A culinary expert shares the best restaurants for the best Bolognese.
Bolognese is loved for its hearty, savory flavor that combines slow-cooked meat with a base of onions, carrots, and celery. The rich sauce is usually simmered for hours, enhancing its flavor and pairing perfectly with the pasta. While the classic Italian sauce can be difficult to perfect, some chain restaurants can offer impressive versions that rival homemade. To find the highlights, eat this, not that! asked Dennis Little, chef and culinary expert Ask Chef Dennisto share chain restaurants that serve some of the best Bologna.
What makes a great Bolognese?
Bolognese is considered easy to make, but certain elements elevate the sauce. “A great bolognese starts with a slow-cooked meat sauce that creates a deep flavor of spices, tomatoes, wine, and a blend of beef or pork,” says Chef Dennis. “The key is patience, allowing the sauce to cook long enough for the meat to become tender and the flavor to develop into something rich, delicious and comforting.”
Buca di Beppo
For generous, family-style portions and a fun atmosphere, Buca di Beppo is the place to go. Plus, according to Chef Dennis, the chain’s Bolognese is incredible. “Bucca di Beppo.” Spaghetti with meat sauce offers the delicious flavors and comfort people expect from a classic Italian-American meal.”The sauce is robust and flavorful, and the generous portions make it perfect for family dining at the restaurant.”
Maggiano’s Little Italy
Maggiano’s Little Italy is a good balance of casual dining with a great atmosphere, making it perfect for date nights. Chef Dennis says the Bolognese is a must. “Maggiano’s Bolognese is classic and comforting, with a rich meat sauce that looks like it’s been simmering all afternoon. Generous portions and a balanced sauce with fettuccine make it a standout on their pasta menu.”
Bertucci
BertucciChef Dennis says the small New England chain is known for its delicious Bolognese. “Bertucci’s offers a classic look with a flavorful meat sauce that’s rich without being heavy,” he said. “Their pasta dishes tend to accentuate the sauce well, making every bite delicious and satisfying.”
Northern Italy
Northern Italy has two locations – one in Alabama and one in Arizona. Chef Dennis raves about both the restaurant and its Bolognese. “Northern Italy takes a more nuanced approach and often pairs its Bolognese with fresh pasta,” he says. “The sauce is rich, layered and balanced, delivering that slow-cooked depth you want in a real ragu.”
Bravo! Italian kitchen
Bravo! Italian cuisine offers Spaghetti Bolognese with a signature recipe of meat sauce with beef and pork. Chef Dennis loves it. “Bravo! offers a comforting version with a well-seasoned meat sauce that’s delicious and satisfying,” he says. “It’s the kind of dish that shows off the richness of the meat and is well-balanced while maintaining the tomato base.”
Heather Newgen
Heather Newgen has two decades of experience reporting and writing about health, fitness, entertainment and travel. Heather is now freelance in several publications. Read more about Heather
