What Time Does Olive Garden Open
You want a quick answer before you plan a visit. Hours vary by location, so the fastest way to confirm is to check the official site or call your local store the day you go.
This brand commonly opens late morning through midday and stays open for dinner. Expect breadsticks, your choice of soup or garden-fresh salad, and full entrees like Fettuccine Alfredo, Chicken Parmigiana, or the Tour of Italy at opening.
For busy spots, arriving soon after doors unlock often reduces wait and gives your family a calmer start to the meal. One Modesto guest reported about a 30-minute Friday wait; bar seating or early arrival helped.
To-go and curbside pickup usually begin at opening, which can speed pickup for breadsticks and salads. Always verify today’s time on olivegarden.com or by phone to avoid surprises.
Today’s Olive Garden Opening Hours in the United States
Plan your arrival with a quick glance at today’s local hours before you head out. Many locations follow similar patterns, but each store sets its own schedule. A short check can save you waiting and help you plan dining with family or friends.
Typical weekday and weekend opening times
Most restaurants begin service late morning or around midday on weekdays. Weekends often start the same or slightly earlier for busy lunch periods.
Arriving near opening usually shortens waits and speeds service. Servers tend to move faster when the dining room is fresh and seats are available.
Holiday and seasonal adjustments to hours
Hours can shift for major holidays and during peak seasons like November–December. Foot traffic and data show rises during those months, so expect altered schedules or fuller dining rooms.
If you plan a group meal, calling a few hours ahead helps confirm any day-of changes due to events or weather.
How to check real-time hours on the official site
Use the Locations search at the official site to see today’s opening details, pickup options, and contact info. For tight schedules, call the store directly — for example, the Modesto unit at +1 (209) 544-8057 — to confirm. You can also review store hours and FAQs via store hours and FAQs.
- Soup, salad, and breadsticks are ready from opening; To Go orders placed early can cut total visit time.
- Check local events: games or mall promotions can increase guest flow.
| Day Type | Typical Opening | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday | Late morning – midday | Steady lunch; less crowded just at opening |
| Weekend | Late morning – midday | Higher early-afternoon traffic |
| Holidays/Seasonal | Varies | Verify hours ahead; expect busier service |
| Platform | Handle/URL | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| facebook.com/olivegarden | Announcements and local posts | |
| instagram.com/olivegarden | Menu highlights and promotions | |
| twitter.com/olivegarden | Quick updates and links |
What Time Does Olive Garden Open: Find Your Local Restaurant’s Hours
Find exact opening hours fast by searching your city or ZIP on the official site. The location page shows today’s schedule, ordering options, and the direct phone number so you can plan your visit with confidence.
Search by city or ZIP on olivegarden.com for up-to-date store info
Enter your city or ZIP at https://www.olivegarden.com to pull the nearest store page. That page lists hours, pickup options, and any location-specific notes like mall access or holiday changes.
Call the restaurant directly for today’s opening time and wait status
Prefer a quick confirmation? Call the restaurant to verify today’s opening time and current wait. For example, Olive Garden Italian Restaurant at 2200 Plaza Pkwy, Modesto, CA 95350 can be reached at +1 (209) 544-8057.
Order To Go and curbside pickup timing for soup, salad, and favorites
To Go orders often start at opening. Place your online order before you leave so curbside pickup matches your drive time and reduces waiting.
- Store pages show exact hours and phone numbers for planning a visit.
- Call ahead for larger family orders to secure early pickup windows.
- Review the online menu and pick favorites and sides before checkout to speed service.
| Action | Where to check | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Search by city or ZIP | olivegarden.com | Shows today’s hours, pickup, and contact info |
| Call store | Store phone number | Verify opening and current wait time |
| Order To Go | Online ordering | Pickup ready at opening; saves time |
For FAQs and more ordering details, check store hours and FAQs so your visit and dining plans go smoothly.
Best Times to Visit: Dining Patterns, Wait Times, and What to Expect
If you time your visit right, you can enjoy a calmer dining experience and faster service.
Peak periods, weekend traffic, and holiday surges
Visits rise on weekends and during dinner; many restaurants see a Friday-evening rush with waits near 30 minutes at busy spots.
Placer.ai data shows portfolio traffic up 2.3% in Q2 and 3.0% in Q3 of 2025, with October up 4.5%. Same-restaurant gains ranged 1.0%–4.8%, so expect busier dining rooms during known rushes and holiday surges.
Dining experience highlights: soup, salad, breadsticks, drinks, and service
Your meal typically starts with soup or salad and breadsticks. Portions are generous, so many guests take part of an entree home.
If the lobby is full, ask the host about bar seating for faster access to a drink and breadsticks. Servers usually pace courses well, but arriving before peak times gives a more relaxed cadence.
| Operating Hours Type | Typical Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday | Late morning – midday | Shorter waits near opening |
| Weekend | Late morning – evening | Higher traffic, especially Friday dinner |
| Holiday/Seasonal | Varies | Expect surges; call ahead |
| Platform | Handle / URL | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| facebook.com/olivegarden | Local posts and announcements | |
| instagram.com/olivegarden | Menu highlights and promos | |
| twitter.com/olivegarden | Quick updates and links |
Plan Your Olive Garden Visit and Enjoy Your Meal
A little prep makes your next visit smoother: confirm the store hours at olivegarden.com, pick your favorites, and decide if you’ll dine in or order To Go.
Portions are generous, so plan food and meal timing: soup, salad, and breadsticks can satisfy hungry family members or become easy leftovers. Early visits usually mean shorter waits and a calmer dining room.
For busy days or celebrations, call the restaurant to verify today’s schedule and join a waitlist when available. Ordering ahead for pickup is a reliable way to get hot food fast without a long line.
Keep plans flexible, choose an off-peak window if you prefer quiet, and enjoy a satisfying meal with minimal hassle.
FAQ
What are typical opening hours for most Olive Garden restaurants?
Most locations open between 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM on weekdays and around 11:00 AM on weekends. Individual stores may vary by market, so check local listings before you go.
Where can you find today’s opening hours for a specific Olive Garden in the United States?
Use the restaurant locator on olivegarden.com or the brand’s mobile app to view up-to-date hours by city or ZIP code. The locator shows address, phone, and current open/closed status.
Do holiday or seasonal adjustments affect restaurant schedules?
Yes. Major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas often bring shortened or special hours. Seasonal events and local city rules can also change schedules, so verify ahead for holiday plans.
How can you confirm real-time hours if you need to be sure before leaving?
Call the restaurant directly using the phone number on the locator page. Live staff can confirm opening time, wait status, and any temporary changes due to events or maintenance.
Can you order To Go or curbside pickup before dine-in service starts?
Many locations offer To Go and curbside pickup with slightly different hours than dine-in. Check the store page or call to confirm pickup windows for soup, salad, breadsticks, and other favorites.
When are peak dining times and what waits should you expect?
Peak periods are typically weekday evenings from 6–8 PM and weekend nights; lunch rushes appear around noon. Expect longer waits on Friday and Saturday evenings and around holidays.
What dining highlights can you plan on during a visit?
Expect classic menu items like soup, salad, breadsticks, pasta entrees, and drinks. Service aims to be friendly and family-oriented; special promotions and seasonal dishes may appear on the menu.
Is it better to make a reservation or arrive without one?
Making a reservation is recommended for peak times, weekend nights, and holiday dining. Walk-ins are welcome but may encounter wait times—call ahead to check current seating availability.
How else can you get help planning your visit?
Use the website locator, the app, or call your chosen location. Social media channels and the corporate site list menu details, promotions, and contact info for quick planning.
