There’s no culinary journey quite like savoring a perfectly al dente pasta dish. Silky noodles and robust sauces crafted with generations of tradition—this iconic Italian comfort packages it all into one satisfying bite. And while Waxahachie may not have as many trattorias as bigger metropolitan hubs, there are still a handful of great spots we can rely on for authentic Italian flavors.
Whether you’re a seasoned pasta connoisseur or you’re still discovering the difference between carbonara and cacio e pepe, here’s where to go for Italian cuisine in Waxahachie.
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
$ | (972) 937-9496 | WEBSITE
Olive Garden’s chicken alfredo is virtually identical to the one at their other locations—it’s from the same chain, and just a few miles away—but the biggest draw is that you can order a massive portion that’s roughly the size of a dinner plate. It’s served with a rich, creamy sauce that you can soak up with endless breadsticks. We prefer the classic-sized appetizers—they’re a little easier to share and feel more balanced—but that Texas-sized entrée is worth trying once just for the novelty.
Johnny Carino’s
$ | (972) 923-2631 | WEBSITE
Maybe it’s the name that makes every meal at Johnny Carino’s feel like it has a personal touch, but the Italian classics in this bustling dining room feel especially classic. The lasagna, chicken parmesan, and spaghetti arrive with generous portions and a great flavor, and the “Johnny’s Combo” is among the most affordable in town.
The chicken parmesan is a little less fresh than other spots—and a little dry at times—but the lasagna and fillings are great, even if the margarita pizza dough occasionally arrives less perfect than we’d like.
Tuscan Slice
$ | (972) 937-6770 | WEBSITE
The chicken parmesan at Tuscan Slice is a little richer than other Italian spots in town, but it’s balanced out with a side of fresh marinara and garlic bread served alongside. The portions are generous—but not overly heavy—and the lasagna is comforting and savory. Tuscan Slice is also conveniently located within walking distance of several event venues, so you can set up your own Italian dinner crawl and make a night of it.
Tomatoes Mexican & Italian
$ | (972) 937-7931 | WEBSITE
You’d expect a place that calls itself Tomatoes Mexican & Italian to know its way around both cuisines, and this small-town spot in Waxahachie doesn’t disappoint. The pizza is cheesy and saucy, with a crust that strikes the perfect balance between crispy and chewy, and the Chicken Parm toes the line between hearty and comforting. They serve it alongside wonderful bread that soaks up every last bit of sauce.
Bellucci’s Italian
$ | (469) 612-5527 | WEBSITE
The chance to order the popular Salmon Newburg or the amazing stuffed shrimp with crab already makes Bellucci’s Italian among the most satisfying spots for Italian food in Waxahachie. The flavors are a little more balanced than other options in town, but the portions are some of the largest we’ve come across. If you really want to double down on seafood, add an order of the stuffed shrimp—somewhere between a crab cake and a shrimp scampi—to make things even more delicious.
Panza’s Tapping Italy
$ | (214) 869-1269 | WEBSITE
Panza’s Tapping Italy was one of the first spots to bring authentic muffaletta to Waxahachie, so an order almost feels like an unofficial ‘welcome to the neighborhood.’ These days, it’s not the most innovative in town—the decor is charming but familiar—but it’ll satisfy that Italian craving when it hits. Grab a muffaletta for the table, then fill up the remaining space with their fantastic lemon chicken and a cannoli for dessert.
Marco’s Pizza
$ | (972) 937-2771 | WEBSITE
This will satisfy a pizza craving, but there’s nothing particularly remarkable about it. The thin crust pepperoni magnifico is on the crispier side, with a fairly straightforward topping that needs a heavy sprinkle of red pepper flakes to really hit the spot. Grab a slice as part of a quick lunch, but don’t go out of your way to make a special trip for this alone.
Milano’s Pizza
$ | (214) 980-1144 | WEBSITE
Milano’s Pizza is our favorite spot for Italian food in Waxahachie. All of the pizzas here are priced like they’re paying Main Street rent—and passing that premium along—but the quality is excellent. The crust is crispy outside, but airy enough for each slice to survive the journey from oven to plate, and the slightly sweet sauce with gooey cheese and fresh ingredients is full of flavor.