Olive Garden lunch menu and price options make midday dining both affordable and satisfying. Whether you are on a work break or enjoying a day out, this Italian-American chain offers a variety of meals that won’t break the bank. You can get a filling lunch for under $10 in many cases, and the portions are generous. Let’s walk through everything you need to know about the current offerings, from soups and salads to pasta and sandwiches.
The lunch menu is available from opening until 4 PM on weekdays and weekends at most locations. Prices may vary slightly by region, but the core items stay consistent. You can expect to pay between $8.99 and $14.99 for most lunch entrees. Drinks and desserts are extra, but the value is still strong.
Olive Garden Lunch Menu And Price
This section breaks down the full lunch menu into categories. Each category includes popular items and their approximate prices. Keep in mind that some locations may have limited-time specials or seasonal additions.
Lunch-Sized Soups, Salad And Breadsticks
One of the best deals is the Soup, Salad & Breadsticks combo. You get unlimited refills on soup and salad, plus warm breadsticks. This is a classic choice for lighter appetites.
- Soup & Salad Combo – $8.99. Choose any soup from the daily selection. The salad comes with lettuce, tomatoes, olives, onions, and croutons. Breadsticks are included.
- Unlimited Soup, Salad & Breadsticks – $9.99. This is the full version. You can switch between soups and get as many bowls as you want.
- Zuppa Toscana – Included in the combo. A creamy soup with sausage, potatoes, and kale.
- Chicken & Gnocchi – Included. A creamy broth with chicken, gnocchi, and spinach.
- Minestrone – Included. A vegetable-based soup with beans and pasta.
- Pasta e Fagioli – Included. A hearty bean and pasta soup in a tomato broth.
This option is perfect if you want a filling meal without heavy pasta. The breadsticks are soft and buttery, and you can ask for extra if you run out.
Lunch-Sized Pasta Entrees
Pasta dishes are the heart of Olive Garden. The lunch menu includes smaller portions of classic favorites. These come with a side salad or soup and breadsticks.
- Spaghetti with Marinara – $9.49. Simple and classic. The marinara sauce is tangy and herb-rich.
- Spaghetti with Meat Sauce – $10.49. Ground beef adds heartiness to the marinara.
- Fettuccine Alfredo – $10.99. Creamy and rich. You can add grilled chicken for an extra $3.00.
- Five Cheese Ziti al Forno – $11.49. Baked pasta with five cheeses and marinara. It comes hot and bubbly.
- Chicken Alfredo – $12.99. Grilled chicken over fettuccine in Alfredo sauce.
- Shrimp Alfredo – $13.99. Sauteed shrimp with creamy Alfredo sauce.
Each pasta entree includes your choice of soup or salad and breadsticks. The lunch portions are about two-thirds the size of dinner portions, but still plenty for most people.
Lunch-Sized Sandwiches And Flatbreads
If you want something different from pasta, the sandwich and flatbread options are solid. They come with a side of fries or a small salad.
- Chicken Parmigiana Sandwich – $10.99. Breaded chicken cutlet with marinara and melted mozzarella on a toasted bun.
- Italian Sandwich – $9.99. Salami, pepperoni, ham, and provolone with lettuce, tomato, and Italian dressing.
- Meatball Sandwich – $10.49. Three meatballs with marinara and provolone on a toasted bun.
- Steak Gorgonzola Flatbread – $11.99. Thin flatbread with steak, gorgonzola cheese, and arugula.
- Chicken Flatbread – $10.99. Grilled chicken, roasted peppers, and mozzarella on flatbread.
Sandwiches come with a choice of french fries or a side salad. The flatbreads are crispy and great for sharing, but they work as a lunch entree too.
Lunch-Sized Seafood And Chicken
For protein-focused meals, Olive Garden has a few lunch options. These are not as extensive as dinner, but still satisfying.
- Grilled Chicken Margherita – $12.49. Grilled chicken breast topped with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil pesto. Served with a side of vegetables.
- Herb-Grilled Salmon – $14.99. A 6-ounce salmon fillet with lemon garlic butter. Served with broccoli and asparagus.
- Shrimp Scampi – $13.49. Sauteed shrimp in a garlic butter sauce with angel hair pasta.
These dishes come with a side salad or soup and breadsticks. The salmon is a popular choice for a healthier lunch.
Lunch Combos And Specials
Olive Garden sometimes offers lunch combo deals. These let you pick two or three smaller items for a fixed price.
- Pick Two Combo – $10.99. Choose any two from: soup, salad, pasta, or flatbread. Portions are smaller than full entrees.
- Pick Three Combo – $12.99. Choose three items from the same list. Great for variety.
- Lunch Duo – $9.99. A half sandwich and a cup of soup or small salad.
These combos are not always on the menu, so ask your server. They are a good way to try multiple items without overordering.
Beverages And Desserts
Drinks and desserts are not included in the lunch prices. Here are the typical costs.
- Soft Drinks – $3.29. Unlimited refills on soda, iced tea, or lemonade.
- Coffee – $3.49. Hot or iced.
- Bottled Water – $2.49.
- Desserts – $6.99 to $8.99. Options include tiramisu, chocolate mousse, and lemon cream cake.
- Kids’ Drinks – $1.99. Juice or milk.
If you want to save money, stick with water or iced tea. Desserts are large enough to share between two people.
Kids Lunch Menu
Children 12 and under can order from the kids’ menu. Prices range from $5.99 to $7.99. Each meal includes a drink and a side.
- Spaghetti with Marinara – $5.99.
- Chicken Fingers – $6.49. Served with fries or apple sauce.
- Macaroni & Cheese – $5.99.
- Grilled Chicken – $6.99. Served with vegetables.
- Pizza – $6.49. Personal-sized cheese or pepperoni pizza.
Kids meals also come with a small side salad or fruit cup. The portions are appropriate for younger children.
Gluten-Free And Allergy Options
Olive Garden offers gluten-free pasta options. You can substitute any pasta dish with gluten-free rotini for an extra $1.50. The soup and salad combo is also gluten-free if you skip the croutons and breadsticks.
For other allergies, ask your server for an allergen menu. The kitchen can modify some dishes, but cross-contamination is possible. If you have severe allergies, call ahead to discuss options.
How To Order Lunch To Go
You can order lunch for pickup or delivery through the Olive Garden app or website. The lunch menu is available for to-go orders during the same hours. Prices are the same as dine-in.
- Open the app or website.
- Select your location.
- Choose “Lunch” from the menu filter.
- Pick your items and customize them.
- Add drinks and desserts if desired.
- Check out and choose pickup time or delivery.
To-go orders are packed with breadsticks and dressing on the side. The soup and salad are packed separately to avoid sogginess.
Tips For Saving Money On Lunch
You can keep your lunch bill low with a few simple strategies.
- Order the Soup, Salad & Breadsticks combo. It is the cheapest filling option.
- Skip drinks. Water is free.
- Share a dessert with a friend.
- Look for online coupons. Olive Garden often has $5 off $25 or free breadsticks deals.
- Join the eClub for exclusive offers. You get a coupon for a free appetizer or dessert on your birthday.
- Visit on weekdays. Lunch specials are sometimes cheaper Monday through Friday.
These tips can save you $3 to $5 per visit. Over time, that adds up.
Comparing Lunch And Dinner Prices
Lunch prices are about 20-30% lower than dinner prices for similar items. For example, the dinner portion of Fettuccine Alfredo is $14.99, while the lunch version is $10.99. The dinner portion is larger, but the lunch portion is still satisfying.
If you want a bigger meal, you can always order a dinner portion at lunch. Just ask your server. The price will be the dinner price, but you get the larger size.
What Customers Say About The Lunch Menu
Reviews for the lunch menu are generally positive. Customers like the value and the unlimited soup and salad. Some say the pasta portions are smaller than expected, but most find them adequate.
Common complaints include slow service during peak hours and inconsistent breadstick quality. If you visit between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM, expect a wait. The food is consistent across locations, but freshness can vary.
Overall, the lunch menu scores 4 out of 5 stars on most review sites. The price-to-quality ratio is high.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Olive Garden serve lunch?
Lunch is served from opening until 4 PM daily. Some locations may start lunch at 11 AM.
Can I get unlimited soup and salad for lunch?
Yes. The Unlimited Soup, Salad & Breadsticks option is available during lunch hours for $9.99.
Are lunch prices the same for takeout?
Yes, lunch prices are the same for dine-in, takeout, and delivery. No markup for to-go orders.
Does Olive Garden have a senior lunch menu?
No specific senior menu, but seniors can order from the regular lunch menu. The smaller portions are suitable for lighter appetites.
Can I substitute gluten-free pasta on lunch dishes?
Yes, for an extra $1.50. The gluten-free rotini is available for any pasta dish.
Final Thoughts On Olive Garden Lunch
The Olive Garden lunch menu and price structure offers a solid value for casual dining. You get quality ingredients, generous portions, and the iconic breadsticks. Whether you want a light soup and salad or a hearty pasta dish, there is something for every appetite.
Plan your visit during off-peak hours for faster service. Use coupons and skip extras to keep costs down. With a little planning, you can enjoy a satisfying lunch for under $12.
Remember that prices may change slightly based on location. Always check the menu online or at the restaurant for the most current prices. The Olive Garden lunch menu remains a popular choice for good reason—it is affordable, tasty, and consistent.
So next time you are looking for a midday meal, consider stopping by. The soup and salad combo alone is worth the trip. And those breadsticks? They are still as good as you remember.