Olive Garden weekday lunch menu with prices offers smaller portions of favorites like chicken parmigiana at a reduced cost. If you are looking for a filling meal without spending too much, this lunch menu is a smart choice. It runs Monday through Friday from opening until 4 PM. You get classic Italian dishes in lunch-sized servings. Prices are lower than dinner, so you can enjoy a nice outing for less. Let us break down everything you need to know.
The menu includes soups, salads, sandwiches, and pasta. Most items come with unlimited breadsticks and salad or soup. This makes the deal even better. You can mix and match to suit your appetite. Below, we cover the full lineup with prices, tips, and common questions.
Olive Garden Weekday Lunch Menu With Prices
This section lists the main lunch options. Prices may vary by location, but these are typical as of 2025. Always check your local restaurant for exact costs.
Lunch-Sized Soups And Salads
Start with a light meal. The lunch menu includes smaller bowls of soup and salad combos.
- Lunch-Sized Minestrone: $5.49
- Lunch-Sized Chicken & Gnocchi: $6.29
- Lunch-Sized Pasta e Fagioli: $5.49
- Lunch-Sized Zuppa Toscana: $6.29
- Soup & Salad Combo (Lunch): $7.99
Each soup comes with unlimited breadsticks. The combo gives you a bowl of soup plus a small salad. It is a good option if you want something light but filling.
Lunch-Sized Sandwiches
Sandwiches are served with a side of fries or a small salad. Portions are smaller than dinner versions.
- Chicken Parmigiana Sandwich: $9.49
- Italian Sub: $8.99
- Meatball Sandwich: $8.99
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich: $9.29
The chicken parmigiana sandwich is a top seller. It comes with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. The Italian sub has salami, pepperoni, and provolone.
Lunch-Sized Pasta Dishes
These are smaller portions of classic pasta. They come with unlimited breadsticks and your choice of soup or salad.
- Spaghetti with Marinara: $7.99
- Spaghetti with Meat Sauce: $8.49
- Fettuccine Alfredo: $8.99
- Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo: $10.49
- Five Cheese Ziti al Forno: $9.49
- Chicken Parmigiana: $10.99
- Eggplant Parmigiana: $9.99
The chicken parmigiana lunch portion includes a breaded chicken breast topped with marinara and cheese. It is served with spaghetti. The eggplant version is a vegetarian option.
Lunch-Sized Seafood And Specialties
These dishes are also available in smaller portions for lunch.
- Shrimp Scampi: $11.49
- Tour of Italy (Lunch): $12.99
- Chicken Marsala: $11.29
- Herb-Grilled Salmon: $12.49
The Tour of Italy includes chicken parmigiana, fettuccine alfredo, and lasagna. It is a good sampler if you want variety.
Lunch Combos And Add-Ons
You can upgrade your meal for a small fee.
- Add a side of meatballs (3): $2.49
- Add a side of Italian sausage: $2.99
- Add a side of grilled chicken: $3.49
- Add a dessert: $3.99 (choices include tiramisu, chocolate mousse, or lemon cream cake)
Beverages are not included. Soft drinks, iced tea, and coffee cost around $2.79 each.
How To Order From The Lunch Menu
Ordering is simple. Follow these steps to get the best deal.
- Visit during weekday lunch hours (Mon–Fri, open to 4 PM).
- Ask for the lunch menu. Some locations have a separate menu.
- Choose your main dish. Pick from pasta, sandwiches, or specialties.
- Select your side: soup or salad. Most pasta dishes include this.
- Enjoy unlimited breadsticks. They come with almost every lunch meal.
- Pay at the table or counter. Prices are before tax and tip.
You can also order online for pickup. Use the Olive Garden app or website. Select the lunch menu option under “Menu.”
Tips For Getting The Most Value
The lunch menu is already a good deal. But you can save even more with these tips.
- Share a lunch-sized pasta with a friend. Portions are small but filling.
- Skip the drink. Water is free and saves you $2–3.
- Use the Never Ending Pasta Bowl promo if available. It sometimes runs during lunch hours.
- Join the Olive Garden eClub. You get a free appetizer or dessert on your birthday.
- Check for coupons. Many locations have lunch specials in local ads.
Remember that the lunch menu does not include dinner sides like extra vegetables. But you get breadsticks and a salad or soup, which is plenty.
Comparing Lunch Vs Dinner Prices
Dinner portions are larger but cost more. Here is a quick comparison.
| Dish | Lunch Price | Dinner Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Parmigiana | $10.99 | $15.49 |
| Fettuccine Alfredo | $8.99 | $12.99 |
| Shrimp Scampi | $11.49 | $16.49 |
| Tour of Italy | $12.99 | $18.49 |
You save about $4–6 per dish at lunch. The portions are smaller, but the breadsticks and salad help fill you up.
What To Expect At Lunchtime
Lunch hours are busy. Expect a wait if you arrive between 12 PM and 1 PM. Service is usually faster than dinner. Many locations have a separate lunch line for takeout.
The atmosphere is quieter than dinner. You see families, office workers, and seniors. The staff is attentive but not rushed.
If you have dietary needs, ask your server. Gluten-free pasta is available for an extra $1.50. Vegetarian options include minestrone, eggplant parmigiana, and five cheese ziti. Vegan choices are limited, but minestrone and salad (no cheese) work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Olive Garden have a lunch menu on weekends?
No. The weekday lunch menu is only Monday through Friday. On weekends, you pay dinner prices all day.
Can I get the lunch menu for takeout?
Yes. You can order lunch items for takeout. Prices are the same as dine-in.
Are breadsticks unlimited with the lunch menu?
Yes. Almost all lunch entrees come with unlimited breadsticks. Some soup-only orders may not include them, but you can ask.
What is the cheapest item on the lunch menu?
The cheapest is the lunch-sized minestrone at $5.49. The spaghetti with marinara is $7.99.
Can I substitute soup for salad?
Yes. Most lunch combos let you choose soup or salad. Some dishes come with both.
Final Thoughts On The Lunch Deal
The Olive Garden weekday lunch menu with prices is a solid option for a budget-friendly Italian meal. You get smaller portions of favorites like chicken parmigiana at a reduced cost. The unlimited breadsticks and soup or salad make it feel like a full meal. Prices range from $5.49 to $12.99, which is reasonable for a sit-down restaurant.
If you are watching your wallet, stick to the pasta dishes. They are filling and cheap. If you want something lighter, try the soup and salad combo. The sandwiches are also a good middle ground.
One thing to note: the lunch menu is not available on holidays. Also, some locations may have slightly different prices. Always confirm with your server before ordering.
Overall, this lunch menu is a great way to enjoy Olive Garden without overspending. Go early to avoid the rush, and take advantage of the breadsticks. You will leave full and satisfied.
Remember to check for local promotions. Sometimes Olive Garden runs lunch specials that are not on the regular menu. Ask your server or look at the app.
We hope this guide helps you plan your next lunch outing. Enjoy your meal!