Planning a dinner out starts with checking the Olive Garden dinner menu and prices for your favorites. You want to know what you are paying before you sit down. This guide breaks down every section of the dinner menu with current prices, portion sizes, and tips for saving money. Whether you are going for a family meal or a date night, this article helps you order smart.
The Olive Garden dinner menu is famous for unlimited breadsticks and salad. But the main courses range from pasta classics to seafood and steak. Prices vary by location, so use this as a general guide. Most dinner entrees cost between $12 and $25. You can also find lunch specials that are cheaper, but this article focuses on dinner only.
Olive Garden Dinner Menu And Prices
This section covers the full dinner menu divided by category. Each item includes a typical price range. Remember that taxes and tips are extra. Some locations add a small surcharge for extra sauce or cheese.
Appetizers For Sharing
Start your meal with a shared appetizer. These are perfect for groups of two or more. Prices range from $8 to $14.
- Classic Calamari – $11.99
- Stuffed Ziti Fritta – $9.49
- Lasagna Fritta – $10.29
- Spinach-Artichoke Dip – $11.29
- Breadstick Dipping Trio – $8.99
- Toasted Ravioli – $9.79
Most appetizers serve 2-3 people. If you are dining alone, skip this section to save money. The breadsticks and salad are already filling.
Soup, Salad, And Breadsticks
You can order soup or salad as a meal. Each comes with unlimited breadsticks. This is the cheapest dinner option on the menu.
- Unlimited Soup, Salad & Breadsticks – $10.99
- Chicken & Gnocchi Soup (bowl) – $6.29
- Zuppa Toscana (bowl) – $6.29
- Minestrone (bowl) – $5.99
- House Salad (large) – $8.49
The unlimited combo is a great deal. You can refill your soup or salad as many times as you want. Many regulars order this and skip the main course.
Classic Pasta Entrees
These are the heart of the Olive Garden dinner menu. Most come with soup or salad and breadsticks. Prices include the side.
- Spaghetti with Marinara – $12.49
- Spaghetti with Meat Sauce – $13.99
- Fettuccine Alfredo – $14.99
- Chicken Alfredo – $17.29
- Shrimp Alfredo – $18.99
- Five Cheese Ziti al Forno – $15.49
- Ravioli di Portobello – $16.79
- Stuffed Shells – $14.29
You can add grilled chicken to any pasta for $4.49. Add shrimp for $6.99. The portions are large, so consider sharing or taking leftovers home.
Specialty Pastas And Bakes
These dishes are more complex and often baked. They come with the same sides as classic pastas.
- Chicken Parmigiana – $17.99
- Eggplant Parmigiana – $15.49
- Lasagna Classico – $16.99
- Tour of Italy (lasagna, chicken parm, fettuccine) – $19.99
- Spaghetti with Meatballs – $15.29
- Chicken Scampi – $18.49
- Shrimp Scampi – $19.79
The Tour of Italy is a sampler plate. It is good if you want to try three different dishes. The portion is large enough for two light eaters.
Seafood And Fish
Seafood options are limited but popular. They cost a bit more than pasta dishes.
- Grilled Salmon – $20.49
- Herb-Grilled Salmon – $21.29
- Shrimp Carbonara – $19.99
- Shrimp & Scampi Fritta – $18.49
Salmon dishes come with a side of vegetables or pasta. The shrimp carbonara is creamy and rich. These are good choices if you want something lighter than pasta.
Chicken And Steak
For non-pasta eaters, Olive Garden offers chicken and steak dinners. These also include soup or salad and breadsticks.
- Grilled Chicken Margherita – $17.79
- Chicken Marsala – $18.49
- Chicken Piccata – $17.99
- Steak Toscano – $23.99
- Steak Gorgonzola-Alfredo – $24.49
The steak dishes are the most expensive on the menu. They are cooked to order, so expect a 15-20 minute wait. The chicken dishes are more affordable and cook faster.
Create Your Own Pasta Bowl
This is a customizable option. You pick your pasta, sauce, and toppings. Prices start at $10.99.
- Choose your pasta: spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or angel hair
- Choose your sauce: marinara, alfredo, meat sauce, or arrabbiata
- Add toppings: grilled chicken ($4.49), shrimp ($6.99), meatballs ($3.99), or sausage ($3.49)
The base price includes one topping. Each extra topping adds cost. This is a good option if you have dietary restrictions or want a specific combination.
Family Style Meals
For groups of 4 or more, family style meals are available. These include unlimited pasta, salad, and breadsticks. Prices are per person.
- Family Style Pasta (choose two) – $17.99 per person
- Family Style with Chicken – $20.99 per person
- Family Style with Seafood – $23.99 per person
Everyone at the table must order the same family style option. This is a good deal for large groups. You get unlimited refills on all items.
Desserts
Finish your meal with a dessert. Most are under $10.
- Tiramisu – $8.49
- Black Tie Mousse Cake – $8.99
- Warm Apple Crostata – $7.99
- Zeppoli (Italian doughnuts) – $6.49
- Dolcini (mini desserts) – $3.49 each
The Dolcini are small and cheap. They are perfect if you just want a bite of something sweet. The tiramisu is the most popular dessert.
Beverages
Drinks range from soda to cocktails. Soft drinks are $3.49 with free refills.
- Soft Drinks – $3.49
- Iced Tea – $3.49
- Coffee – $3.29
- Italian Sodas – $4.49
- House Wine (glass) – $7.99
- House Wine (bottle) – $24.99
- Beer – $5.49
- Cocktails – $9.99 to $12.99
Happy hour specials are available at some locations. Ask your server about drink deals before ordering.
Kids Menu
Children under 12 can order from the kids menu. Prices are $6.99 to $8.49.
- Spaghetti with Meat Sauce – $6.99
- Chicken Fingers – $7.49
- Grilled Chicken – $7.99
- Macaroni & Cheese – $6.99
- Pizza (cheese or pepperoni) – $7.49
Kids meals come with a drink and a small dessert. Portions are smaller than adult meals.
Gluten-Free Options
Olive Garden offers gluten-free pasta. It is made from corn and rice flour. The gluten-free menu includes:
- Gluten-Free Rotini Pasta – $12.99
- Gluten-Free Chicken Alfredo – $17.49
- Gluten-Free Shrimp Alfredo – $19.29
These dishes are prepared separately to avoid cross-contamination. Tell your server if you have celiac disease.
Vegetarian And Vegan Choices
Vegetarians have several options. Vegans are more limited but can order:
- Minestrone Soup – $5.99
- House Salad (no cheese) – $8.49
- Spaghetti with Marinara – $12.49
- Create Your Own Pasta (vegan sauce) – $10.99
Ask for no cheese or butter on your dishes. The marinara sauce is vegan-friendly.
How To Save Money On Dinner
Here are practical tips to lower your bill:
- Order the unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks for $10.99
- Share a main course with a friend
- Skip appetizers and desserts
- Drink water instead of soda or alcohol
- Use the Olive Garden app for coupons
- Join the eClub for a free appetizer coupon
- Visit during happy hour for drink discounts
- Order lunch portions if you dine before 4 PM
Many locations offer a “Never Ending Pasta Bowl” promotion in fall. This gives you unlimited pasta for a fixed price. Watch for these seasonal deals.
Allergen Information
Olive Garden provides an allergen menu online. Common allergens include wheat, dairy, eggs, soy, and shellfish. Most pasta dishes contain gluten. The gluten-free rotini is safe for wheat allergies.
If you have a severe allergy, speak to the manager. They can guide you on safe choices. The kitchen can modify some dishes to remove allergens.
Online Ordering And Delivery
You can order the Olive Garden dinner menu for pickup or delivery. Prices are the same as in-restaurant. Delivery fees apply through third-party apps.
- Pickup – no extra fee
- Delivery via DoorDash – $3.99 to $6.99 fee
- Delivery via Uber Eats – $4.99 to $7.99 fee
Online orders include the same sides as dine-in. Breadsticks and salad are packed separately. Some items may not travel well, like fried appetizers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the cheapest dinner item on the Olive Garden menu?
The cheapest dinner item is the Unlimited Soup, Salad & Breadsticks at $10.99. You can eat as much as you want for one price.
2. Does Olive Garden have a dinner menu for two?
Yes, the “Dinner for Two” deal includes an appetizer, two entrees, and a dessert for $29.99. It is available at most locations.
3. Are Olive Garden dinner prices the same everywhere?
No, prices vary by location. Urban areas and tourist spots often charge $1-3 more. Check your local restaurant’s menu online.
4. Can I get the Olive Garden dinner menu without breadsticks?
Yes, you can request no breadsticks. Your meal price stays the same. Some people do this to reduce carbs.
5. Does Olive Garden offer senior discounts on dinner?
Some locations offer a senior menu with smaller portions and lower prices. Ask your server if a senior discount is available.
Final Thoughts On The Dinner Menu
The Olive Garden dinner menu and prices offer good value for the portions. You get unlimited breadsticks and salad with most entrees. The quality is consistent across locations. If you are on a budget, stick with the soup and salad combo. If you want a splurge, try the steak or seafood dishes. Always check for coupons before you go. The eClub gives you a free appetizer just for signing up.
Remember that prices can change. Olive Garden updates its menu twice a year. The information in this article is accurate as of 2024. For the most current prices, visit the official Olive Garden website or call your local restaurant. Enjoy your dinner and don’t forget to save room for tiramisu.
One last tip: if you are dining with a group, the family style meal is the best deal. Everyone gets unlimited pasta and sides for one flat price. It also saves time because the food comes out all at once. The Olive Garden dinner menu has something for everyone, from picky eaters to adventurous foodies. Plan ahead, know your budget, and you will have a great meal.