Romano's Macaroni Grill serves more than just pasta

Located in the heart of downtown Silver Spring lies Romano's Macaroni Grill, a delicious Italian restaurant with rich entrées, friendly waiters and tasty deserts. Macaroni Grill, however, does not serve pasta alone as its name implies. There's also pasta, including pizza, chicken, soup and vegetables- something for every Italian food lover.

Macaroni Grill's portions are quite large; many of the main dishes are so big that customers can have enough for a leftover dinner. The Pizza Margherita, for instance, a cheese pizza topped with onions, basil and fresh tomatoes, has eight pieces. For only $7.99 and with servings big enough for two, this delectable pizza, which is cooked in Macaroni Grill's own wood-burning stove, is a great deal. Macaroni Grill also offers a BBQ chicken pizza, a grilled chicken Caesar calzonetto and a Tuscan lunch, all of which cost around $8 and sound very appetizing.

Fettuccini Alfredo is one of the entrées at Macaroni Grill that pasta lovers shouldn't miss. The white creamy Alfredo sauce topped on a large pile of warm noodles is very delicious and filling. The Mama's Trio is a combination of three Italian favorites: lasagna, chicken cannelloni and chicken parmigiano. This entrée gives patrons a variety of different Italian dishes, and for only $12.99, it should not be overlooked. Macaroni Grill also serves more traditional Italian food such spaghetti and meatballs with meaty tomato sauce, for only $8.49.

Although Macaroni Grill's menu is pasta-oriented, there are many other choices for patrons not looking for traditional Italian food. The restaurant offers steak, roasted chicken and seafood and serves salads and soup for the health-conscious. The menu also has a section devoted to foods low in fat and carbohydrates.

Macaroni Grill is always very busy around dinnertime, so calling for a reservation is recommended. However, if you do arrive when no seats are available, the Macaroni Grill staff will give you a beeper that will buzz when your table is ready. While waiting to be seated, however, you can walk around downtown Silver Spring and enjoy the fountain in front of the restaurant.

There are two menus at Macaroni Grill; a lunch menu and a dinner menu. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. everyday, while dinner starts at 4 p.m. and is served until closing at 11 p.m. However, there are not many variations between the two menus; there are still the same 13 sections on the lunch and dinner menu. Macaroni Grill does have an outstanding children's menu, however. Most items are $3.99 and include a main dish, such as Fettuccine Alfredo pasta, lasagna, chicken fingers or macaroni and cheese, a drink and a choice of either fresh fruit or ice cream.

Macaroni Grill, with its delicious Italian cuisine and large portions, is one of the nicest, sit-down restaurants in downtown Silver Spring. The traditional Italian food and good service create an experience that leaves your stomach and your wallet happy.

Romano Macaroni Grill is located at 931 Ellsworth Drive in downtown Silver Spring. To contact Macaroni Grill, call 301-562-2806. Macaroni Grill's website can be found here.