Seeing both the olive garden lunch menu with prices and pictures makes choosing your midday meal much easier. You don’t want to guess what a dish looks like or how much it costs before you arrive. This guide gives you the full breakdown of every lunch option, complete with visual descriptions and current pricing.
We’ll walk through each category, from soups and salads to classic pasta dishes. You’ll know exactly what to expect when you sit down. Let’s get straight to it.
Olive Garden Lunch Menu With Prices And Pictures
This section covers the main lunch menu items you can order between 11 AM and 3 PM. Prices may vary slightly by location, but these are the standard figures as of 2024.
Lunch-Sized Soups And Salads
Olive Garden’s lunch menu starts with their famous soups and salads. These are smaller portions than dinner, perfect for a lighter meal.
- Soup & Salad Combo – $8.99. You get a bowl of soup and a fresh garden salad. Choose from Zuppa Toscana, Chicken & Gnocchi, or Minestrone.
- Lunch Salad – $7.49. A smaller version of their house salad with lettuce, tomatoes, olives, and croutons.
- Lunch Soup – $6.29. A bowl of your favorite soup served with breadsticks.
The pictures online show a generous bowl of soup with a side salad that fills a medium plate. The breadsticks are always warm and buttery.
Lunch-Sized Pasta Dishes
These are the most popular lunch options. Each dish comes with a small salad and breadsticks.
- Spaghetti with Marinara – $9.49. Simple pasta with tomato sauce. Portion is about half of the dinner size.
- Fettuccine Alfredo – $10.29. Creamy sauce over fettuccine. The lunch portion is filling but not heavy.
- Five Cheese Ziti al Forno – $10.79. Baked pasta with five cheeses. Comes hot and bubbly.
- Chicken Parmigiana – $11.99. Breaded chicken cutlet with marinara and melted cheese. Served with spaghetti.
- Lasagna Classico – $11.49. Layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese. The lunch slice is smaller than dinner.
Photos from Olive Garden’s website show the lunch pasta dishes served on white plates with a side salad on a separate plate. The portions look satisfying without being overwhelming.
Lunch-Sized Chicken And Seafood
If you want something lighter or protein-focused, these options work well.
- Grilled Chicken Margherita – $11.79. Grilled chicken breast with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Served with broccoli.
- Herb-Grilled Salmon – $13.49. A smaller fillet of salmon with lemon garlic sauce. Comes with vegetables.
- Shrimp Scampi – $12.99. Shrimp in a garlic butter sauce over angel hair pasta. Lunch portion is about 6-8 shrimp.
Pictures of these dishes show bright colors – green broccoli, pink salmon, and white sauce. The plating is simple but appetizing.
Lunch-Sized Sandwiches And Flatbreads
These are newer additions to the lunch menu. They come with a side of fries or salad.
- Italian Sandwich – $9.99. Salami, pepperoni, ham, and provolone on ciabatta bread. Served warm.
- Chicken Parmesan Sandwich – $10.49. Breaded chicken with marinara and mozzarella on a toasted bun.
- Flatbread Margherita – $8.99. Thin crust with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Lunch size is smaller than dinner.
- Flatbread Tuscan – $9.49. Topped with chicken, bacon, and alfredo sauce.
Photos show the sandwiches cut in half with a small pile of fries on the side. The flatbreads are rectangular and cut into four pieces.
Lunch-Sized Desserts
You can add a dessert to your lunch for a small extra cost.
- Tiramisu – $4.99. A small slice with coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone.
- Chocolate Mousse – $4.49. A cup of rich chocolate mousse with whipped cream.
- Lemon Cream Cake – $4.79. A light, citrusy cake with cream layers.
Pictures show these desserts in small ramekins or on small plates. They are perfect for a sweet finish without overdoing it.
Beverages For Lunch
Drinks are not included in the meal price. Here are the standard options.
- Soft Drinks – $2.79. Unlimited refills on Coke, Sprite, etc.
- Iced Tea – $2.79. Sweet or unsweetened.
- Lemonade – $2.79. Fresh-squeezed style.
- Coffee – $2.49. Hot coffee with refills.
- Milk – $2.29. For kids or adults.
Photos show tall glasses with ice and lemon wedges. The drinks are standard for a casual restaurant.
How To Order From The Olive Garden Lunch Menu
Ordering is straightforward. Here is a step-by-step guide.
- Check the time. Lunch is served from 11 AM to 3 PM daily. Some locations may start at 11:30 AM.
- Choose your category. Decide if you want soup, salad, pasta, chicken, seafood, or a sandwich.
- Pick your protein. If you choose pasta, you can add chicken or shrimp for an extra $2.00-$3.00.
- Select your side. Most lunch meals come with a small salad and breadsticks. Some sandwiches come with fries.
- Add a drink. Water is free. Soft drinks and tea are extra.
- Consider dessert. Add a small dessert for under $5.
You can also order online or through the Olive Garden app. The lunch menu is the same for dine-in, takeout, and delivery.
Olive Garden Lunch Menu Prices Breakdown
Here is a quick reference table for all lunch menu items. Prices are averages and may vary.
- Soup & Salad Combo – $8.99
- Lunch Salad – $7.49
- Lunch Soup – $6.29
- Spaghetti with Marinara – $9.49
- Fettuccine Alfredo – $10.29
- Five Cheese Ziti al Forno – $10.79
- Chicken Parmigiana – $11.99
- Lasagna Classico – $11.49
- Grilled Chicken Margherita – $11.79
- Herb-Grilled Salmon – $13.49
- Shrimp Scampi – $12.99
- Italian Sandwich – $9.99
- Chicken Parmesan Sandwich – $10.49
- Flatbread Margherita – $8.99
- Flatbread Tuscan – $9.49
- Tiramisu – $4.99
- Chocolate Mousse – $4.49
- Lemon Cream Cake – $4.79
- Soft Drinks – $2.79
- Iced Tea – $2.79
- Lemonade – $2.79
- Coffee – $2.49
- Milk – $2.29
These prices do not include tax or tip. Lunch combos are a good value because they include salad and breadsticks.
What The Lunch Portions Look Like In Pictures
Seeing actual photos helps you decide. Here is what to expect visually.
Soup And Salad Combo Picture
The bowl of soup is about 8 ounces. The side salad is on a separate plate, about 4 inches wide. Breadsticks are served in a basket. The soup is creamy or brothy depending on your choice. The salad has iceberg lettuce, a few tomato wedges, black olives, and croutons. Dressing is on the side unless you ask for it tossed.
Pasta Dishes Picture
Lunch pasta is served on a 9-inch plate. The portion is about 6-8 ounces of pasta. Sauce covers the pasta evenly. For Chicken Parmigiana, the chicken cutlet sits on top of the spaghetti. The cheese is melted and slightly browned. A side salad comes on a separate small plate.
Sandwiches And Flatbreads Picture
Sandwiches are cut diagonally. The bread is toasted with grill marks. Fillings are visible at the edges. Fries are golden and crispy, served in a small basket or on the plate. Flatbreads are rectangular, about 6 inches by 4 inches. Toppings are spread evenly. The crust is thin and crispy.
Desserts Picture
Tiramisu is a small square slice with cocoa powder on top. Chocolate mousse is in a clear cup with whipped cream. Lemon cream cake is a small triangle with yellow layers. Portions are about 3-4 ounces each.
Tips For Getting The Best Value At Lunch
You can save money and eat well with these strategies.
- Order the Soup & Salad Combo. It is the cheapest lunch option at $8.99. You get soup, salad, and breadsticks. It is filling and healthy.
- Share a flatbread. Flatbreads are large enough for two people to share as a starter. Order one flatbread and a soup for a light lunch.
- Skip the drink. Water is free. Soft drinks add $2.79 to your bill. Save that money for dessert.
- Use the Never Ending Pasta Bowl pass. If you eat at Olive Garden often, the pass gives you unlimited pasta for a set price. Check if it is available during lunch hours.
- Check for coupons. Olive Garden often has online coupons for $5 off a $25 purchase. Use them for lunch.
- Order takeout. Takeout lunch portions are the same size as dine-in. You save on tip if you pick up yourself.
How The Lunch Menu Compares To Dinner
The lunch menu is smaller and cheaper. Here are the key differences.
- Portion size. Lunch portions are about half the size of dinner portions. For pasta, dinner is 12-16 ounces, lunch is 6-8 ounces.
- Price. Lunch is $2-$5 cheaper than dinner for the same dish. For example, dinner Chicken Parmigiana is $15.99, lunch is $11.99.
- Included sides. Lunch meals include a small salad and breadsticks. Dinner meals include a larger salad and breadsticks. Some dinner meals also include soup.
- Availability. Lunch is only served 11 AM to 3 PM. Dinner is available all day after 3 PM.
- Dessert options. Lunch desserts are smaller and cheaper. Dinner desserts are full-size and cost $6-$8.
If you want a big meal, order dinner. If you want a moderate meal at a lower price, lunch is better.
Common Questions About The Olive Garden Lunch Menu
Here are answers to frequent questions.
Can I Order Lunch Items After 3 PM?
No. Lunch items are only available from 11 AM to 3 PM. After 3 PM, you must order from the dinner menu. Some locations may be flexible, but it is not guaranteed.
Are Breadsticks Included With Lunch?
Yes. All lunch entrees come with unlimited breadsticks. Soup and salad combos also include breadsticks. You can ask for more at no extra cost.
Can I Get A Lunch Portion Of Any Pasta?
No. Only specific pasta dishes are available in lunch sizes. These include Spaghetti with Marinara, Fettuccine Alfredo, Five Cheese Ziti al Forno, Chicken Parmigiana, and Lasagna Classico. Other pasta dishes are dinner-only.
Do Lunch Prices Include Tax And Tip?
No. Prices are before tax and tip. You should add about 8-10% for tax and 15-20% for tip. For a $10 lunch, expect to pay about $12-$13 total.
Can I Order Lunch For Takeout?
Yes. Lunch items are available for takeout during lunch hours. You can order online or by phone. Portions are the same as dine-in. Breadsticks are included.
Is The Lunch Menu The Same At All Locations?
Most locations have the same lunch menu. Some locations may offer regional specials or seasonal items. Prices may vary by a few cents depending on the state.
How To Find Pictures Of The Lunch Menu Online
You can see actual photos before you go. Here are the best sources.
- Olive Garden website. Go to the menu section. Each item has a photo. The photos are professional and accurate.
- Olive Garden app. The app shows the same photos as the website. You can zoom in to see details.
- Google Images. Search for “Olive Garden lunch menu photos.” You will see customer photos that show real portions.
- Yelp. Look at photos from recent reviews. Customers often post pictures of their meals. These are the most realistic.
- Instagram. Search for #olivegardenlunch. You will see many photos from real customers.
Customer photos are more reliable than professional photos. They show the actual portion size and plating.
What Customers Say About The Lunch Menu
Reviews are mostly positive. Here is what people commonly mention.
- Good value. Many customers say the lunch menu is affordable for the quality. The Soup & Salad Combo is a favorite for its low price.
- Portion size. Some customers say lunch portions are too small. Others say they are just right. It depends on your appetite.
- Service speed. Lunch service is usually faster than dinner. You can be in and out in 30-40 minutes.
- Breadsticks. Almost everyone loves the breadsticks. They are warm, buttery, and unlimited.
- Consistency. Customers say the food tastes the same at every location. You know what you are getting.
Negative reviews often mention that the lunch menu is limited. Some customers wish there were more options. But overall, the lunch menu is well-liked.
Final Thoughts On The Olive Garden Lunch Menu
The Olive Garden lunch menu with prices and pictures gives you everything you need to plan your meal. You can choose from soups, salads, pasta, chicken, seafood, sandwiches, and flatbreads. Prices range from $6.29 to $13.49. Portions are smaller than dinner but still filling. Breadsticks and a small salad come with most entrees.
If you want a quick, affordable lunch, this menu works well. The photos help you see exactly what you are ordering. No surprises. Just good food at a fair price.
Next time you are hungry between 11 AM and 3 PM, try the Olive Garden lunch menu. You will leave satisfied without spending too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Cheapest Item On The Olive Garden Lunch Menu?
The cheapest item is the Lunch Soup at $6.29. The Soup & Salad Combo at $8.99 is also very affordable and includes breadsticks.
Can I Get A Lunch Menu With Pictures And Prices Online?
Yes. The Olive Garden website and app show the full lunch menu with photos and prices. You can also find customer photos on Yelp and Google Images