Carolina's Italian Restaurant Menu with Prices, Calories and Popular Items
Planning a family dinner or looking for a casual Italian feast near Anaheim and Garden Grove? This comprehensive guide breaks down the full carolina's italian restaurant menu with confirmed dine-in and takeout prices, estimated calorie benchmarks, popular specialty items, and smart ordering strategies. Whether you are craving their iconic Garlic Knots, a slice of the white-sauce Boston Pizza, or a tray of Baked Lasagna, we cover complete category pricing, kids meal options, dietary substitutions, and budget-friendly catering tips.
Carolina's Italian Restaurant has anchored the local dining scene since 1976 with hearty Southern Italian-American portions. Because pricing varies between direct dine-in, phone carryout, and third-party delivery services, having an up-to-date roadmap helps you pick the right meal at the best value.
Menu Snapshot: Quick Answer
Carolina's Italian Restaurant serves classic Italian-American comfort food, including hand-tossed specialty pizzas, slow-simmered baked pastas, hot grinder subs, and homestyle poultry and veal entrees. Dinner entrees include complimentary bread alongside your choice of house garden salad or minestrone soup. Most individual pasta and meat entrees range from $15.95 to $25.95, while medium to extra-large specialty pizzas run between $19.50 and $30.50.
Official Source Verification
Official Source Verification
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can vary by location, delivery platform, and time. LatestMenus checks official restaurant sources where available and marks uncertain information clearly.
Latest Carolina's Italian Restaurant Menu Prices
The following menu items reflect confirmed baseline pricing for in-person dining and direct carryout orders. Most classic pasta dishes and specialty meat entrees include warm Italian bread plus your choice of fresh garden salad or homemade minestrone soup.
Appetizers and Starters
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Famous Garlic Knots (Half Order) | Appetizers | $7.95 | ~480 kcal | Couples & small tables | Tossed in hot garlic butter, herbs, and parmesan |
| Famous Garlic Knots (Full Order) | Appetizers | $11.95 | ~960 kcal | Groups of 3 or more | Signature item; served fresh from the pizza oven |
| Toasted Cheese Garlic Bread | Appetizers | $8.50 | ~520 kcal | Cheese lovers | Crusty Italian roll, garlic spread, melted mozzarella |
| Fried Mozzarella Sticks | Appetizers | $10.95 | ~680 kcal | Kids & sharing | Breaded whole-milk mozzarella with house marinara |
| Fried Calamari | Appetizers | $15.50 | ~720 kcal | Seafood starters | Lightly breaded squid rings with fresh lemon & marinara |
| Antipasto Italiano | Appetizers | $14.95 | ~580 kcal | Low-carb snacking | Cured meats, provolone, olives, pepperoncini, greens |
| Fried Zucchini | Appetizers | $9.95 | ~490 kcal | Vegetarian starter | Crisp breaded zucchini batons with house dipping sauce |
Hand-Tossed Specialty Pizzas
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina’s Special (12" Med) | Pizza | $21.50 | ~1,850 kcal | 2 diners | Pepperoni, sausage, meatballs, mushrooms, onions, peppers |
| Carolina’s Special (14" Lrg) | Pizza | $25.50 | ~2,420 kcal | 3 diners | Loaded classic combo on traditional crust |
| Carolina’s Special (16" XL) | Pizza | $29.50 | ~3,100 kcal | Family meals (4-5 adults) | Highest volume of toppings per dollar spent |
| Boston Pizza (12" Med) | Pizza | $19.50 | ~1,720 kcal | White pizza fans | Mozzarella, seasoned ricotta, garlic, oregano, olive oil (no red sauce) |
| Boston Pizza (14" Lrg) | Pizza | $23.50 | ~2,250 kcal | Garlic enthusiasts | East Coast white pie recipe with rich ricotta dollops |
| Boston Pizza (16" XL) | Pizza | $27.50 | ~2,890 kcal | Group sharing | Savory garlic and olive oil base without acidic tomato sauce |
| Meat Lovers Feast (14" Lrg) | Pizza | $26.50 | ~2,680 kcal | High-protein cravings | Pepperoni, Italian sausage, smoked ham, ground beef, meatballs |
| Vegetarian Garden (14" Lrg) | Pizza | $24.00 | ~1,890 kcal | Meat-free dining | Fresh mushrooms, diced onions, bell peppers, olives, tomatoes |
| Margherita Fresca (14" Lrg) | Pizza | $24.50 | ~1,980 kcal | Lighter pizza pick | Sliced Roma tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, garlic, torn basil |
| Stuffed Calzone | Pizza / Calzone | $14.95 | ~1,150 kcal | Individual hearty dinner | Folded dough stuffed with seasoned ricotta, mozzarella, marinara |
Classic Pastas and Baked Specialties
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spaghetti or Penne Marinara | Classic Pasta | $15.95 | ~650 kcal | Budget-friendly dinner | Slow-simmered tomato sauce; includes soup or salad & bread |
| Spaghetti with Meatballs (2) | Classic Pasta | $19.95 | ~980 kcal | Traditional comfort food | House-crafted beef and pork meatballs in rich meat sauce |
| Baked Homemade Lasagna | Baked Pasta | $20.95 | ~1,120 kcal | Big appetites / leftovers | Layers of pasta, seasoned beef, ricotta, bubbly mozzarella |
| Fettuccine Alfredo | Classic Pasta | $18.95 | ~1,240 kcal | Rich cream lovers | Heavy cream, pure butter, imported parmesan cheese blend |
| Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo | Classic Pasta | $22.95 | ~1,410 kcal | Hearty protein order | Sliced pan-seared chicken breast over creamy garlic alfredo |
| Penne alla Vodka | Classic Pasta | $19.95 | ~1,080 kcal | Savory pink sauce | Creamy tomato sauce reduced with vodka, prosciutto, and garlic |
| Baked Ziti (Mostaccioli) | Baked Pasta | $17.95 | ~890 kcal | Family classic | Tubular pasta baked with ricotta, marinara, and melted mozzarella |
| Cheese Ravioli | Baked Pasta | $17.50 | ~780 kcal | Vegetarian pasta | Jumbo ricotta-stuffed ravioli finished with marinara and cheese |
| Eggplant Parmigiana | Baked Pasta | $18.95 | ~890 kcal | Meatless comfort | Breaded eggplant slices, tomato sauce, baked mozzarella with spaghetti |
Chicken, Veal, and Seafood Entrees
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Parmigiana | House Specialty | $21.95 | ~1,050 kcal | Signature poultry pick | Breaded cutlet with marinara, melted mozzarella, side of spaghetti |
| Chicken Marsala | House Specialty | $22.95 | ~880 kcal | Mushroom & wine sauce | Pan-seared chicken cutlet with fresh mushrooms in Marsala reduction |
| Chicken Piccata | House Specialty | $22.95 | ~810 kcal | Lighter, tangy entree | Pan-seared chicken breast in lemon, white wine, butter, and capers |
| Veal Parmigiana | House Specialty | $25.95 | ~1,110 kcal | Traditional veal cutlet | Tender breaded veal topped with tomato sauce and baked mozzarella |
| Linguine with Clam Sauce | Seafood | $22.50 | ~820 kcal | Seafood pasta fans | Baby clams sautéed in garlic and herbs; choice of red or white sauce |
| Shrimp Scampi | Seafood | $24.50 | ~910 kcal | Garlic butter seafood | Jumbo shrimp sautéed with garlic, white wine, lemon butter over linguine |
Hot Subs and Grinders
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meatball Parmigiana Sub | Sandwiches | $13.50 | ~860 kcal | Lunch on the go | House meatballs, tomato marinara, toasted melted provolone |
| Sausage & Peppers Sub | Sandwiches | $13.50 | ~820 kcal | Savory lunch craving | Italian link sausage, sautéed sweet bell peppers, sweet onions |
| Chicken Parmigiana Sub | Sandwiches | $14.25 | ~920 kcal | Hearty hot sub | Crisp breaded chicken cutlet with melted mozzarella on an Italian roll |
| Classic Italian Cold Sub | Sandwiches | $13.50 | ~780 kcal | Cold lunch option | Salami, mortadella, capicola, provolone, lettuce, tomato, vinaigrette |
If you enjoy comparing neighborhood Italian price points across regional independent spots, you can also review how this pricing compares to the Genova Italian Restaurant menu or the family-oriented Salute Italian Restaurant menu.
Popular Menu Items
These five signature dishes represent the most frequently ordered items across Carolina's dining room and carryout station:
| Popular Item | Why People Order It | Price Note | Calorie Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Famous Garlic Knots | Signature starter drenched in roasted garlic butter and grated cheese | $7.95 (Half) / $11.95 (Full) | ~480 - 960 kcal |
| Boston Pizza | Famous white pie skipping red sauce for whipped seasoned ricotta and garlic | $19.50 (Med) - $27.50 (XL) | ~1,720 - 2,890 kcal |
| Baked Homemade Lasagna | Massive deep-dish portion packed with seasoned beef, ricotta, and mozzarella | $20.95 (Includes soup/salad) | ~1,120 kcal |
| Carolina's Special Pizza | Loaded meat-and-vegetable pie on hand-tossed dough | $21.50 (Med) - $29.50 (XL) | ~1,850 - 3,100 kcal |
| Chicken Parmigiana | Crisp breaded cutlet broiled with mozzarella and served with spaghetti | $21.95 (Includes soup/salad) | ~1,050 kcal |
- Famous Homemade Garlic Knots: Baked continuously throughout dinner service, these knotted pizza dough bites are tossed immediately in a pool of hot garlic-infused oil, dried oregano, parsley, and parmesan. They are an essential opening order for any table.
- Boston Pizza: Unlike typical tomato-sauce pies, the Boston Pizza applies extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, melted mozzarella, and generous clouds of seasoned whole-milk ricotta. It has a mild, savory flavor that appeals especially to garlic lovers.
- Baked Lasagna Rustica: Known for its vertical height and dense construction. Each square cut holds together multiple tiers of seasoned ground beef, rich tomato meat sauce, and thick ricotta before being baked under an amber layer of mozzarella.
- Carolina's Special Pizza: The flagship pie balances spicy pepperoni, Italian link sausage, and homemade meatball slivers against fresh sliced mushrooms, green bell peppers, and diced onions.
- Chicken Parmigiana: Carolina's keeps the chicken breast juicy while frying the breaded exterior to a deep golden brown, ladling on family-recipe marinara, and melting a blanket of whole-milk mozzarella on top.
Editor Picks: Best Things to Order
Editor Picks: Best Things to Order
These are LatestMenus editorial recommendations based on available menu research, value, popularity, customization potential, and practical ordering usefulness. They are not official restaurant rankings.
Baked Homemade Lasagna
This entree delivers exceptional value because it comes with house salad or minestrone soup and bread, and the deep-dish portion routinely provides two full meals.
16-Inch Carolina’s Special Pizza
At under $30.00, this extra-large pie feeds four adults comfortably with eight heavy slices, keeping the per-person meal cost close to $7.40.
Half-Pan Baked Ziti (Catering)
Ordering a half-pan of Baked Ziti to take home feeds 8 to 10 people for roughly $55.00 to $65.00, drastically outperforming individual dinner orders.
Chicken Piccata
Pan-seared in white wine, fresh lemon juice, butter, and capers, this dish avoids heavy breading and thick cheese while retaining bold flavor.
Famous Garlic Knots
Carolina's signature dough knots are crispy on the exterior, tender inside, and heavily seasoned with garlic herb butter.
Build-Your-Own Calzone
Starting with a base of creamy ricotta and mozzarella, you can add any pizza topping combination into a sealed, portable golden crust.
Cheapest Items and Best Value Picks
Navigating the carolina's italian restaurant menu with prices in mind reveals several ways to keep checks manageable without sacrificing portion size. Because standard dinner entrees include starter soup or salad, you generally do not need to add separate side dishes.
| Value Pick | Why It Can Be Good Value | Watch Out For | Best Ordering Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16" Extra-Large Specialty Pizza | Feeds 4 to 5 adults for around $27.50 to $30.50 ($6.50–$7.50 per person) | Leftovers require refrigeration; crust is best reheated in an oven | Split toppings half-and-half across one XL pie rather than buying two medium pies |
| Spaghetti or Penne Marinara | At $15.95, it includes fresh bread and a bowl of minestrone soup or garden salad | Does not include meat; adding meatballs adds $2.50 to $4.00 | Choose minestrone soup as your inclusion for extra vegetable volume |
| Meatball Parmigiana Sub ($13.50) | Provides the same house meatballs and melted cheese as pasta platters at lower cost | Does not include dinner soup or salad | Order during midday hours for a budget-friendly lunch |
| Kids Spaghetti or Penne ($7.95) | Lowest-priced hot prepared meal on the entire menu; includes a small drink | Strictly restricted to children aged 12 and under | Opt for butter sauce if children dislike seasoned tomato herbs |
For casual dining comparison beyond Southern Italian menus, diners interested in regional American fare can check our breakdown of the Sweet Carolina's menu.
Calories and Nutrition Notes
Carolina's Italian Restaurant is an independent casual dining restaurant with fewer than 20 locations. Under federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, independent establishments are exempt from mandatory chain nutrition labeling. As a result, exact laboratory-analyzed calorie and macronutrient figures are not published by the restaurant.
The caloric numbers shown throughout this guide represent culinary estimates based on standard USDA recipe profiles for traditional Italian-American dishes made with whole-milk cheeses, semolina flour, olive oil, and butter.
| Menu Area | Nutrition Note | Best For | Source Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appetizers (Fried vs. Fresh) | Fried mozzarella and calamari add oil-dense breading; Antipasto provides protein and fat without fried batter | Moderating saturated fat and breading | Medium (USDA culinary estimation) |
| Red Sauces vs. Cream Sauces | Marinara averages 120–160 kcal per cup; Alfredo and vodka cream sauces exceed 600–800 kcal per cup | Managing total daily calorie load | Medium (Recipe-level benchmark) |
| Lean Poultry & Seafood | Chicken Piccata and Shrimp Scampi use unbreaded proteins; cutlets in Parmigiana add flour, breadcrumbs, and cheese | Higher protein with lower carbohydrate density | Medium (Standard preparation estimates) |
| Portion Control Strategy | Most pasta platters weigh 16 to 24 ounces; boxing half the portion immediately cuts meal energy intake by 50% | General wellness and macro-tracking | High (Observational portion scale) |
Allergen and Dietary Notes
Carolina's Italian Restaurant does not publish a centralized corporate allergen matrix. All kitchen prep areas handle wheat flour, dairy cheeses, eggs, tree nuts, garlic, and shellfish. If you have an allergy or medical dietary restriction, notify the kitchen manager upon arrival.
| Dietary Need | What to Check | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten / Celiac Disease | Gluten-free penne pasta can be substituted for most pasta entrees for an upcharge | The open kitchen tosses traditional wheat pizza dough; airborne flour creates cross-contact risks for severe celiacs |
| Dairy / Lactose Intolerance | Request dry pasta tossed with house tomato marinara and grilled chicken without cheese | Garlic knots, garlic bread, alfredo sauces, and baked dishes use heavy butter and whole-milk mozzarella |
| Vegetarian Dining | Eggplant Parmigiana, Cheese Ravioli, Baked Ziti, Fettuccine Alfredo, and Garden Pizza | Always specify meatless marinara sauce; Carolina's house meat sauce contains slow-simmered beef and pork |
| Egg Sensitivities | Egg is present in fresh pasta doughs, breaded chicken/veal washes, meatballs, and baked ricotta mixes | Dry boxed penne and spaghetti generally contain only wheat and water; verify specific batch stock with staff |
Special Menu Sections
Kids Menu (Bambino Menu)
Designed for children aged 12 and under, all kids meals include a small beverage:
| Item or Section | What It Includes | Price/Calorie Note | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kids Spaghetti or Penne | Pasta with choice of melted butter or marinara sauce | $7.95 | ~380–480 kcal (Meatball +$2.50) | Simple, classic kids dinner |
| Kids Cheese Ravioli | Ricotta-stuffed ravioli with tomato sauce and melted cheese | $8.50 | ~490 kcal | Young cheese lovers |
| Kids Chicken Tenders | Breaded chicken tenderloins served with crispy french fries | $8.50 | ~620 kcal | Children who prefer finger foods |
| Kids Personal Cheese Pizza | 8-inch thin crust pizza with house red sauce and mozzarella | $8.95 | ~650 kcal | Individual child-sized pizza order |
Midday Lunch Specials (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
- Select pasta options (spaghetti, penne marinara, or baked ziti) served in smaller midday portions with house salad for $11.00 to $14.00.
- Hot grinder sub sandwiches paired with a small side or chips.
- Personal 8-inch two-topping pizzas at reduced lunch rates.
Catering and Family Platters
- Half Pans (Feeds 8–10): Available for baked lasagna, penne marinara, chicken parmigiana, and antipasto salads ($55.00 to $95.00).
- Full Pans (Feeds 18–20): High-volume trays suited for office luncheons, sports banquets, or birthday gatherings ($100.00 to $180.00). Must generally be reserved 24 hours in advance.
Best For: Who This Menu Guide Helps
- Families Visiting Disneyland: Located just 2.5 miles south of the Anaheim Resort district on Chapman Avenue, Carolina's offers an affordable family-style dinner alternative to theme park restaurant pricing.
- Price Checkers Planning Group Meals: Diners looking to feed 4 to 10 people can calculate whether ordering two XL pizzas or a catering half-pan provides better savings than individual entrees.
- Diners with Dietary Questions: Guests who need to know about gluten-free pasta availability and open-kitchen cross-contact conditions before arriving.
- Carryout and Delivery Shoppers: Customers who want to avoid third-party delivery service markups by ordering directly through official channels.
Ordering Tips From LatestMenus
Ordering Tips From LatestMenus
Use these practical, field-tested suggestions to get faster service and better value at Carolina's Italian Restaurant.
- Order direct via phone or ToastTab to skip 15%–20% markups. Third-party apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats add $2.00 to $4.00 to each menu item on top of delivery fees.
- Do not order separate dinner salads with pasta entrees. Classic pastas and house specialties automatically include Italian bread and your choice of minestrone soup or house garden salad.
- Call ahead on Friday and Saturday evenings. Dine-in wait times can reach 45 minutes on weekend nights due to Anaheim tourist traffic; carryout pick-up is much quicker.
- Opt for baked pasta dishes when ordering delivery. Baked Lasagna and Baked Ziti stay hot and hold their structure during transport, whereas Fried Calamari and Garlic Knots can steam and lose crispness in closed takeout containers.
- Split large pizzas half-and-half to please picky eaters. Carolina's allows you to split specialty toppings on 14-inch and 16-inch pizzas, charging based on the higher-priced half.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Carolina's Italian Restaurant have an official menu with prices?
Yes, Carolina's maintains an updated menu with prices through their direct online ordering portal hosted on ToastTab and at their Garden Grove restaurant location.
What is the price range at Carolina's Italian Restaurant?
Appetizers cost between $7.95 and $15.50, standard pasta dishes and chicken entrees range from $15.95 to $22.95, and specialty pizzas cost between $19.50 and $30.50 depending on diameter.
What are the most popular items at Carolina's?
The top-selling items are the Famous Homemade Garlic Knots, Boston Pizza (a white pie with seasoned ricotta and garlic), Baked Lasagna Rustica, and Chicken Parmigiana.
Does Carolina's offer gluten-free pasta?
Yes, gluten-free penne pasta can be substituted for most pasta entrees for an additional fee of around $3.00. However, because wheat flour is used for hand-tossed pizza in the same kitchen, people with severe celiac disease should be mindful of cross-contact.
Are soup or salad included with meals at Carolina's?
Yes, traditional pasta dishes and house meat specialties include warm Italian bread along with your choice of a house garden salad with Italian dressing or a cup of minestrone soup.
Does Carolina's Italian Restaurant have a kids menu?
Yes, children aged 12 and under can choose from the Bambino Menu, which features spaghetti or penne, cheese ravioli, chicken tenders with fries, or an 8-inch personal cheese pizza, priced from $7.95 to $8.95 with a beverage included.
Does Carolina's have a lunch menu?
Yes, Carolina's offers lunch-sized portions of baked ziti, spaghetti marinara, hot grinder subs, and personal pizzas from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays at reduced prices.
What makes the Boston Pizza different from other pies?
The Boston Pizza at Carolina's is an East Coast white pie made without tomato marinara. It uses olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, whole-milk mozzarella, and scoops of seasoned ricotta cheese.
Does Carolina's offer catering pans for large groups?
Yes, the restaurant prepares half pans (feeding 8 to 10) and full pans (feeding 18 to 20) of baked lasagna, ziti, chicken parmesan, and antipasto salads for parties and events.
Why are delivery app prices higher for Carolina's?
Third-party platforms such as DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats charge merchant commissions. To offset these fees, menu items listed on delivery apps cost approximately 15% to 20% more than in-store dining or direct phone pickup.
Can you make reservations at Carolina's Italian Restaurant?
Carolina's seats guests primarily on a walk-in, first-come, first-served basis. If you have a party of 8 or more, call the host stand directly before arriving to verify table availability.
Conclusion
The carolina's italian restaurant menu stands out in the Garden Grove and Anaheim area for its generous portions, classic Southern Italian recipes, and dependable family value. Ordering an extra-large 16-inch specialty pizza or taking advantage of the soup-and-salad inclusions on baked pasta entrees keeps dining costs economical for both local families and Disneyland visitors. To secure the lowest prices and avoid third-party delivery surcharges, place carryout orders directly through their phone line or official ToastTab website.
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can change by location, time, delivery platform, and restaurant updates. Always confirm the latest information with the official restaurant website, app, or your local restaurant before ordering. Information verified for 2026 where available.
