previously used for a regular salad with croutons, causing cross-contamination.

The gluten-free favorite is the Rigatoni-D, made with mushrooms, carmamelized onions, chicken, and a rich white sauce. The dishes come in "full" and "half" sizes. The full sized dish gives you plenty to take home, or share with a friend, but beware trying to reheat a gluten-free pasta dish. Follow the instructions on the take-home container and use the oven instead of the microwave. Most Maggiano's locations stay busy, so be sure to call ahead for a reservation or to check waiting times.