Forget the breadsticks—let’s talk about what it actually costs to eat at Olive Garden, from the Never-Ending Soup to the Tour of Italy. If you are looking for the Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Menu with Prices, you have come to the right place. We have broken down the current costs so you can plan your meal without any guesswork.
Prices can shift depending on your location, but these figures reflect the national average as of late 2024. You should always check your local store for the final total, but this guide gives you a solid baseline for budgeting your night out.
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Menu With Prices
Olive Garden is famous for its unlimited salad and breadsticks, but the main courses are where the real money goes. Below, we have sorted the menu by category so you can quickly find what fits your appetite and your wallet.
Appetizers And Soups
Starting your meal with a shared plate is a good way to taste more flavors. The appetizer selection is small but mighty, offering everything from fried calamari to stuffed mushrooms.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: $10.99 – Filled with clams and herbs, topped with a creamy sauce.
- Calamari: $12.49 – Fried lightly and served with marinara or spicy ranch.
- Lasagna Fritta: $11.29 – Fried lasagna wedges with a parmesan cheese sauce.
- Meatballs and Ricotta: $10.79 – Three large meatballs over a bed of ricotta.
- Breadstick Tower: $8.99 – A full basket of fresh breadsticks with marinara.
If you are just stopping in for a light bite, the soups are a solid option. The famous Zuppa Toscana is a crowd pleaser, but you can also get the Chicken Gnocchi.
- Soup of the Day: $6.29 per bowl.
- Zuppa Toscana: $6.29 per bowl.
- Chicken & Gnocchi: $6.29 per bowl.
- Pasta e Fagioli: $6.29 per bowl.
Remember, you can upgrade any soup to the “Soup and Salad” combo for around $10.99. This gets you a bottomless bowl of soup and the famous unlimited salad.
Never-Ending Pasta Bowl
This is one of the best deals on the menu. The Never-Ending Pasta Bowl is a fixed price that includes unlimited pasta, sauce, and toppings. You can switch up your pasta shape with each refill.
The price for this deal is typically $13.99. This includes your first plate of pasta, unlimited salad, and breadsticks. You can choose from spaghetti, fettuccine, rigatoni, or angel hair.
For sauces, you have several choices:
- Marinara
- Meat Sauce (adds a small upcharge)
- Alfredo (adds a small upcharge)
- Five Cheese Marinara
You can also add proteins like grilled chicken or meatballs for an extra $2.99 to $4.49. The deal is only available for a limited time each year, so check if it is active before you visit.
Classic Entrees And Pastas
If you want a full dinner plate, the classic entrees are the way to go. These come with your choice of soup or salad and breadsticks. The portions are generous, so you might be taking a box home.
- Spaghetti with Meat Sauce: $10.99 – A simple classic.
- Fettuccine Alfredo: $12.49 – The original creamy sauce.
- Chicken Alfredo: $15.99 – Grilled chicken over fettuccine.
- Shrimp Scampi: $16.99 – Shrimp in a garlic butter sauce over angel hair.
- Chicken Parmigiana: $16.49 – Breaded chicken with marinara and mozzarella.
- Eggplant Parmigiana: $14.99 – A vegetarian option.
- Lasagna Classico: $14.29 – Baked lasagna with meat sauce.
- Ravioli di Portobello: $15.79 – Mushroom ravioli in a creamy sauce.
These dishes are filling. If you are really hungry, go for the Tour of Italy, which gives you a taste of three favorites: lasagna, chicken parmigiana, and fettuccine alfredo. That plate costs around $17.99.
Seafood And Specialty Dishes
For those who want something a bit richer, the specialty dishes offer more complex flavors. These are often the most expensive items on the menu.
- Shrimp Carbonara: $18.49 – Shrimp with bacon and a creamy carbonara sauce.
- Grilled Salmon: $17.99 – Served with garlic herb butter.
- Shrimp Scampi with Linguine: $17.29 – A lighter option.
- Chicken Giardino: $16.99 – Chicken with vegetables in a light sauce.
- Steak Gorgonzola-Alfredo: $19.99 – Sliced steak over fettuccine.
These dishes are usually served with a side of vegetables or potatoes. The steak option is the priciest on the menu, so be prepared for that higher ticket.
Desserts And Drinks
You cannot skip dessert at Olive Garden. The most famous is the Black Tie Mousse Cake, but there are other options too.
- Black Tie Mousse Cake: $7.99 – Layers of chocolate mousse and cake.
- Tiramisu: $7.49 – The classic coffee-flavored dessert.
- Zeppoli: $6.99 – Italian doughnuts with a raspberry dipping sauce.
- Chocolate Brownie Lasagna: $7.99 – Rich and chocolatey.
For drinks, you have the usual sodas and iced teas for around $3.49. They also have a full bar with cocktails. The signature Peach Bellini is a favorite at $8.99. The Italian Margarita is also popular, costing about $9.49.
Lunch Menu And Specials
If you visit during the weekdays, you can take advantage of the lunch menu. These portions are smaller and the prices are lower. Lunch is usually served until 3 PM.
- Lunch Chicken Parmigiana: $11.99
- Lunch Lasagna: $10.99
- Lunch Fettuccine Alfredo: $9.99
- Lunch Soup and Salad: $8.99
These lunch plates come with a smaller side salad or a cup of soup. It is a great way to get the Olive Garden experience without spending a lot of money.
Family Style Meals
For feeding a crowd, Olive Garden offers a family bundle. This is a catering option that you can order for takeout. It feeds around four to five people.
The “Family Feast” includes one large pasta, a salad, and breadsticks. The price starts at $39.99. You can add extra pastas or proteins for an additional cost. This is often the most economical way to feed a family if you want leftovers.
You can also order the “Culinary Collection” which includes a few more premium items like chicken marsala and shrimp scampi. That bundle runs closer to $69.99.
How To Save Money At Olive Garden
Eating out can get expensive, but there are a few tricks to lower your bill. Here are some practical tips that regulars use.
- Join the Darden Rewards Program: This is free to join. You earn points for every dollar you spend. Once you hit 100 points, you get $10 off your next meal.
- Sign Up for the Birthday Reward: If you provide your email, you get a free dessert or appetizer during your birthday month.
- Skip the Drinks: The biggest markup is on alcohol and soft drinks. Stick to water to save $5 to $10.
- Share a Meal: The portions are huge. You can easily split an entree and order a side salad to save money.
- Look for Online Coupons: Check the official website or the app for digital offers. They often have “Buy One Get One” deals on select days.
Also, consider going for lunch instead of dinner. The prices are significantly lower for the same quality of food. The lunch menu is a hidden gem for budget-conscious diners.
Gluten-Free And Vegetarian Options
Olive Garden has made an effort to accommodate dietary restrictions. They offer gluten-free pasta options for most dishes. You can substitute the regular pasta with gluten-free penne for an additional charge of about $1.50.
For vegetarians, the menu is a bit limited but workable. The Eggplant Parmigiana and the Ravioli di Portobello are good choices. You can also request any pasta dish without meat. The kitchen is usually happy to swap out chicken for extra vegetables.
Be sure to tell your server about any allergies. They have a dedicated allergy menu available upon request. This ensures your meal is prepared safely.
What To Expect For Service And Tipping
Olive Garden operates like a standard casual dining restaurant. You will be seated by a host and served by a waiter. The service is generally fast, but it can get busy on weekends.
For tipping, the standard rule is 15% to 20% of the pre-tax total. If you have a large group of six or more, the restaurant automatically adds an 18% gratuity to your bill. Check your receipt to avoid double-tipping.
They also have tablets at the table where you can pay. This makes splitting the bill easy. You can pay individually with a card or cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about the menu and pricing.
Does Olive Garden Have A Senior Discount?
Yes, Olive Garden offers a 10% discount for guests aged 60 and older. You just need to ask your server about it before you pay. This discount is not available on alcohol or the Never-Ending Pasta Bowl deal.
Can I Get A Gluten-Free Pizza?
No, Olive Garden does not offer gluten-free pizza. However, they do have gluten-free pasta. You can also get the grilled chicken or salmon without the pasta and ask for extra vegetables instead.
Is The Never-Ending Pasta Bowl Available Every Day?
No, the Never-Ending Pasta Bowl is a limited-time promotion. It usually runs in the fall and sometimes in the summer. You need to check the website to see if it is currently active. When it is not running, you can still order a single serving of pasta.
Are The Breadsticks And Salad Really Unlimited?
Yes, when you order an entree, the salad and breadsticks are unlimited. You can ask your server for more at any time. However, if you just order a soup or appetizer, you might not get the free salad and breadsticks.
How Much Is Delivery And Takeout?
Takeout is free if you order directly through the Olive Garden website or app. Delivery through third-party services like DoorDash or UberEats will have additional fees and higher menu prices. Ordering direct is always the cheaper option.
We hope this guide helps you navigate your next visit. The menu is large, but with these prices in hand, you can decide exactly what you want before you even sit down. Always remember that local taxes will be added to your final bill, so keep a few extra dollars in your pocket for that. Enjoy your meal and save room for the mousse cake.