Olive Garden lunch menu and prices give you the full list of soup, salad, and entrée combos that fit a midday schedule. You can grab a quick bite or sit down for a relaxed meal without spending too much. This guide breaks down every option, cost, and tip to make your choice easy.
Lunch at Olive Garden is designed for speed and value. You get smaller portions than dinner, but the quality stays high. Most combos include unlimited breadsticks and salad or soup, which makes it a solid deal.
Olive Garden Lunch Menu And Prices
This section covers the core lunch offerings. You will find soups, salads, and classic Italian dishes at reduced prices. Each item is available from 11 AM to 3 PM, Monday through Friday, at most locations.
Lunch-Sized Soups And Salads
If you want something light, the soup and salad combo is a smart pick. You get a bowl of soup plus unlimited salad and breadsticks.
- Soup & Salad Combo – $8.99
- Unlimited Soup, Salad & Breadsticks – $10.99
Soup choices include Chicken & Gnocchi, Pasta e Fagioli, and Minestrone. You can mix and match. The unlimited option lets you try all three if you like.
Lunch-Sized Entrées
These are smaller versions of dinner favorites. They come with one side, like soup or salad, plus breadsticks.
- Spaghetti with Marinara – $8.49
- Fettuccine Alfredo – $9.29
- Chicken Parmigiana – $10.49
- Lasagna Classico – $10.99
- Tour of Italy – $12.49
Each entrée is about two-thirds the size of the dinner portion. You still get plenty of food for a midday meal.
Lunch Combos
These are the best value. You pick two or three items from a list, and they arrive together.
- Pick Two Combo – $9.99
- Pick Three Combo – $11.49
Choices include soup, salad, breadsticks, and a small entrée like spaghetti or fettuccine. You can customize freely.
Classic Lunch Favorites
These dishes are consistent bestsellers. They appear on every lunch menu and rarely change.
Chicken & Gnocchi Soup
This creamy soup has chicken, potato gnocchi, and spinach. It is rich but not heavy. A bowl costs $5.49, or you can get it as part of a combo.
Garden Fresh Salad
This is the famous house salad. It comes with lettuce, tomatoes, olives, and croutons. You get it unlimited with most lunch combos. On its own, a small bowl is $4.29.
Breadsticks
These are warm, soft, and brushed with garlic butter. They are free with any lunch entrée or combo. You can ask for more at no extra charge.
Pasta Lunch Options
Pasta dishes are the heart of the lunch menu. They are filling and affordable.
Spaghetti With Meat Sauce
This is a simple dish with marinara and ground beef. The lunch portion is $8.99. It comes with breadsticks and your choice of soup or salad.
Fettuccine Alfredo
Creamy and cheesy, this pasta is a crowd-pleaser. Lunch size is $9.29. You can add grilled chicken for $2.50 extra.
Penne With Five Cheese Marinara
This dish uses penne pasta and a blend of cheeses. It is $9.49 for lunch. The sauce is tangy and smooth.
Lunch-Sized Specialty Entrées
These are the fancier options. They cost a bit more but include extra ingredients.
Chicken Parmigiana
Breaded chicken topped with marinara and melted cheese. Lunch portion is $10.49. It comes with spaghetti on the side.
Eggplant Parmigiana
A vegetarian option with breaded eggplant. Lunch size is $9.99. It is lighter than chicken but still satisfying.
Tour Of Italy
This platter has three items: lasagna, chicken parmigiana, and fettuccine alfredo. Lunch portion is $12.49. It is a good way to sample multiple dishes.
Lunch Drinks And Desserts
Drinks and desserts are not included in lunch combos. You pay separately.
Beverages
- Soft drinks (Coca-Cola products) – $2.79
- Iced tea – $2.79
- Lemonade – $2.79
- Coffee or hot tea – $2.49
Desserts
- Tiramisu – $6.49
- Black Tie Mousse Cake – $6.49
- Warm Apple Crostata – $6.49
- Zeppoli (Italian doughnuts) – $5.99
Desserts are large enough to share. You can also ask for a to-go box.
How To Order Lunch At Olive Garden
Ordering is simple. Follow these steps for a smooth experience.
- Check the time. Lunch is served from 11 AM to 3 PM on weekdays only.
- Decide if you want a combo or a single entrée.
- Choose your soup or salad if it is included.
- Pick your entrée from the lunch menu.
- Add a drink and dessert if desired.
- Tell your server about any allergies or dietary needs.
You can also order online for pickup. The lunch menu is available on the Olive Garden website or app.
Tips For Saving Money At Lunch
Lunch is already cheaper than dinner, but you can save more.
- Stick to the Pick Two or Pick Three combos. They give you variety at a fixed price.
- Skip the drink. Water is free and you can save $2.79.
- Share a dessert. Portions are big enough for two.
- Use the Olive Garden eClub. You get a coupon for a free appetizer or dessert when you sign up.
- Check for daily specials. Some locations offer extra discounts on certain days.
Nutritional Information For Lunch Items
If you watch calories, here are some numbers. These are approximate and may vary by location.
- Soup & Salad Combo – 450 calories (with Minestrone)
- Spaghetti with Marinara – 520 calories
- Fettuccine Alfredo – 780 calories
- Chicken Parmigiana – 640 calories
- Breadsticks (each) – 140 calories
You can request nutritional info from your server. The full menu is also on the Olive Garden website.
Gluten-Free And Allergy Options
Olive Garden offers gluten-free pasta. It is made from corn and rice. You can substitute it in any pasta dish for no extra charge.
Other allergy-friendly choices include:
- Grilled chicken without sauce
- Steamed broccoli as a side
- Garden salad without croutons
- Minestrone soup (vegetarian and gluten-free)
Always tell your server about allergies. They can check ingredient lists and adjust orders.
Lunch Menu Vs Dinner Menu
The main difference is portion size and price. Lunch portions are about 30% smaller. Prices are $3 to $5 lower.
Dinner menu includes larger cuts of meat, more seafood, and premium wines. Lunch focuses on pasta, soup, and salad. Both menus have the same quality.
If you want a quick meal, lunch is better. If you want a full Italian feast, go for dinner.
Seasonal Lunch Specials
Olive Garden sometimes adds limited-time items to the lunch menu. These appear in fall, winter, and spring.
- Autumn: Butternut Squash Soup
- Winter: Beef Tortellini Soup
- Spring: Lemon Chicken Soup
Prices for seasonal soups are similar to regular options, around $5.49 for a bowl. Check your local menu for availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Olive Garden serve lunch?
Lunch is served from 11 AM to 3 PM, Monday through Friday. Some locations may start at 10:30 AM. Call ahead to confirm.
Can I get the lunch menu on weekends?
No, the lunch menu is only available on weekdays. On weekends, the full dinner menu is served all day.
Are breadsticks included with lunch?
Yes, unlimited breadsticks come with any lunch entrée or combo. You can ask for more at any time.
Is the lunch menu cheaper than dinner?
Yes, lunch prices are generally $3 to $5 less than dinner. Portions are smaller but still filling.
Can I order lunch online for pickup?
Yes, you can order lunch items through the Olive Garden website or app. Select the lunch menu during weekday hours.
Final Thoughts On The Lunch Menu
The olive garden lunch menu and prices offer a practical way to enjoy Italian food without overspending. You get quality dishes, unlimited breadsticks, and a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you choose a simple soup and salad or a full entrée, you leave satisfied.
Remember to check for coupons and eClub deals. Lunch is already a good value, but a little extra saving never hurts. Next time you have a midday break, consider Olive Garden for a quick, tasty meal.
One thing to note: prices may vary slightly by location. Taxes and tips are not included. Always confirm with your server before ordering if you have concerns about cost.
So go ahead, grab a seat, and enjoy your lunch. The breadsticks are waiting.