35+ Olive Garden Menu Items to Know Before You Order (2026 Guide)

Last updated: 24 October 2026

The Olive Garden menu is built around Italian-American comfort food: pasta, chicken and seafood entrées, soups, salads, appetizers, and desserts. Every dinner comes with the famous unlimited breadsticks, and most entrées can be paired with unlimited soup or salad.

This guide covers 35+ items and offers by category. For each one, you’ll see what it is, what it tastes like, and who it suits. You’ll also find tips on what to skip, a quick FAQ, and a note on how we checked everything.

Menus change by season and location. Use this as a planning tool, then confirm details in the Olive Garden app or on its website before you go.

Olive Garden Menu at a Glance

CategoryWhat to expectBest for
Soups and saladLight starters, often unlimited with an entréeEasing in, sharing
AppetizersFried and cheesy shareablesGroups, game-night cravings
Classic pastasCreamy, saucy, bakedComfort-food fans
ChickenParmesan, Marsala, scampi, and morePicky eaters, protein lovers
Seafood and steakShrimp, salmon, grilled picksLighter or fancier meals
DessertsCakes, tiramisu, mini sweetsSharing at the end
Value and family optionsLunch duos, pasta bowls, kids mealsBudget planning, families

Soups, Salad, and Breadsticks

Soups, Salad, and Breadsticks

The starters are the heart of the experience. Many guests fill up on these before the entrée even lands, so pace yourself.

1. Garlic Breadsticks

Garlic breadsticks are soft, warm, and brushed with a garlicky, buttery topping. They arrive in a basket and get refilled until you say stop. Honest tip: they are the reason people leave with no room for dessert.

2. Famous House Salad

A bowl of crisp lettuce with onions, tomatoes, olives, pepperoncini, and croutons, tossed in the house Italian dressing. The dressing is tangy and a little sharp. If you like a lighter start, ask for the dressing on the side so you control how much goes on.

3. Zuppa Toscana

A creamy soup with spicy Italian sausage, potatoes, and kale in a savory broth. It is peppery, warm, and filling. This one is popular for good reason, and it works well as a small meal with breadsticks.

4. Pasta e Fagioli

A tomato-based soup with beans, ground beef, and small pasta shapes. It tastes hearty and slightly herby, closer to a stew than a brothy soup. It suits anyone who wants something savory without cream.

5. Minestrone

A vegetable soup with beans and pasta in a tomato broth. It is the lightest soup on the list and a good fit if you want to keep dinner on the lean side. Vegetarian guests should confirm the broth with staff.

6. Chicken & Gnocchi

Tender chicken, soft potato dumplings, and spinach in a creamy white soup. It is rich and comforting, a bit like chicken and dumplings with an Italian twist. Pick this on a cold day.

Appetizers

Appetizers are made for sharing. Two for a table of four is usually plenty, especially with breadsticks on the way.

7. Toasted Ravioli

Breaded ravioli filled with beef, fried until crisp, and served with marinara for dipping. The outside is crunchy and the center is soft and savory. This is a safe pick for a mixed group.

8. Spinach-Artichoke Dip

A creamy, cheesy dip served warm with crisp tortilla chips or bread, depending on the version offered. It is rich and salty, with soft spinach and tangy artichoke in every scoop. Share it, because it is filling.

9. Fried Calamari

Lightly breaded squid rings fried golden and served with marinara. The coating is crispy and the squid should be tender, not rubbery. Order it hot and eat it fast.

10. Lasagna Fritta

Crispy fried lasagna bites with a cheesy, saucy filling, served with a dipping sauce. Think of it as lasagna turned into finger food. It is a fun choice if you like fried, cheesy starters.

Also Read:25+ Starbucks Bakery Menu Items to Try in 2026 (Updated October 2026)

Classic Pasta Dishes

Pasta is the core of the Olive Garden menu. Portions are generous, and many diners take leftovers home.

11. Fettuccine Alfredo

Long ribbon pasta in a creamy Parmesan sauce. It is smooth, rich, and mild, the kind of dish that tastes best in the first ten bites. Share it or box half early.

12. Chicken Alfredo

The same creamy fettuccine with sliced grilled chicken on top. The chicken adds protein and a bit of char to balance the sauce. It is one of the most ordered dishes for good reason.

13. Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Simple spaghetti topped with a savory, tomato-based meat sauce. It is mild, familiar, and easy for kids and adults alike. A good pick when you want zero surprises.

14. Spaghetti with Meatballs

Spaghetti with marinara and large, tender meatballs. The meatballs are soft and seasoned with a gentle herb flavor. It is a classic and hard to get wrong.

15. Lasagna Classico

Layers of pasta, meat sauce, and melted cheese, baked until bubbly. Each slice is dense and filling. Skip the extra appetizer if you order this one.

16. Five Cheese Ziti al Forno

Baked ziti in a rich marinara with a mix of melted cheeses on top. The edges get browned and slightly crisp, which is the best part. This is the pick for cheese lovers.

17. Cheese Ravioli

Pasta pillows stuffed with a blend of Italian cheeses, finished with a sauce such as marinara or Alfredo. They are soft and mild. A solid vegetarian choice, though sauce options can vary by location.

18. Tour of Italy

A sampler plate with lasagna, chicken parmigiana, and fettuccine Alfredo. If you cannot decide, this solves the problem. It is also big enough to split between two lighter eaters.

Chicken Entrées

Chicken dishes give you something less creamy than the pastas. Most come with a side of pasta or vegetables.

19. Chicken Parmigiana

A breaded chicken cutlet topped with marinara and melted cheese, served over pasta. The coating stays crisp at the edges, and the cheese is gooey. It is a crowd-pleaser and a dependable pick for a first visit.

20. Chicken Marsala

Pan-seared chicken in a savory mushroom and Marsala wine sauce. It tastes earthy and slightly sweet. Choose this if you like deeper, restaurant-style flavors over cheese-heavy plates.

21. Chicken Scampi

Chicken with a garlicky, buttery sauce, often served with pasta and sautéed vegetables. It is bright and savory, with a hint of lemon. It suits diners who want something flavorful but not creamy.

22. Grilled Chicken Margherita

Grilled chicken topped with tomatoes, melted mozzarella, and basil, served with vegetables. This is one of the lighter-tasting chicken options. It works well if you want protein without a heavy sauce.

Seafood and Steak

Seafood and steak dishes cost more than the pasta plates, so order them when you want something a little different.

23. Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp in a garlic, butter, and white wine sauce over pasta. The sauce is zesty and lemony. It is a good pick if you enjoy seafood but dislike creamy sauces.

24. Shrimp Alfredo

Sautéed shrimp over fettuccine in creamy Alfredo sauce. It is rich and mild, with a sweet, tender bite from the shrimp. Pair it with salad rather than another heavy starter.

25. Herb-Grilled Salmon

Salmon fillet grilled with herbs and served with vegetables. It is flaky and savory, and it lands on the lighter side of the menu. This is the best option for a pasta-free dinner.

26. Mixed Grill

A combination plate that typically includes grilled chicken, sausage, and shrimp with vegetables. It is hearty and savory, with a smoky note. Order it if you want variety in one dish.

27. Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo

Sliced steak over fettuccine in a creamy Gorgonzola Alfredo sauce. The cheese gives it a sharp, tangy edge. It is a rich, special-occasion choice, and it may not be on every location’s menu.

28. Eggplant Parmigiana

Breaded eggplant layered with marinara and melted cheese, served with pasta. It is soft inside, crisp outside, and fully vegetarian. A good choice for meat-free diners who want comfort food.

Desserts

Desserts are sized for sharing. If breadsticks got the better of you, ask for a box.

29. Tiramisu

Coffee-soaked ladyfingers layered with mascarpone cream and cocoa. It tastes light, creamy, and slightly bitter in a good way. A smart pick if you want something less sweet than cake.

30. Black Tie Mousse Cake

A chocolate cake with layers of mousse and a glossy finish. It is dense, smooth, and very chocolatey. Share it, because one slice is plenty.

31. Lemon Cream Cake

A soft cake layered with lemon cream. It is bright and tangy, which balances a heavy dinner well. A great finish for anyone who prefers citrus over chocolate.

32. Zeppoli

Warm, fluffy fried dough balls dusted with sugar, often served with a dipping sauce. They taste like small, airy doughnuts. A fun, shareable end to the meal.

33. Dolcini

Mini desserts served in small cups, in rotating flavors. They are ideal when you want a few bites of something sweet without committing to a full slice. Flavors change, so ask what is available.

Olive Garden is one of the most popular Italian-American restaurant chains in the U.S., with more than 900 locations. It is famous for unlimited breadsticks, soup, and salad with dinner entrées, and for its seasonal Never Ending Pasta Bowl. This guide covers the menu with prices, photos, takeout, kids meals, lunch, the PDF menu, and how to find a restaurant near you.

Olive Garden Menu With Prices

Olive Garden Menu With Prices

The Olive Garden menu with prices includes appetizers, soups, salads, classic entrées, alfredo dishes, lunch specials, family meals, and desserts. Most entrées cost about $15 to $22, though prices vary by city and by source.

Popular Dishes and Prices

ItemApprox. priceNotes
Tour of Italy$19.99 to $23.49Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna Classico, and Fettuccine Alfredo; about 1,500 calories
Chicken AlfredoAbout $17.99Grilled chicken over fettuccine
Create Your Own PastaFrom about $12.99Choose a pasta, sauce, and extras
Unlimited Soup, Salad & Breadsticks$9.99 to $12.99Dine-in refills; single portion to go
Weekday Lunch DuosFrom $8.99Two items such as soup, salad, or pasta
Family-Style Meals$44.99 to $64.99Feeds 4 to 6 people

Never Ending Pasta Bowl 2026

The Never Ending Pasta Bowl is back from August 31 to November 22, 2026, at dine-in restaurants. Here is what to know:

  • Price: $14.99 per person, up a dollar from the earlier $13.99 price.
  • What you get: unlimited pasta, sauce, and soup or salad, plus breadsticks.
  • Protein toppings: cost extra, about $3.79 for meatballs or sausage and up to $4.99 for shrimp.
  • New this year: a Spicy Alfredo sauce and Crispy Shrimp Fritta.
  • Rules: dine-in only, and refills come one bowl at a time.

Other Ways to Save

  • $6 Take-Home Entrée: add a second entrée, such as Fettuccine Alfredo or Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, to a dine-in meal.
  • 2 for $25: a standing value deal that one guide mentions.
  • Free breadsticks: ask for another basket as often as you like.
  • eClub: members can get a free birthday dessert.

Why Prices Differ

Each restaurant sets its own prices, and delivery apps often cost more than dine-in. Guides also copy old menus, so use the official website or app as the final word.

Olive Garden Menu Fotos

If you search for Olive Garden menu fotos, you probably want to see what the food looks like before you order. Photos help you judge portions, colors, and toppings.

What the Photos Show

  • Breadsticks: soft, golden sticks brushed with garlic and served in a basket.
  • Tour of Italy: a large plate with three separate sections of crispy chicken, lasagna, and creamy fettuccine.
  • Soup and salad: a bowl of Zuppa Toscana or another soup next to the famous house salad.
  • Desserts: tiramisu and the Chocolate Brownie Lasagna.

Where to Find Photos

The official Olive Garden website and app have menu photos. Google Maps, Yelp, and social media show real customer pictures from your local restaurant.

Tips for Reading Food Photos

  • Official photos are styled, so your plate may look a little different.
  • Customer photos give a better idea of real portions.
  • Check the date, because recipes and toppings can change.

Also Read:Haute Coffee Menu (2026): 40+ Drinks, Breakfast and Bakes in Concord, MA

Olive Garden Menu To Go

The Olive Garden to-go menu lets you take Italian favorites home, from single meals to large family pans.

Family-Style Meals

Family-style meals serve four to six people and are the most popular takeout option. Guides list prices from about $44.99 up to about $65. Options include pasta dishes such as Five Cheese Ziti al Forno, Chicken Tortelloni Alfredo, and Cheese Ravioli, as well as shrimp or chicken scampi. Family-size soups are also available in Chicken & Gnocchi, Minestrone, Pasta e Fagioli, and Zuppa Toscana.

Single Takeout Orders

  • Classic entrées such as Chicken Parmigiana and Fettuccine Alfredo.
  • The $6 Take-Home Entrée when you also dine in.
  • Unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks is dine-in only, but a single portion is available to go.

How to Order

Use the Olive Garden website or app to order for pickup or delivery. Delivery fees and menu prices can be higher than in-store, and the Never Ending Pasta Bowl is not available for takeout.

Olive Garden Menu With Prices and Pictures

An Olive Garden menu with prices and pictures shows what you pay for each dish and what it looks like. Here is a quick visual guide to the main categories.

Appetizers and Soups

Starters include fried favorites such as Stuffed Ziti Fritta, Lasagna Fritta, and calamari. Soups include Zuppa Toscana, Pasta e Fagioli, Minestrone, and Chicken & Gnocchi. Prices for starters are usually a few dollars below those of entrées, so check your local menu.

Entrées and Pasta

DishWhat it looks likeApprox. price
Tour of ItalyThree dishes on one large plate$19.99 to $23.49
Chicken AlfredoGrilled chicken on creamy fettuccineAbout $17.99
Chicken ParmigianaBreaded chicken with sauce and cheeseAbout $17 to $20
Spaghetti with Meat SauceRed sauce and ground beefAbout $14 to $16

Desserts

Popular desserts include Tiramisu and Chocolate Brownie Lasagna. Dessert prices are usually under $10 each.

Helpful Tip

Photos on delivery apps are often cropped. Ask your server for portion sizes if you are unsure.

Olive Garden Menu Kids

The Olive Garden kids menu is for children age 12 and under. Meals come with a side and a drink, usually milk, for one price.

Kids Menu Options

  • Chicken Fingers: about $6.99 and 470 calories.
  • Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza: about 470 calories.
  • Macaroni and Cheese: a simple choice for picky eaters.
  • Pasta with a choice of sauce: rotini or spaghetti with marinara, meat sauce, or alfredo.
  • Grilled Chicken with Rotini and Marinara: about $9.28.

Sides and Drinks

Kids can choose sides such as broccoli, grapes, french fries, or spaghetti with tomato sauce. Milk is the standard drink. Kids meals do not include the free soup or salad.

Prices and Rules

Most kids meals cost about $6.99 to $7.49, and the grilled chicken meal is a little over $9. Olive Garden has no permanent nationwide “kids eat free” policy, though local deals sometimes appear. Kids menus come with crayons and activities.

Allergy Information

Olive Garden provides an online allergen guide, which is helpful when you plan for children with food allergies.

Olive Garden Menu Lunch

The Olive Garden lunch menu offers smaller portions at lower prices, usually on weekdays.

Lunch Options

OptionApprox. priceDetails
Lunch DuosFrom $8.99Pick two items such as soup, salad, or breadsticks
Duo with small pastaAbout $10.49Adds a lunch-sized pasta
Lunch-Sized FavoritesFrom about $10.49Smaller versions of dinner pastas with soup or salad
Unlimited Soup, Salad & BreadsticksAbout $9.99 to $12.99Unlimited refills for dine-in

Lunch Hours

Sources list weekday lunch as ending between about 2:30 and 3 p.m. Hours vary by restaurant, so call ahead or check the website.

Why Lunch Is a Good Deal

Lunch portions are smaller, but you still get the famous breadsticks. One guide estimates that lunch saves about 30 to 40% compared with dinner prices.

Olive Garden Menu PDF

Olive Garden Menu PDF

Many people search for the Olive Garden menu PDF so they can read the full menu, print it, or plan a group order. Olive Garden provides its menu and nutrition information on its official website.

What the Menu Shows

  • Appetizers, soups, salads, and classic entrées
  • Alfredo dishes, family meals, and desserts
  • Lunch and kids sections
  • Seasonal items, such as the Never Ending Pasta Bowl and its topping prices

Why Official Is Best

The official menu is updated for seasonal items and price changes. PDFs from other sites may show older prices or discontinued dishes.

How to Save Your Own Copy

  1. Open the Olive Garden website and choose your local restaurant.
  2. Open the full menu.
  3. Use your browser’s print option and choose “Save as PDF.”
  4. Note the date, since prices change.

Allergen and Nutrition Details

Olive Garden also offers allergen information and a gluten-sensitive menu. Check these guides if you have dietary needs, and tell your server about allergies when you order.

Olive Garden Menu Near Me

To see the Olive Garden menu near you, find your closest restaurant and open its menu, because prices and some items vary by location.

How to Find a Restaurant

  • Search “Olive Garden near me” in Google Maps.
  • Use the restaurant locator on the Olive Garden website or app.
  • Check hours and wait times before you go.

Check Before You Go

  • Is the Never Ending Pasta Bowl running at that restaurant?
  • Are lunch specials available today?
  • Do you need a reservation or call-ahead seating?

Readers Outside the U.S.

Olive Garden is mainly a U.S. chain. UK readers will probably need to compare other Italian restaurant chains, as we found no UK locations.

Tips for Your First Visit

Start with breadsticks and soup, then share an appetizer. If you are hungry, order the Tour of Italy or the Never Ending Pasta Bowl while it lasts.

Also Read:Asia Kitchen Menu Winter Park FL: 15+ Items Worth Ordering

Value, Lunch, and Family Options

Olive Garden also offers meal formats that change how much you get for your money. These are worth knowing before you order à la carte.

34. Never Ending Pasta Bowl

A seasonal offer with unlimited pasta, sauce, and toppings, along with breadsticks and soup or salad. It is not always available, so check the app. If you love pasta and have a big appetite, this is where the value shows up.

35. Lunch Duos

A lunch deal that pairs a smaller entrée with soup or salad. It is a quick, filling option for a work break. Availability and combinations vary by location.

36. Kids Menu

Smaller portions of familiar items like pasta and chicken. Kids’ meals are simple and mild, and they usually include a drink and a side. Ask whether your location has current options.

Take-Home and Family Meals

Many locations also offer larger take-home entrées and family-style bundles. These are useful for feeding a group at home. Check your local restaurant for what is available.

Best Picks by Craving

  • Creamy and rich: Fettuccine Alfredo or Chicken Alfredo
  • Cheesy and baked: Five Cheese Ziti al Forno or Lasagna Classico
  • Lighter meal: Herb-Grilled Salmon, Grilled Chicken Margherita, or Minestrone
  • Vegetarian: Eggplant Parmigiana, Cheese Ravioli, or the House Salad
  • Best for sharing: Toasted Ravioli, Lasagna Fritta, and Tour of Italy
  • Best soup: Zuppa Toscana
  • Best sweet finish: Tiramisu or Lemon Cream Cake

What to Skip or Think Twice About

Filling up on breadsticks, salad, and a creamy appetizer will leave little room for the main dish. Pick two of those three. Also, the creamier pastas are rich enough that a half-portion box is not a bad plan.

Prices, Calories, and Allergens

Prices vary by location, and the Olive Garden menu can differ between restaurants. Calories and allergen info are listed on the official website and in the app, and they are the best source before you order. If you have a food allergy, tell your server directly, since menu details and ingredients can change.

Is There an Olive Garden in the UK?

To our knowledge, Olive Garden operates in the USA and Canada, with a small number of licensed restaurants in other countries. UK readers will likely not find one nearby, so check the official site if you plan to travel. For the closest feel at home, many UK diners look to Italian casual-dining chains.

How We Verified This Guide

We checked menu item names and categories against Olive Garden’s official website and app. Item descriptions reflect standard recipes and common preparation. We did not list prices or calorie counts, because they vary by location and change often. Before you order, confirm anything that matters to you, especially allergens, in the app or with your server.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is on the Olive Garden menu?

The Olive Garden menu includes soups, salads, appetizers, pasta dishes, chicken and seafood entrées, steak, desserts, and kids meals. Every dinner comes with unlimited breadsticks. Seasonal specials and lunch deals are added throughout the year.

What is the most popular dish at Olive Garden?

Fettuccine Alfredo, Chicken Alfredo, and Chicken Parmigiana are among the best-known entrées. Zuppa Toscana is the most talked-about soup. Popularity can vary by region.

Does Olive Garden have vegetarian options?

Yes. Eggplant Parmigiana, Cheese Ravioli, Five Cheese Ziti al Forno, and the House Salad are common vegetarian picks. Ingredients and broths can vary, so confirm with your server.

Are the breadsticks and salad really unlimited?

Unlimited breadsticks come with dinner at most locations. Unlimited soup or salad is usually offered with an entrée. Terms can change, so ask when you order.

Is there a healthier option at Olive Garden?

Herb-Grilled Salmon, Grilled Chicken Margherita, and Minestrone are among the lighter options. Dressing on the side and a half portion of pasta can lower the heaviness of a meal. Check the official nutrition info for exact numbers.

Conclusion

The Olive Garden menu is easiest to enjoy when you pick one starter, one main, and one shared dessert. Start with a soup or salad, choose a pasta or chicken dish that fits your mood, and save room for something sweet. Check the app for deals before you leave. Then go hungry and take the leftovers home.

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