Have it your way at this local favorite for pizza and pasta. With a wide and versatile menu of favorites – and a few surprises – it’s packed with options to satisfy most any kind of taste. (Can you say 30 toppings?).
Fresh ingredients and authentic Italian flavors highlight a versatile and varied menu at Maciano’s Pizza and Pastaria, 5801 Columbia Parkway in Rockford and 6746 Broadcast Parkway in Loves Park, Ill. Both locations specialize in catering and carry-out, but diners can also enjoy table service in a classy, intimate setting.
“What most people don’t know about Maciano’s is that our menu offers choices and combinations that allow our patrons a dining experience unlike any other,” says owner Mark Bloomfield. “We’re mostly known for our pizza and pasta because there is so much versatility with these dishes.”
Maciano’s pizza crust choices include traditional thin, Chicago-style deep dish, pan and stuffed options in addition to the one-of-a-kind double dough pizza. There are six combination pizzas and around 30 toppings that patrons can customize to their tastes. Maciano’s also offers gluten-free deep dish and thin-crust pizzas. Calzones can be made to order with a variety of meats, veggies and gourmet ingredients.
“Pretty much anything you would have on a pizza can be put into a calzone,” Bloomfield says. “This allows for lots of variety, but we do recommend choosing five or fewer ingredients to ensure even baking.”
The pasta menu features some exciting combinations, along with traditional favorites.
“We have eight sauces for our pastas, including a specialty garlic white wine sauce and a homemade cheese sauce for our macaroni and cheese,” says Bloomfield.
Other unique pasta dishes include the tortellini alla vodka and the penne vita mia.
“The tortellini is filled with cheese and served with a tomato vodka sauce,” says Bloomfield. “The penne vita mia includes caramelized Italian sausage simmered in the vodka sauce and served over penne pasta. Our baked lasagna is another popular entree with our customers.”
Additionally, the Maciano’s menu includes a wide variety of appetizers, salads, sandwiches and desserts.
“Our cheesy beef sandwich is very popular as are the breadsticks,” Bloomfield says. “We toss our breadsticks in garlic butter and Romano cheese and serve them with a side of marinara sauce. Many people like to get our cinnamon breadsticks with cream cheese icing for dessert.”
Since opening the Maciano’s Loves Park location in 2007 and its Rockford store in 2009, the restaurant’s carry-out, delivery and catering services have greatly expanded. Even so, the intimate dining room is still a destination of choice for many diners who prefer to linger in the casual environment.
Those who do want catering or carryout can take their pick from the regular menu.
“We have family-size catering portions that feed five to eight people and full tray options that serve 15 to 20,” says Bloomfield.
Maciano’s offers catering within Rockford and the surrounding area, which Bloomfield says makes party planning easy and stress-free.
“We have had lots of positive feedback on our catering, which has been growing every year,” he says. “People know that when they cater from Maciano’s, the food will arrive on time, ready to serve, and it will be delicious.”
Maciano’s Rockford is open Sunday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday to 10 p.m. Maciano’s Loves Park is open Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday to 10 p.m.
