Being a connoisseur of food, I often find myself leaving fancy restaurants hungry. Sure the atmosphere was nice, but I have just spent four times as much on a meal as I normally would and need a second dinner. That is why I was skeptical when I went to Maggiano’s Little Italy in the Cherry Hill Mall. But I was in for a pleasant surprise.

At first, Maggiano’s seems like every other fancy Italian restaurant: valet parking, chandeliers, waiters and waitresses in tuxedoes and old timey pictures hanging on the walls. But where Maggiano’s distinguished itself from the rest is in the food.

For families, the restaurant offers a three course dinner with family portions (which is more like a five course meal including two appetizers, salads, pastas, entrees and desserts) all for around 25 dollars per person. Of course, order off the main menu and the price will go up quickly. As if this was not enough, Maggiano’s policy is that if you are not satisfied with the portion size, you can request more for no additional charge.

The food itself ranges from average to mouth watering good, although the only way to determine this is to try it for yourself. You will not be disappointed, but some meals are clearly better than others (I recommend the spinach salad and the chicken parmesan).

Although you may not be blown away by the atmosphere, the food is great and there is enough of it to feed a family for a week. If you can get reservations at one of the hottest restaurants in Cherry Hill, do not eat all day and prepare for one fantastic meal.

Score: 3.5/4 stars