Olive Garden is famous for its delicious Italian-American meals, family-friendly atmosphere, and unlimited breadsticks, with lunch hours available on weekdays and varying schedules on weekends and holidays.
Olive Garden Lunch Hours
Olive Garden serves lunch Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at most locations. These hours give guests a set time to enjoy lunch specials, though exact schedules may vary slightly by restaurant.
On weekends and holidays, lunch often shifts to the dinner schedule. In many cases, this means lunch specials are not offered, and the full menu is available instead. To avoid confusion, it’s best to confirm hours with your nearest Olive Garden before visiting.
| Day | Lunch Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Saturday | Call your location |
| Sunday | Call your location |
What Time Does Olive Garden Start Serving Lunch?
The Olive Garden lunch start time is 11:00 AM at most locations. This is when the restaurant begins offering its lunch menu, making it a convenient choice for early lunch plans or a midday meal.
Although 11:00 AM is the standard across most restaurants, a few locations may adjust slightly based on local demand. To be certain, it’s always best to check with your nearest Olive Garden before visiting.
Knowing the exact start time helps you plan whether you want a quick workday lunch or a relaxed meal with family and friends. Arriving around 11:00 AM also gives you a better chance to enjoy a quieter dining experience before the lunch rush begins.
What Time Does Olive Garden Stop Serving Lunch?
The Olive Garden lunch end time is typically 3:00 PM. After this point, restaurants switch to the dinner menu, which features larger portions and expanded entrée options.
This schedule gives guests several hours to enjoy lunch before the evening service begins. If you want to take advantage of lunch specials, plan to arrive well before 3:00 PM. While most locations follow this timing, a few may vary slightly, so checking with your local restaurant is always a good idea.
The shift from lunch to dinner also brings changes in pricing and menu choices. Lunch items are designed to be lighter and more budget-friendly, while dinner focuses on heartier meals and wider selections.
Typical schedule:
- Lunch ends: 3:00 PM
- Dinner begins: Immediately after
Olive Garden Lunch Menu Options
The Olive Garden lunch menu features lighter portions and lower prices than dinner, making it a popular choice for quick, affordable meals. Guests can enjoy many signature dishes in smaller servings without losing flavor or variety.
Popular lunch options include:
- Soup, Salad & Breadsticks Combo – Unlimited and always a favorite.
- Lasagna Classico – A lunch-sized portion of the signature dish.
- Fettuccine Alfredo – Creamy pasta served in a lighter plate.
- Spaghetti with Meat Sauce or Marinara – Simple and classic.
- Chicken Parmigiana – Breaded chicken breast with pasta in a smaller portion.
- Shrimp Scampi – A seafood option with garlic and pasta.
Olive Garden specials like the Lunch Duo add extra value by pairing a smaller entrée with soup or salad. Prices are lower than dinner, making lunch an excellent time to enjoy favorites without overspending.
Popular Olive Garden Lunch Items
Some dishes consistently rank as guest favorites during lunch. The Olive Garden soup, salad, breadsticks combo is the most popular choice, offering unlimited servings and great value.
For pasta lovers, the Olive Garden pasta selections are always a hit. Fettuccine Alfredo delivers rich, creamy flavor, while Spaghetti with Meat Sauce remains a classic option for a filling yet simple meal.
Other highly requested items include:
- Chicken Parmigiana – Breaded chicken topped with marinara and cheese, served with pasta.
- Shrimp Scampi – A lighter seafood option with garlic, butter, and pasta.
- Lasagna Classico – A smaller portion of Olive Garden’s signature layered pasta.
These dishes strike a balance between comfort and portion size, making them perfect for both quick lunches and relaxed meals. Whether you prefer something light like soup and salad or a classic pasta favorite, Olive Garden’s lunch menu offers choices that appeal to every taste.
Olive Garden Lunch Prices & Specials
Olive Garden lunch prices are lower than dinner, making it a smart choice for budget-friendly dining. Most lunch entrées range from $7 to $12, depending on the dish and location. Portions are slightly smaller than dinner, but the quality and flavor remain the same.
Guests can also enjoy several Olive Garden lunch deals that add extra value:
- Soup, Salad & Breadsticks Combo – Unlimited and one of the most affordable options.
- Lunch Duos – Pair a smaller entrée with soup or salad for a complete meal at a reduced price.
- Pasta Favorites – Classics like Fettuccine Alfredo and Spaghetti offered in lunch portions at lower costs.
These specials give diners variety while keeping meals light and affordable. For quick breaks, casual outings, or family lunches, Olive Garden provides satisfying options without overspending.
Olive Garden Unlimited Soup, Salad & Breadsticks
The Olive Garden unlimited lunch featuring soup, salad, and breadsticks is one of the chain’s most popular deals. For about $8 to $10 (prices vary by location), guests can enjoy endless refills of all three items, making it a filling and affordable choice.
The Olive Garden soup and salad combo includes four signature soups: Zuppa Toscana, Chicken Gnocchi, Pasta e Fagioli, and Minestrone. Guests can pair these with the fresh house salad and warm breadsticks, creating a simple but satisfying meal.
Unlimited refills make this deal stand out, allowing diners to enjoy as much as they like without worrying about portion size. It’s especially appealing for those who want a lighter meal with the option to indulge.
This special remains a lunchtime favorite because it combines value, flavor, and flexibility. Whether you’re dining alone or with friends, the unlimited option ensures everyone gets a meal that feels both generous and affordable.
Olive Garden Unlimited Soup, Salad & Breadsticks
The Olive Garden weekend lunch hours are different from weekdays. Most locations do not offer a separate lunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays. Instead, they serve the full dinner menu as soon as the restaurant opens.
This means weekend guests may not find the smaller portions or discounted specials available during weekday lunch hours. While you can still enjoy signature dishes, pricing and serving sizes usually follow the dinner format.
Since schedules vary by location, it’s best to call your local Olive Garden to confirm weekend offerings. Some restaurants in busy areas may provide limited lunch options, while others switch fully to dinner service.
If you want the best value, weekdays are the ideal time to take advantage of Olive Garden’s dedicated lunch menu. On weekends, expect the full entrée list with dinner pricing.
Olive Garden Holiday Hours – Open or Closed?
If you plan to visit during the holidays, it’s important to know the Olive Garden holiday hours. Most locations stay open on major holidays but often run on reduced schedules. A few days, such as Christmas and Thanksgiving, are full closures.
Here’s a quick overview of typical hours:
|
Holiday |
Status / Hours |
|---|---|
|
New Year’s Day |
Open (reduced hours possible) |
|
Easter Sunday |
Open (check local hours) |
|
Memorial Day |
Open (regular hours) |
|
Fourth of July |
Open (may close early) |
|
Labor Day |
Open (regular hours) |
|
Thanksgiving Day |
Closed |
|
Christmas Eve |
Open (reduced hours) |
|
Christmas Day |
Closed |
|
New Year’s Eve |
Open (reduced hours) |
The biggest exception is Olive Garden Christmas hours, as all locations close on December 25. Thanksgiving Day is also observed as a closure. For other holidays, most restaurants remain open but may shorten service.
Because schedules vary by location, calling ahead ensures you have the correct hours before dining out.
How to Find Olive Garden Lunch Hours Near You
The first place to look is the official Olive Garden website. Use the location finder by typing in your city or zip code. The restaurant locator will show the nearest branches with their hours, address, and contact details. Since this information comes directly from Olive Garden, it is the most accurate option.
You can also check Google Maps. A quick search for “Olive Garden near me” will display nearby restaurants along with their posted hours. Many users also update details, which helps you see if there have been recent changes.
If you want complete certainty, the most direct way is to call the restaurant. Speaking to staff at your local Olive Garden ensures you get the exact lunch ending time, and they can also confirm if hours change for holidays or special events.
By using the restaurant locator, checking Google Maps, and making a quick call, you can always find the correct lunch hours at the Olive Garden closest to you.