Your midday budget benefits from checking the Olive Garden lunch menu prices to find affordable options like soups, salads, and smaller entrees. Whether you are grabbing a quick bite during a work break or meeting a friend for a relaxed lunch, knowing the costs upfront helps you plan better. Olive Garden is known for its unlimited breadsticks and salad, but the lunch menu offers specific deals that are easier on your wallet. In this guide, we break down the prices, portion sizes, and best value picks so you can order with confidence.
Lunch at Olive Garden runs from opening until 3 PM on weekdays and weekends, though hours can vary by location. The menu focuses on smaller portions of classic dishes, plus a few exclusive lunch items. You get the same quality ingredients and service, just at a lower price point. Below, we cover everything from soup and salad combos to hearty pasta bowls.
Olive Garden Lunch Menu Prices
The core of the lunch menu is built around value. Most lunch entrees fall between $9 and $14, depending on your choice of protein or add-ons. Soups, salads, and breadsticks are included with many lunch combos, which keeps the total cost predictable. Below is a breakdown of the main categories.
Lunch-Sized Entrees
These are smaller versions of popular dinner pastas. They come with your choice of soup or salad and unlimited breadsticks. Portions are generous for a midday meal, but not overwhelming.
- Spaghetti with Marinara – $9.49
- Fettuccine Alfredo – $10.29
- Chicken Alfredo – $11.99
- Five Cheese Ziti al Forno – $10.79
- Lasagna Classico – $11.49
- Ravioli di Portobello – $10.99
Each entree includes one side of soup or salad. If you want both soup and salad, you can upgrade for about $1.50 extra. The breadsticks are always complimentary and refillable.
Lunch Combos
For those who want variety, the Lunch Combos let you pick two items from a select list. Options include soup, salad, and a smaller pasta or sandwich. Prices start at $8.99 and go up to $11.29.
- Soup & Salad Combo – $8.99. Choose any soup and a house salad with breadsticks.
- Soup or Salad & Pasta Combo – $9.79. Pick one soup or salad plus a small pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine.
- Soup or Salad & Sandwich Combo – $10.49. Options include the Chicken Parm Sandwich or the Meatball Sandwich.
These combos are ideal if you want a lighter meal or prefer to mix flavors. The soup choices rotate but usually include Zuppa Toscana, Chicken & Gnocchi, and Minestrone.
Lunch Sandwiches And Flatbreads
Sandwiches come with a side of fries or a small salad. They are served on toasted ciabatta bread and are filling without being heavy.
- Chicken Parm Sandwich – $10.99
- Meatball Sandwich – $10.49
- Italian Sandwich – $10.79
- Grilled Chicken Flatbread – $9.99
- Pepperoni Flatbread – $9.49
Flatbreads are crispy and topped with mozzarella and your choice of protein. They are a good option if you want something less saucy than pasta.
Lunch Soups And Salads
If you just want a quick, light meal, you can order soup or salad as a standalone item. Prices are lower than the dinner menu.
- Cup of Soup – $4.49
- Bowl of Soup – $5.99
- House Salad (small) – $4.99
- House Salad (large) – $6.49
Adding protein like grilled chicken to your salad costs an extra $3.49. The breadsticks are free with any soup or salad purchase.
Beverages And Extras
Drinks are not included in the lunch combo prices. Soft drinks, iced tea, and lemonade cost around $2.79 each. Coffee and hot tea are $2.49. If you want a dessert, the lunch menu has a few options like the Chocolate Brownie Lasagna for $6.99 or the Tiramisu for $7.49.
Kids eat for less too. The kids menu has pasta, chicken fingers, and pizza for $5.99 to $7.49, which includes a drink and a side.
How To Save Money On Olive Garden Lunch
Getting the best deal requires a little strategy. Here are some practical tips to keep your bill low.
Order The Soup And Salad Combo
At $8.99, this is the cheapest lunch option that still fills you up. You get unlimited breadsticks, a bowl of soup, and a fresh salad. The soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own. If you are very hungry, ask for extra breadsticks – they are free.
Skip The Upgrade
Many lunch combos let you add a second side for a small fee. Unless you are starving, stick with the base combo. The breadsticks and one side are usually enough. Paying an extra $1.50 for both soup and salad adds up if you do it every time.
Share A Flatbread
Flatbreads are large enough for two people to split, especially if you also order a side salad. The Grilled Chicken Flatbread at $9.99 can feed two light eaters. Just ask for extra plates.
Use The Olive Garden App
The app sometimes has exclusive coupons for lunch items. You can also earn points toward free meals through the rewards program. Check before you go.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Lunch service is usually less crowded between 11 AM and 12 PM or after 1:30 PM. You might get faster service and a more relaxed atmosphere. Some locations offer early bird lunch specials, but these are rare.
Olive Garden Lunch Menu Vs Dinner Menu
The main difference is portion size and price. Dinner entrees are about 30% larger and cost $3 to $6 more. For example, the dinner portion of Chicken Alfredo is $15.99, while the lunch version is $11.99. You get the same sauce and pasta, just less of it.
Another difference is the side options. Dinner includes unlimited soup or salad with every entree. Lunch gives you one side, but you can upgrade. Dinner also has more premium proteins like salmon or steak, which are not on the lunch menu.
If you are not a big eater, lunch is the better value. You still get the breadsticks and salad, just a smaller main dish. Many customers find the lunch portion is enough for a satisfying meal without leftovers.
Nutritional Information For Lunch Items
Knowing the calories helps you make informed choices. Below are approximate values for popular lunch items. Actual numbers vary by location and preparation.
- Soup & Salad Combo – 450 to 600 calories depending on soup choice
- Spaghetti with Marinara (lunch) – 520 calories
- Fettuccine Alfredo (lunch) – 710 calories
- Chicken Alfredo (lunch) – 780 calories
- Chicken Parm Sandwich – 690 calories
- Grilled Chicken Flatbread – 540 calories
- House Salad with dressing – 250 to 350 calories
Breadsticks add about 140 calories each. If you are watching your intake, limit yourself to one or two. The Zuppa Toscana soup is around 220 calories per cup, making it a lighter choice than the Chicken & Gnocchi which is about 290 calories.
Gluten-Free And Allergy Options
Olive Garden offers gluten-free pasta for lunch items. It is made from corn and rice flour. You can substitute it in any pasta dish for no extra charge. However, the gluten-free pasta is only available in lunch portions, not dinner.
For dairy-free needs, ask for no cheese on your salad or pasta. The marinara sauce is vegan-friendly. The breadsticks contain dairy and gluten, so they are not suitable for strict diets.
Always inform your server about allergies. The kitchen can modify most dishes, but cross-contamination is possible. Olive Garden provides an allergen menu online, but it is best to confirm with staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Olive Garden serve lunch?
Lunch is served from opening until 3 PM daily. Some locations start lunch at 11 AM on weekdays and 10:30 AM on weekends. Check your local restaurant for exact hours.
Can I get unlimited soup and salad at lunch?
No, unlimited soup and salad is a dinner feature. At lunch, you get one bowl of soup or one salad with your entree. You can upgrade to both for a small fee, but refills are not included.
Are the breadsticks free with lunch?
Yes, unlimited breadsticks are included with any lunch entree or combo. They are also free if you order a soup or salad as a standalone item.
Does Olive Garden have a lunch special on weekends?
Yes, the lunch menu is available on Saturdays and Sundays at most locations. Prices and items are the same as weekday lunch.
Can I order dinner portions during lunch?
Yes, you can order from the dinner menu at any time. However, you will pay dinner prices. If you want a smaller portion, stick with the lunch menu.
Final Thoughts On Olive Garden Lunch Menu Prices
The Olive Garden lunch menu prices are designed to give you a quality meal without overspending. With options under $10, you can enjoy a hot meal with breadsticks and a side. The key is to choose combos wisely and avoid unnecessary upgrades. Whether you crave pasta, soup, or a sandwich, the lunch menu has something for every budget. Next time you are near an Olive Garden at midday, you know exactly what to order and what it will cost.
Remember that prices may vary slightly by location due to local taxes and operating costs. Always check the menu board or the app for the most current pricing. The value is consistent, and the food is always fresh. Enjoy your lunch without the dinner price tag.