Garlic bread may be a humble side dish, but when done right, it can steal the spotlight from even the most elaborate pasta. Whether it’s buttery, crispy, oozing with cheese, or layered with roasted garlic, the best garlic bread is a perfect blend of comfort and indulgence. It’s no wonder diners will return to a restaurant just for that warm, golden loaf.
Here are five places—ranging from Italian restaurants to pizza joints—where the garlic bread is so good, it’s absolutely worth the carbs.
- Maggiano’s Little Italy (Nationwide)
Maggiano’s offers an indulgent take on garlic bread, especially when ordered as part of their “Family Meal” bundles. Served warm and perfectly crisped, their loaves are brushed with herbed butter and often come with a side of marinara for dipping. - Prince Street Pizza – New York City, NY
Known for its square pepperoni slice, Prince Street Pizza also delivers serious garlic bread heat. Topped with a mix of garlic confit, fresh herbs, and melted mozzarella, it’s as much a meal as it is a side. It has earned praise on The Infatuation NYC for delivering bold flavor in every bite. - BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse (Nationwide)
BJ’s offers a “Garlic Knots” appetizer that hits every garlic lover’s sweet spot. While not traditional garlic bread, their menu includes soft, buttery, garlic-packed dough served with marinara sauce. - Jon & Vinny’s – Los Angeles, CA
Jon & Vinny’s is an Italian-American restaurant with modern flair, and their garlic bread is legendary. It’s thick, toasty, slathered in roasted garlic butter, and sometimes served under a layer of cheese. Locals love it so much that it’s a must-order according to The Infatuation LA. - Tony’s Pizza Napoletana – San Francisco, CA
Tony’s offers a garlic bread that’s part traditional, part pizza crust—crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and brushed with garlic-parsley butter. It’s served alongside their famous Neapolitan pies and earns consistent five-star Yelp reviews for its irresistible flavor and perfect texture.
Bonus Tip:
While garlic bread often takes a backseat to pizza and pasta, don’t be afraid to ask if it’s made in-house. Many restaurants with wood-fired ovens or artisan bread programs put just as much effort into their garlic bread as their main dishes.
So next time you’re ordering Italian, make sure you save room—for the carbs that count.
