Does Olive Garden Take Reservations
You want a smoother dining plan and a faster path to a table at a local olive garden. The short answer: this restaurant does not accept traditional reservations.
Instead, you can join the Online Wait List on olivegarden.com/wait-list or use the Olive Garden app. Pick a location, add your name, party size, and phone, then check in with the host when you arrive.
This system shows an estimated wait time and holds your spot for about 10 minutes after your arrival window. Walk-ins are welcome, but the line moves slower during busy periods.
Hours vary by location: restaurants close on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Lunch runs Monday–Friday until 3 pm, and the dinner menu is available all day on weekends and holidays.
Using the wait list gives you a clearer timeline and a less stressful dining experience. Aim to arrive near your estimated time so the host can confirm your table.
Olive Garden Reservations vs. Online Wait List: What You Need to Know Today
A fixed booking isn’t offered here; instead, the online wait list helps you claim a place in line from your phone.
The system runs from the website or app. You pick a location and enter name, party size, and phone. That secures a spot in the line but not a locked seating time.
Actual seating depends on real-time flow. Hosts hold your table about 10 minutes after the estimated arrival window. Times can improve or slide depending on turnover and group sizes.
- Traditional reservations promise a set seating time; the online wait list claims a place in line without a guarantee.
- It’s mobile-friendly and built for on-the-go dining, reducing time spent waiting at the door.
- During especially peak periods, join early to get a better position and a smoother dining experience.
- Check in with the host on arrival; they’ll seat you as close to the estimate as possible.
| Day | Typical Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monday–Friday | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Lunch ends ~3 PM; dinner starts after |
| Saturday–Sunday | 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM | Full menu all day |
| Holidays | Varies | Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas |
| Platform | Handle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| @olivegarden | Menu updates and local posts | |
| @OliveGarden | Quick announcements | |
| @olivegarden | Photos and specials |
How to Join Olive Garden’s Online Wait List and Cut Your Wait Time
Joining the online wait list cuts guesswork and gets you closer to a table faster.
Step-by-step: Join from the app or website
Go to olivegarden.com/wait-list or open the Olive Garden app. Select your preferred location and view current wait times before you join.
What you’ll enter
Provide the name for the wait list, your party size, and a phone number. Confirm the entry so the host can place you in the line and contact you if needed.
Arrival and check-in
Drive to the restaurant and check in with the host when you arrive. Your spot is typically held about 10 minutes after the estimated arrival time, so allow a few extra minutes for parking.
- Join in advance to reduce wait and time spent standing in line.
- Monitor wait times while en route and adjust your arrival as needed.
- If plans change, use the same contact number to update or cancel.
| Day | Typical Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mon–Fri | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Lunch ends ~3 PM |
| Sat–Sun | 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM | Full menu all day |
| Holidays | Varies | Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas |
| Platform | Handle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| @olivegarden | Menu updates | |
| @OliveGarden | Quick alerts | |
| @olivegarden | Photos & specials |
Party Size, Large Groups, and Special Seating Options
Planning ahead can make group dining much smoother when you know the limits on party size.
The online wait list usually supports parties of about 6–7 people. That covers most family meals and small gatherings. For groups larger than that, call the restaurant directly to discuss options.
Each location sets its own policy. Some locations may offer flexible seating or split nearby tables so everyone can stay close. There are no traditional reservations, so a quick call helps set expectations and timing.
What to do for large parties
- For most parties, the olive garden Online Wait List supports a party size up to about 6-7 people.
- If you have large parties, call the restaurant directly to ask about availability and seating plans.
- Hosts may split your group across adjacent tables so your people can still dine together within sight.
- If plans change, update staff on arrival so they can adjust the table plan quickly.
| Day | Typical Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mon–Fri | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Lunch ends ~3 PM; call ahead for large groups |
| Sat–Sun | 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM | Full menu; expect higher volume |
| Holidays | Varies | Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas |
| Platform | Handle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| @olivegarden | Menu updates and local posts | |
| @OliveGarden | Quick announcements | |
| @olivegarden | Photos and specials |
Peak Times, Holidays, and Tips to Avoid Long Waits
A small timing shift can cut your wait and make dinner much easier. Aim for off-peak windows: before 6 PM, mid-afternoon, or after the dinner rush. Those times often have faster table turnover and shorter lines.
Keep in mind the chain does not accept reservations any day. Locations are closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, so plan ahead if you’ll dine on a holiday. For busy weekends, join the Online Wait List in advance and check current wait before you go.
Use the app or site to monitor current wait. If you can be flexible with your time, shift by 30–60 minutes to avoid long waits. A quick call to the local restaurant also helps you gauge peak flow and likely table availability.
- Target off-peak times for the quickest seating.
- Join the online wait early on especially peak days.
- Check updated wait times and arrive near your estimated window.
- If plans change, cancel or update your entry to free a spot.
| Day | Typical Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mon–Fri | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Best to arrive before 6 PM or mid-afternoon to avoid long waits |
| Sat–Sun | 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM | Expect higher volume; join wait list in advance |
| Holidays | Varies | Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas; no reservations any day |
| Platform | Handle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| @olivegarden | Menu updates and local posts | |
| @OliveGarden | Quick announcements and alerts | |
| @olivegarden | Photos, specials, and real-time updates |
Want more tips on busy times and how to plan? Read our guide on when the restaurant is busiest and how to plan in advance: when it’s busiest.
Hours, Locations, and Contacting Your Local Olive Garden
Each site sets its own hours, so a quick check keeps your plans on track.
Find local hours: they vary by location and day
Operating times differ by location and can change by day. Lunch is typically served Monday–Friday until 3 pm. The dinner menu runs all day on Saturdays, Sundays, and most holidays.
Restaurants close on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Management may adjust the prior day’s closing time, so confirm the schedule before you go.
Walk-ins and calling ahead: how to confirm wait time with your restaurant
Walk-ins are welcome, and the Online Wait List at olivegarden.com/wait-list reduces time at the door. If you need a quick update, call to contact the host and confirm current wait and the best time to arrive.
- Check your location page for today’s hours and the best time for dining.
- Use the app or site to join the wait list and align your arrival with table turnover.
- If your schedule is tight, ask the team what time looks calmest that day.
- For special plans, verify hours the day before a holiday to avoid surprises.
| Operating Hours | Typical Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mon–Fri | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Lunch service until 3 pm |
| Sat–Sun | 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM | Dinner menu all day |
| Holidays | Varies | Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas |
| Platform | Handle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| @olivegarden | Menu updates and local posts | |
| @OliveGarden | Quick announcements | |
| @olivegarden | Photos and specials |
Plan Ahead for a Smoother Dining Experience
A quick plan ahead can keep your party moving and your table ready on arrival. Join the Online Wait List early during especially peak times to cut down wait times and keep your meal on schedule.
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Share the confirmation with family and friends and confirm the name and number used for the list. For large parties, call the restaurant directly to review party size limits and ask about adjacent seating.
Pick off-peak times — mid-afternoon or just before dinner rush — and allow a few extra minutes for parking. These small steps protect the experience and help everyone enjoy the time together.
FAQ
Does Olive Garden take reservations?
Most locations do not offer traditional reservations. Instead, you can join an online wait list or call your local restaurant to check options for larger parties or special events.
What’s the difference between reservations and the online wait list?
A reservation guarantees a table at a set time; the online wait list puts your name in line and estimates wait time. The wait list is available via the brand’s app or website and is the primary way to secure a spot without arriving early.
How do I join the online wait list from the app or website?
Open the Olive Garden app or visit the website, choose your location, tap “Join Wait List,” enter the requested details, and confirm. You’ll get an estimated wait and a text when your table is nearly ready.
What information will I need to join the wait list?
You’ll provide your name, party size, phone number, and preferred location. This helps the host team estimate arrival and hold your spot while you finish errands or arrive from nearby.
How long will my spot be held after I arrive?
Typically your table is held about 10 minutes after your check-in time. If you expect to be later, call the restaurant to avoid losing your place on the list.
What are the limits for party size on the online wait list?
The digital wait list usually supports parties up to six or seven people. For larger groups, it’s best to call the restaurant directly so staff can plan seating or offer options like split tables.
How should I handle large parties or special seating requests?
Call the location ahead. Managers can advise on availability, private space, or timing to reduce wait. Reserving a block of tables often requires direct coordination with staff.
When are peak times and how can I avoid long waits?
Peak times are weekday and weekend dinner hours, especially 6–8 PM, plus holidays and weekends. To avoid waits, dine before 6 PM, mid-afternoon, or after the dinner rush; join the wait list early on busy days.
Are there holiday closures or special hours to watch for?
Hours vary by location, and some restaurants close on major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Check your local listing or call ahead for holiday hours and any planned closures.
How can I check real-time wait times for a nearby location?
Use the app or the website’s store page to view current wait estimates. Calling the restaurant directly is another quick way to confirm accurate, up-to-the-minute wait information.
Where can I find hours and contact details for my local restaurant?
Visit the location page on the brand site or app, which lists daily hours, phone number, and address. You can call to confirm hours, menus, or special seating arrangements before you go.
Can walk-ins get seated without joining the wait list?
Yes — walk-ins are welcome. Hosts seat parties in turn; joining the online wait list often reduces time spent waiting at the door, especially during busy periods.
What should I do to plan ahead for a smoother dining experience?
Check your local hours, join the online wait list before you leave, call for large parties, and aim to arrive early or during off-peak times. That simple planning helps minimize wait and improves the meal experience.
Who should I contact if I need help with my online wait list entry?
Reach out to the restaurant listed on your confirmation text or call the location directly. Staff can update party details, adjust arrival time windows, or answer questions about seating and wait time.
