Updated August 2026
Olive Garden FAQs
Every common question in one searchable place — hours, dress code,
dietary needs, specials, catering, gift cards, kids menu, and careers.
01- Hours & Visiting
Hours vary by location, but most restaurants open around 11 a.m. and close between 10 and 11 p.m. Check your local restaurant’s page for exact hours.
No — Olive Garden restaurants are closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day nationwide so team members can spend the holiday with family. Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, and international locations may vary. The day before either holiday, some restaurants close early at management’s discretion — call ahead to confirm.
Most locations use call-ahead seating rather than a formal reservation system, typically limited to smaller parties. Larger groups should contact the restaurant directly to arrange seating.
No formal dress code for guests — it’s casual, come-as-you-are dining. The only general expectation is footwear and a shirt, standard for most sit-down restaurants.
Most locations allow sharing, though some add a small split-plate charge. Ask your server when you order — it’s not a formal policy printed on the menu.
02- Menu & Dietary Needs
Yes — a gluten-sensitive menu is available, including gluten-free pasta swaps like rotini, plus dishes such as grilled chicken with broccoli. “Gluten-sensitive” isn’t the same as certified gluten-free, which matters if you have celiac disease rather than a general sensitivity.
Yes, including Eggplant Parmigiana, Minestrone Soup, Five Cheese Ziti al Forno, and several Create Your Own Pasta combinations with a meatless sauce.
No — Olive Garden’s cooking oils do not contain trans fat, per the company’s own FAQ page.
No MSG is added to Olive Garden’s recipes or ingredients. Some ingredients naturally contain glutamate, which is separate from added MSG. See our full nutrition page for details.
140 calories with the garlic topping, or 130 plain. Full verified nutrition data is on our nutrition facts page.
Olive Garden accepts general menu suggestions but does not accept outside recipes — dishes are developed in-house with their culinary team.
03- Specials & Deals
A seasonal promotion offering unlimited pasta, sauce, and refills for one price, plus soup or salad and breadsticks. See our full Never-Ending Pasta Bowl breakdown for current dates and pricing.
A separate, limited-quantity $100 pass for unlimited dine-in pasta visits over several weeks. It typically sells out fast — see our Pasta Pass guide for how it works and whether it’s currently available.
It rotates on and off rather than running year-round. Check our 2 for $25 page for its current status and what it includes when active.
Some locations run kids-eat-free promotions periodically, but it isn’t a standing national offer — check with your local restaurant or the eClub.
Join the free eClub for early access to promotions and periodic email coupons — no purchase required to sign up.
04- Ordering & Delivery
Yes, in most markets, either directly or through third-party delivery apps. Availability varies by location.
Order online or through the app: pick your nearest location, browse the menu, and choose curbside pickup or carryout. Changes or cancellations are usually handled through your account or by calling the restaurant.
No — some, like the Never-Ending Pasta Bowl and Pasta Pass, are dine-in only. Others, like the $6 Take-Home Entrée, apply to both. Check the specific deal.
05- Catering
Individual entrée trays generally range from about $47 to $71, and pre-built combinations serving 8–14 guests run around $213.50. Full pricing is on our catering menu page.
At least 24 hours for standard orders. Large events (50+ guests) or holiday dates need more lead time.
Yes — every catering order includes disposable plates, napkins, and utensils, plus grated cheese and serving utensils for pasta trays.
06- Kids Menu
Children 12 and under. A Kids Activity Booklet and menu is provided at the table.
Nearly all kids items are $6.99, with one exception priced higher. Full lineup on our kids menu page.
A choice of side, a drink, and breadsticks — but not soup or salad, which is specific to adult entrées.
07- Gift Cards
Online, in-restaurant, or at many retail locations. They can be used for dine-in, To Go, or catering orders.
Check online, in-restaurant, or by calling the customer service number printed on the back of your physical card — that’s the most reliable source since it’s specific to your card.
No — Olive Garden gift cards don’t expire and don’t carry maintenance fees, consistent with federal gift card protections.
Yes — Darden gift cards work across the company’s full restaurant portfolio, including LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Yard House, and other Darden brands.
08- Careers & Franchising
Generally a black company-provided shirt (button-down or polo depending on role) with black dress pants or khakis and closed-toe, non-slip black shoes. Exact requirements vary by role and location.
Not in the traditional U.S. sense — nearly all locations are corporately owned by Darden Restaurants. See our full franchising breakdown for the two real exceptions.
Minimum age requirements vary by role and state, but most front-of-house positions require applicants to be at least 16, with some roles requiring 18+. Check current listings for specifics.
09- About & Retail Products
Yes — the signature Italian dressing is sold at your local Olive Garden and at grocery retailers nationwide.
Beyond the signature dressing, Olive Garden’s extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, and select cheeses are sold at wholesale and grocery retailers nationwide.
Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE: DRI), which also owns LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Yard House, and several other full-service brands.
1982, in Orlando, Florida.
