I hope this is the right thread for this, but I'm hoping that some Italian foodies here can give me some insight! 

My 20th b-day is QUICKLY approaching and to celebrate my near-adult milestone, I figured it'd be nice to treat myself to authentic Italian food; I'd like to know some of your input on the chain, if you've ever been. I've been to Olive Garden on my 17th b-day and was heavily disappointed. So, what I'd like to know: 

1.) Is it expensive or reasonably priced? (I'm not expecting cheap, but I also do not want like 5-star restaurant prices)

2.) What is your favorite menu item there? (I'm really looking to try some authentic Italian-style seafood. Many of the options sound divine, but I'm interested to hear your picks if you've tried them!) 

3.) Do they take reservations and do you have to book 2 - 3wks ahead? 

4.) What's the best time to have an elegant Italian experience? (To clear up that question - When is a good time it is quiet and there's minimal wait? I want a night that I can enjoy a meal and spend time with my family, without loud screaming or kids running around like maniacs) 

Thanks! ;) 

P.S - Do they have any non-alcoholic Sangrias or Cocktails? Or do I have to wait?

Okay so i have nothing to say about the chain because i dont know anything about it... but as a die hard Olive Garden fan HOW were you disappointed?! 

What adria said!! =O :P

Never heard of this other place, either!

I have been there twice and I gotta say, I had terrible service both times I was there. Idk which state you live in so the service maybe better where your at. The wait time for me was around 1 hour, I never did reservations but I believe you can. The prices are a lil more expensive than Olive Garden. I usually just get the Carrabas Italian Classic which is just lasagna and chicken parmesean. It cost me around 20 bucks to get that and a water. If you decide to go there, I would suggest getting there when they open or right before they close, I go around 4pm and pretty much have the place to myself before everyone gets off work at 5pm. I heard they are now open during lunchtime on the weekends only. 

That being said, I perfer Olive Garden to Carrabas. The food is decent, but to me Olive Garden is much better. Plus the breadsticks and salad is the main reason why I go to the Garden in the first place. :)

TBH, I have never eaten there. There is no Carrabba's anywhere near where I live (although I see their commericals ALL THE FREAKING TIME). However it does sound to me like a chainish store (like Olive Garden), so if it is you probably will not be finding authentic italian food. You can always try looking for those hole in the wall places, they tend to be the ones with the best and most authetic food in my opinion.

JD, is right, it's good to get there early, or as my family calls it, eating with the elders. Because honestly mostly elderly people are out eating at that time, and so it's very quite.

I've eaten there a few times. The service was average, as was the food. Nothing to rave about. It's just your typical chain, but a little pricier.

Like Khaleesi said, your best bet for authentic Italian food is to check out smaller, non-franchise restaurants. Yelp can be a great resource, as can local publications. Where I'm from there are a couple local publications that come out with "best of" issues that include sections on local dining. They'll name the top ten Italian, Mexican, etc., restaurants in the area. I hope this helps! 

We have one, but I've never eaten there. I think it's pretty similar to Olive Garden in food authenticity (which is to say it's not authentic at all). I would third the suggestion to find a local place! Happy early birthday :).

Just out of curiousity, I looked it up. There isn't even a Carrabba's in my state!! No wonder I never heard of it. xD

Hey all - thank you for getting back to me! These are very good advice so I'm hoping to have a good experience there.

I've called them twice now and they seem quite patient about it, that's already a plus in my book! Someone in here recommended reservations, whoever said that I thank you - Because I reserved early, they are able to set up for the party and make sure everything is set for us. This is already a big difference from my experience at a few other Italian restaurants I've visited, honestly. So, Carrabba's seems quite promising! 

I've also noticed many are wondering why I hate Olive Garden - It's not so much that I hate the restaurant, it's more so the experience and how we were treated that makes me dislike them. We were unable to reserve, we were pretty much ignored and the food was far from Italian or up-to-par for me and mother's taste. I have a small amount of Italian in me and to us, OG was shameful. 

I am sure in other locations or states they are wonderful, but for my area in FL, they are horrible.

Third, while I'm always game to find family joints, in my area, they are rare and far between routes so they're not at all easy to find. In fact, many have gone out of business earlier this month. I know of a few in Orlando or St. Augustine, but I would honestly have to already be there to go eat dinner.

I will take this advice in mind though! :)