Linguine with clams (Linguine alle Vongole) is a classic Italian seafood pasta dish made with fresh or canned clams, garlic, olive oil, and dry white wine. While it’s a seafood pasta classic, not every restaurant specializes in clam linguine. Where can you get a diner-approved version of it? Here are 5 restaurant chains with the best clam linguine, according to diners.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill offers two main clam pastas that diners love. You can get a traditional Linguine & Clams or White Clam Sauce, with hard-shelled clams tossed with linguine in a creamy white wine clam sauce. They also offer Spicy Linguine & Clams, the same classic hard-shelled clam and creamy white wine sauce dish, with an extra layer of heat.
Linguine Alle Vongole is a Maggiano’s Little Italy favorite, made with fresh clams, garlic, and a white wine herb sauce. You can also get it with red clam sauce. Or, for more seafood variety, get the Linguine Di Mare, which includes clams, lobster, shrimp, and mussels in a spicy tomato sauce.
While not a chain, Rao’s Miami is considered a “controlled expansion” of the legendary, family-owned New York institution. This bougie, old-school Italian spot serves to-die-for Linguini & Clams made with little neck clams, white wine, garlic, and parsley. “All of the seafood was cooked perfectly. My friend ordered linguine and clams. The clams were cooked perfectly and the pasta was delicious,” a Facebooker says.
The Old Spaghetti Factory’s White Clam Sauce is a diner favorite, made with hints of wine, fresh garlic, green peppers, onions, and parsley. “Never anything wrong with this place. I love everything I get there. The spaghetti with white clam sauce and some sausage or meatballs on the side is the bomb. Get extra clam sauce on the side and enjoy,” a Redditor says. “The White Clam Sauce was pretty saucy and flavorful. Would get it again,” another adds. “I love the white clam sauce,” a third adds.
Brio Italian Grille’s White Clam Pasta features littleneck clams, garlic, olive oil, white wine, lemon, and a touch of Calabrian chili. While not a menu staple, it is featured as a seasonal or limited-time special, usually during Lent.