As an immense fan of anything pasta and pizza, I just couldn't resist the pull of one of America's most beloved Italian-American casual dining spots, the Olive Garden. To set the stage, let's take a quick trip down memory lane to December 13, 1982, when Bill Darden opened the first Olive Garden restaurant. Launching as a subsidiary of General Mills, the Olive Garden quickly gained popularity, and within just seven years, it boasted a staggering 145 branches. Flash forward to 1995, and Olive Garden became an independent entity under Darden Restaurants, Inc. Today, it stands tall as the largest Italian-themed restaurant chain, headquartered in Orange County, Florida.
Tantalizing Treats: What's Olive Garden Famous For?
Ever heard of unlimited and complimentary offers at a restaurant? That's what defines Olive Garden! My experience with their unlimited salad was nothing short of delightful. Freshly snapped crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, biting onions, olives, pepperoncini- all drenched in their special yummy Italian dressing served in a massive bowl. But good food is never complete without some cheese, right? I made good use of their offer to have the server hand-crank parmesan over the salad!
The complimentary unlimited fresh and warm breadsticks (baked every 15 minutes by the way!) are another feature you just can’t ignore about Olive Garden. The teasing aroma of garlic mingles with buttery whispers promising a crispy exterior but a soft and warm heart! Oh, and there were six pieces in one serving - an appetizer indeed!
Another unique aspect of the Olive Garden experience is their periodic offerings of unlimited pasta. There's even a Never-Ending Pasta Pass allowing patrons unlimited pasta for two months! Italian hospitality and a family-oriented environment are at the very core of Olive Garden's modus operandi.
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Olive Garden isn't merely a restaurant - it's a flavor expedition through Italy (with Americanized twists, of course). Their breakfast offers Cheese Raviolo and Warm Apple Crostata among a sea of other options. Lunch is arguably their most frequented meal with Pasta, Seafood, and Chicken and steak menu sections.
One must-try is their signature Tour of Italy, which according to the servers, offers the best bang for your buck. Imagine this - a plate oozing with fettuccine Alfredo, lasagna classico, and chicken parmigiana. Of course, you also get their complimentary and unlimited salad and breadsticks.
Sweetness Galore: Olive Garden's Desserts
My sweet tooth couldn’t resist the charm of Olive Garden's Tiramisu - a traditional Italian dessert featuring a creamy, chocolatey, coffee-infused sponge cake. They also offer Warm Italian Doughnuts, Black Tie Mousse Cake, and Sicilian Cheesecake with Strawberry Topping among others.
Quenching Thirst: Olive Garden's Drinks
Olive Garden also serves a wide variety of refreshments, from coffee and wine to cocktails. Cocktail lovers must try their Watermelon Margarita. They also have special offers during happy hour, which made for the perfect cap to my meal!
If you're worrying about what your little ones will eat, Olive Garden's kids' menu serves the answer! They have a variety of child-friendly dishes like pasta with different sauces, macaroni and cheese.
Yes, indeed, you can order their menu online through an app, ToGo. You can browse through the extensive menu, make your order, pay, and then opt for either delivery or curbside pickup. I found the entire process quite seamless, not to mention convenient.
Where Can You Find an Olive Garden Restaurant?
There are Olive Gardens aplenty all over the world, with over 900 branches worldwide as of September 2022. From the US to Brazil, France, Italy, and even the Philippines, there's likely an Olive Garden near you.
Olive Garden Opening Hours
In the US, Olive Garden's operating hours typically run from 11 am to 11 pm. Just remember, breakfast is served until 10 pm. If you're in another country, you might want to check your local Olive Garden for precise timings.
Pros:
- Extensive menu catering to a variety of palates
- Exhilarating offers like unlimited salad and breadsticks
- Child-friendly menu
- Ease of online ordering
- Comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere
- Worldwide presence
Cons:
- Some may find certain dishes to be too Americanized
- The taste of the dishes may vary slightly between different branches
- Unlimited pasta offer is only periodic.