Olive Garden Lunch Menu With Prices
Surprising fact: many weekday lunch plates at this chain clock in under 600 calories while costing roughly half of dinner portions in some cities. That makes midday dining an easy way to enjoy classic pasta and breadsticks without a big bill.
You’ll find smaller portions of favorites like fettuccine alfredo, lasagna classico, and chicken parmigiana. Unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks often run about $9.49–$13.49 and sit near 400–520 calories depending on soup and dressing.
This introduction pulls menu facts, real-world prices, and portion notes together so you can decide fast. It also notes typical time changes when restaurants switch from lunch to dinner, usually around 2:30–3:00 PM on weekdays.
Read on for clear price ranges, calorie pointers, and practical tips for ordering in dining rooms or for takeout. You’ll leave knowing which pasta, sauce, and add-ons fit your appetite and budget.
Quick Look: What’s on the Olive Garden weekday lunch and how much it costs
Most locations run weekday lunch from about 11:00 AM to 2:30–3:00 PM. The midday menu is smaller and moves fast. You get familiar sauces and classic pasta in scaled portions.
Unlimited Soup, Salad & Breadsticks is the value anchor. Expect a typical price of $9.49–$13.49 and about 400–520 calories depending on soup choice and dressing.
- Lunch-sized favorites usually fall near $10.49–$11.49 in some markets, and $14.49–$15.49 in others.
- Common dishes include spaghetti (marinara or meat sauce), fettuccine alfredo, cheese ravioli, five cheese ziti, chicken parmigiana, and shrimp scampi.
- Create Your Own Pasta starts from $12.99; availability and price vary by location.
- Dinner entrees are often available at midday if you want a larger meal.
| Item | Typical Price | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Soup, Salad & Breadsticks | $9.49–$13.49 | 400–520 |
| Lunch-sized Pastas & Chicken Plates | $10.49–$15.49 | 520–900 |
| Create Your Own Pasta (starting) | $12.99 | 530–1,300 |
Lunch hours and availability across the U.S.
Weekday midday hours at most locations create a short, dependable window for a quick pasta meal.
Standard weekday window
Most spots start service at 11:00 AM and switch to dinner between 2:30 and 3:00 PM. This predictable time helps you plan a relaxed meal or a fast pickup.
Best times to visit and peak hours to avoid
Peak rush runs about 12:00–1:30 PM. To skip waits, arrive just after opening or near 2:00 PM. Hours can change on holidays or in busy urban areas.
- Plan for 11:00–2:30/3:00 PM as the main weekday lunch window.
- Noon to 1:30 PM is busiest — aim early or late for quicker seating.
- Monday–Friday is ideal for a regular midday deal or a calmer dining experience.
- Call your local house or check online for exact times and same-day offers.
| Service | Typical Window | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday lunch | 11:00 AM – 2:30/3:00 PM | Arrive 11:00–11:30 for easy seating |
| Peak | 12:00–1:30 PM | Expect longer waits |
| Pickup & delivery | Varies by location | Order ahead for workday meals |
For local timing and any specials, check weekday lunch options at this page before you head out.
Olive Garden Lunch Menu With Prices: popular picks and portions
Midday options focus on smaller portions that still deliver classic sauce and pasta flavors. You get the same homestyle recipes in trimmed servings for an easier meal.
Unlimited Soup, Salad & Breadsticks
This weekday anchor runs about $9.49–$13.49 and sits near 400–520 calories depending on soup and dressing choice.
Lunch-sized favorites
- Lasagna Classico — ~$10.49–$15.49 (~500 cal)
- Chicken Parmigiana — ~$11.49–$15.49 (~630 cal)
- Fettuccine Alfredo (V) — ~$10.49–$14.49 (~650 cal)
- Shrimp Scampi — ~$11.49–$15.49 (~460–490 cal)
- Spaghetti & Cheese Ravioli options also rotate as classic picks.
Create Your Own Pasta
Starts at $12.99. Choose pasta shape and marinara, meat sauce, or creamy alfredo. Calorie range runs 530–1,300 based on sauce and add-ons.
| Dish | Typical Price | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Five Cheese Ziti al Forno | $10.49–$14.49 | ~630 |
| Spaghetti | $10.49–$14.49 | ~360 |
| Eggplant Parmigiana | $10.49–$14.49 | ~660 |
How to order lunch: dine-in, online, curbside, or delivery
Picking how to get your midday pasta can be as simple as choosing dine-in, curbside, or a delivery app. Each choice fits a different schedule and appetite. Read the short guide below to match what you want with the fastest route.
Dine-in perks
When you sit down, you get warm breadsticks and house salad refills with applicable meals. That simple ritual makes dining feel relaxed. Some weekday deals are only served in the dining room. Ask your server which items qualify before ordering to-go.
Order ahead and delivery
Use the official website or mobile app to set pickup or curbside times. Curbside staff will bring orders to your car. Major delivery apps send pasta plates, marinara or alfredo sauce choices, and sides to your door.
- Customize sauces and add chicken or meat in the app for exact tastes.
- Stagger group pickup times to keep meals hot.
- Check takeout eligibility — some deals are dine-in only.
| Option | Best for | Quick tip |
|---|---|---|
| Dine-in | Relaxed meal | Arrive early for seating |
| Curbside | Fast pickup | Park in marked spots |
| Delivery | At-work meals | Compare app fees |
Prices, deals, and ways to save at lunchtime
A smart midday order can shrink your bill without skimping on classic sauce and pasta. Many weekday offers give the same flavors in smaller portions at friendlier price points.
Typical lunch ranges vs. dinner pricing
Lunch items usually cost less than dinner entrees. Expect most lunch plates near $10.49–$11.49 in lower-cost markets and $14.49–$15.49 in higher ones.
Unlimited Soup, Salad & Breadsticks sits around $9.49–$13.49. Dinner entrees often start in the high teens and can reach $22 or more.
Lunch Duo and weekday specials, plus digital offers
The Lunch Duo and weekday promos pop up Monday through Friday at many locations. App banners and emails sometimes add coupons for select items.
Create Your Own Pasta starts at $12.99 and is handy when you want marinara, meat sauce, or a creamy option without overspending.
Location-based differences and limited-time promos
High-traffic or tourist areas may charge more. Check local garden offers before you go to spot five cheese ziti or lasagna classico promos.
| Offer | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Soup, Salad & Breadsticks | $9.49–$13.49 | Best weekday baseline value |
| Lunch-sized favorites (fettuccine alfredo, spaghetti) | $10.49–$15.49 | Smaller portions, same sauces |
| Create Your Own Pasta | Starting at $12.99 | Pick sauce and add chicken or meat |
| Dinner entrées | $17.00–$22.00+ | Compare portions before sizing up |
Dietary options and nutrition guidance for lunch
This guide helps you balance comfort and calories when you order your midday pasta and sides. Use simple swaps to cut richness and keep familiar flavors.
Vegetarian choices
Vegetarian plates include Eggplant Parmigiana, Fettuccine Alfredo (V), Cheese Ravioli, and Minestrone soup. Pair these with the house salad to add freshness and fiber.
Gluten-sensitive picks
Choose gluten-free rotini with marinara or add grilled chicken for protein. Ask staff about cross-contact and consult official allergen info before ordering.
Calorie snapshots and smart swaps
Tomato-forward marinara and minestrone help keep calories lower than cream sauces. Ask for sauce on the side or lighter dressing to control portions.
| Item | Typical Price | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Soup, Salad & Breadsticks | $9.49–$13.49 | 400–520 |
| Fettuccine Alfredo (V) | $10.49–$14.49 | ~650 |
| Five Cheese Ziti / Spaghetti (lunch) | $10.49–$15.49 | 360–700 |
For up-to-date nutrition and portion choices, check the olive garden nutrition guide online before you order.
Locations, local hours, and holiday notes
Before you head out, confirm the nearest olive garden hours so your plans match their service window. Hours and posted price can vary by market. That affects what items and deals are available at that location.
Many places open at 11:00 AM and switch from lunch to dinner around 2:30–3:00 PM on weekdays. Some spots shorten the midday window or change timing on busy days. Holiday schedules also differ by store.
Check your nearest restaurant for exact pricing, hours, and special availability
- Local pages list exact lunch hours. Verify the start and end times before you go.
- Posted price varies by city. Review the menu for your address to see current totals.
- Thanksgiving and Christmas are often closed. Most other holidays stay open but may shift hours.
- Confirm weekday lunch service; some locations flip to dinner earlier on slow days.
- Look for garden offers and limited-time deals on local pages or by phone.
- If you order marinara or meat sauce plates for pickup, confirm timing so pasta travels well.
| Service | Typical hours | Quick note |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday lunch | ~11:00 AM – 2:30/3:00 PM | Check local page for exact start/end |
| Holiday hours | Varies | Thanksgiving & Christmas often closed |
| Pickup & delivery | Varies by location | Confirm menu items, calories, and timing |
Plan your next olive garden lunch
Decide whether today calls for a light soup-and-salad or a hearty pasta plate. Pick your choice early to speed ordering and avoid peak wait times between 12:00–1:30 PM.
If comfort is your goal, favorites like lasagna classico, chicken parmigiana, or fettuccine alfredo fit well in lunch-sized portions. Want control? Build a plate with marinara, meat sauce, or a creamy sauce and add chicken or extra cheese ziti.
Watch calories by pairing a lighter soup with the house salad and sharing breadsticks. Remember Create Your Own Pasta starts near $12.99; Unlimited Soup, Salad & Breadsticks typically sits around $9.49–$13.49.
Order ahead in the app for pickup or curbside if time matters. With a little planning, your garden lunch feels relaxed, tasty, and on budget — the right dish at the right time for your day.
FAQ
What are the usual weekday lunch hours and availability?
Most locations serve the midday menu Monday through Friday. Standard lunch window is typically from 11:00 AM until about 2:30–3:00 PM. Hours can vary by restaurant, so check your local store for exact times.
What’s included with the unlimited soup, salad & breadsticks offering?
The offering pairs all-you-can-eat house salad, warm hand-rolled breadsticks, and select soups like Zuppa Toscana, Minestrone, or Pasta e Fagioli. It’s a popular weekday choice and usually priced in the low-to-mid range for lunch.
Which lunch-sized entrees are commonly available?
Popular midday entrees include Lasagna Classico, Chicken Parmigiana, Fettuccine Alfredo, Shrimp Scampi and Five Cheese Ziti al Forno. Portions are scaled for lunch and often cost less than dinner versions.
How much does Create Your Own Pasta cost at lunch?
The build-your-own pasta option typically starts around the low teens and varies with choice of pasta and sauce. Calorie ranges depend on combinations and can span from a few hundred to over 1,000 calories for richer pairings.
Are vegetarian and gluten-sensitive options available at midday?
Yes. Vegetarian picks include Eggplant Parmigiana, Fettuccine Alfredo, Cheese Ravioli, and Minestrone. For gluten-sensitive guests, grilled proteins and a certified gluten-free rotini with select sauces are usually offered. Always tell staff about allergies so they can advise on cross-contact risks.
Can I get the unlimited salad and breadsticks with online or curbside orders?
Policies vary by location and order method. Dine-in traditionally includes the classic unlimited salad and breadsticks experience. For to-go or curbside, many restaurants offer similar combos but portions and availability may differ. Confirm during checkout.
What are common ways to order lunch besides dining in?
You can order ahead through the brand’s website or mobile app, choose curbside pickup where available, or use major delivery apps. Online ordering often shows current local pricing and any digital specials.
How do lunch prices compare to dinner pricing?
Lunch prices are generally lower than dinner for comparable items. Many restaurants offer special lunchtime combos or smaller portions at reduced prices. Exact savings depend on location and current promotions.
Are there weekday specials or digital deals I should watch for?
Yes. Look for Lunch Duo offers, weekday specials, and occasional app or email promotions. Limited-time promotions and regional deals can change frequently, so check the app or website for the latest offers.
Will lunch prices vary by location?
Yes. State and local taxes, rent, and regional pricing strategies cause differences. Always check your nearest restaurant or the online ordering tool for real-time prices at your location.
Where can I find calorie and nutrition information for lunch choices?
Nutrition snapshots for popular items—like soups, pasta dishes, and sides—are available on the official nutrition guide online. Calorie ranges are provided for common lunch items to help you choose based on dietary needs.
Are breadsticks included with every lunch entree?
Dine-in lunch guests typically receive unlimited breadsticks along with the house salad when ordering certain combos. To-go orders may or may not include unlimited servings. Ask when you place your order.
What should I do if I have food allergies or special dietary needs?
Notify your server or note requirements when ordering online. Staff can point out vegetarian, gluten-sensitive, and lower-calorie options, and explain preparation methods. For severe allergies, request ingredient lists and consider speaking with a manager.
How do holiday hours affect weekday lunch service?
Holiday hours and closures vary by restaurant. Some locations close or change service hours for major holidays, which may affect lunch availability. Check your local restaurant’s holiday notices before planning a visit.
Where can I check exact local menu selections and prices right now?
The fastest way is the official online ordering page or mobile app, which shows current menus, real-time prices, and available promotions for your chosen location.
