Like many others have said before me, Johnny Carino's is actually pretty good for a chain restaurant. Sadly in Muncie there aren't any local places to get fresh, homemade Italian food. Carino's is a decent substitute.
I love the herb bread and toasted garlic and oil they serve. Honestly, I could eat that all night and be absolutely fine with it. Portions are fairly large, and as a non-meat-eater, I have several options. And the wait/kitchen staff are always willing to adapt a dish for my dietary needs. I'm a big, big fan of the Timballo, sans meat. Salads are crisp and not soggy with too much dressing. And their mini desserts are just the right size after a long meal of lots and lots of carbs!
The bar is typical, nothing to write home about. Decor is a little kitschy, but I like the open feel of the restaurant. Gets a bit loud in there, but they are a busy place.
One major complaint: TOO MANY TVs. Come on, people. It's not a sport's bar - it's a family dining establishment. Why would any dining area need multiple televisions? And who watches TV while eating with family and friends anyway? Yikes.
It was fine, I guess, but compared to the previous time I had eaten there, the quality seems to have taken a hit. Of course it might be just because I learned how to cook such dishes myself, but I will say that it's much better than soem other Italian chains out there.
The bread and oil, have always been delicious.
Very good food. I was pleasantly surprised. Other yelpers say this is a chain restaurant but I've never heard of it. I had the gorgonzola chicken penne and it was delicious. Pasta and chicken were perfectly cooked, good sized portion and the sauce was rich. Tomatoes in the pasta were fresh as were the mushrooms. My mom had the chicken pesto with linguine and she really liked it. They also give you fresh hot bread with olive oil and toasted garlic for dipping. Good prices and easy location in Muncie. I went here for my pre-race meal as I was in town for the Muncie Traithlon. I also had an orange Italian cream soda. Our waiter was nice, friendly, and very attentive. Overall a great place for Italian in Muncie!
Review Source:Yes, Johnny Carino's is a chain restaurant, but as far as chain Italian food goes - you won't find any better. Â When I was living in Muncie and Anderson, we went here pretty often... starting the first week that they opened.
The restaurant is located on McGalliard - but in Muncie, what isn't? Â Haha. Â It has a large private lot and a pretty spacious interior. Â I can't recall ever having bad service here either. Â
The complimentary appetizer is fresh-baked bread that you dip in an oil with crushed, dried garlic - delicious. Â My favorite appetizer is the Mozzarella with Marinara, but my partner and brother both really love the Italian Nachos and Sicilian Fire Sticks. Â
I almost always order the Chicken Milano for my entree - it's my favorite - but I've also tried and liked the Baked Cheese Tortelloni. Â My brother and partner always go for the Skilletini. Â
My favorite thing to drink here are the Italian Sodas. Â I really like to get vanilla and cherry in mine. Â You get one free refill with these. Â Soooo good!
I'm sorry if you don't like chain restaurants but for me Johnny Carinos is as good as it gets concerning Italian. Forget about Olive Garden, or Bravo's, or whatever other Italian chains there are. Johnny's wins.
I usually just make a trip to Muncie just for Carino's and have never been disappointed. The service here has always been great. The food has always been delicious. And I think the prices are extremely reasonable.
My favorite dish of all time is the Spicy Chicken and Shrimp pasta. Which is a penne pasta with a alfredo sauce that has a kick to it which is perfect is so many ways.
Oh and the best part is the bread. seriously. They give it to you as a whole loaf and you tear apart to your hearts desire and dip it in dried roasted garlic floating in delicious olive oil. If you don't like this then I don't know what to tell ya.
I'll always keep coming back here. Thank you Johnny Carino who ever you are. Thank you.
Ok, I must confess that I'm not a huge fan of most chain restaurants, so that may color my review a bit.
I would say that the food is good, but not great. Â I had the Veal Parm, and enjoyed it but have had much better. Â I think that their sauce was the true culprit as it lacked strong flavor.
The atmosphere was fine, being standard decor for chain type restaurants. Â The service was very good.
Overall, its worth going if you like quality chain restaurants. Â I, however, will opt next time to find a good local eatery.
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