Olive Garden will honor veterans and active-duty military with a free meal on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Guests can choose from a special Veterans Day menu at participating locations.
Eligible diners must show proof of military service, such as a valid ID or discharge papers. The offer is available for dine-in only and applies to one free entrée from the designated menu.
This annual event celebrates and thanks service members for their dedication and sacrifice.
What is the Olive Garden Veterans Day Deal for 2025?
The Olive Garden Veterans Day special for 2025 offers a free meal to all veterans and active-duty military members on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. This annual event allows service members to enjoy a complimentary entrée from a special Veterans Day menu as a thank-you for their dedication and service.
Guests can choose one free entrée from a selection of Olive Garden favorites. The special menu typically includes classic pasta dishes, chicken entrées, and the restaurant’s signature breadsticks with soup or salad. The offer is available for dine-in only at participating Olive Garden locations across the United States.
To receive the free meal, guests must show valid military identification or other accepted proof of service when ordering. The offer is limited to one meal per person and does not require any additional purchase.
Through its Veterans Day 2025 promotion, Olive Garden continues its tradition of honoring those who serve by providing a warm meal in a welcoming setting. The restaurant’s appreciation event reflects its ongoing commitment to giving back to the nation’s heroes through the Olive Garden free meal program.
Who is Eligible for the Olive Garden Veterans Day Free Meal?
The Olive Garden Veterans Day free meal is offered to all veterans and active-duty military members who have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces. This includes those in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reserves.
Anyone who has received an honorable or general discharge meets the Olive Garden military eligibility requirements. The restaurant’s goal is to show appreciation for the dedication and service of both current and former military personnel.
Family members and civilian employees may join an eligible guest for the celebration but do not qualify for the free meal unless they also meet the who qualifies criteria as members of the military. Olive Garden’s policy ensures that every veteran and service member can enjoy a warm meal as a token of gratitude for their commitment to the country.
Veterans Day Special at Olive Garden: What to Expect
Guests must present valid Olive Garden proof of service to receive the free meal. Acceptable identification includes:
- U.S. Military ID for active or retired members
- DD 214 form confirming discharge status
- Veterans ID card from the Department of Veterans Affairs
- State-issued ID or driver’s license with a veteran designation
These documents confirm military ID status and help staff verify eligibility quickly. Guests can show either a physical or digital copy as long as it is official and readable. Bringing valid proof of service ensures a smooth process and allows every qualified guest to enjoy Olive Garden’s Veterans Day 2025 meal offer with ease.
The 2025 Olive Garden Veterans Day Menu (Free Entrées)
The Olive Garden Veterans Day free menu in 2025 includes a selection of popular Italian dishes served complimentary to veterans and active-duty military members. Eligible guests can choose one entrée from a special menu featuring Olive Garden’s most loved meals. Each dish is freshly prepared and includes the restaurant’s signature soup or salad and warm breadsticks for a complete dining experience.
The menu options offer a range of flavors, from light and fresh to rich and hearty. Every entrée is crafted to reflect Olive Garden’s tradition of comfort and quality.
Free entrées available on Veterans Day include:
- Never Ending Soup, Salad and Breadsticks
- Fettuccine Alfredo
- Chicken Parmigiana
- Cheese Ravioli
- Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
These choices celebrate authentic Italian taste and generous portions while honoring military service with a meal that feels both special and familiar.
Never Ending Soup, Salad and Breadsticks
The free soup and salad entrée is a guest favorite on the Veterans Day menu. It includes a garden-fresh salad with crisp greens, tomatoes, olives, onions and Olive Garden’s signature Italian dressing. Guests can also enjoy a choice of soup, such as Zuppa Toscana, Chicken and Gnocchi or Minestrone.
Breadsticks are included and served warm with a light garlic flavor. The meal features unlimited refills of soup, salad and breadsticks, allowing guests to enjoy as much as they like. This entrée offers a lighter yet satisfying choice that showcases the freshness and hospitality Olive Garden is known for.
Fettuccine Alfredo
The free fettuccine alfredo is one of Olive Garden’s most classic Italian dishes. It features fettuccine pasta coated in a rich Alfredo sauce made with butter, fresh cream and Parmesan cheese. The creamy texture and balanced flavor make this dish both comforting and satisfying.
This entrée is served with a choice of soup or salad and warm breadsticks. It provides a simple but indulgent meal that reflects the traditional taste of Italian comfort food. Guests celebrating Veterans Day can enjoy this signature dish as a rich and flavorful option from the Olive Garden menu.
Chicken Parmigiana
The free chicken parmigiana is a classic choice on the Veterans Day menu. It features a tender, breaded chicken breast topped with marinara sauce and melted Italian cheeses. The entrée is served with a side of spaghetti and meat sauce, creating a complete and filling meal.
This popular dish offers the perfect combination of crispy chicken, savory sauce and creamy cheese. Served with soup or salad and breadsticks, it delivers a hearty meal that captures the essence of traditional Italian flavor. It remains a top choice for veterans who prefer a rich and satisfying entrée.
Cheese Ravioli
The free cheese ravioli offers a delicious vegetarian option on the Veterans Day menu. Each ravioli is filled with a blend of creamy Italian cheeses and served with Olive Garden’s marinara or Alfredo sauce. The dish is finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan for added flavor.
Served with soup or salad and breadsticks, the cheese ravioli provides a warm and comforting dining experience. Its smooth texture and mild flavor make it a favorite among guests looking for a simple and classic Italian meal from the Olive Garden Veterans Day free menu.
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
The free spaghetti and meatballs entrée features classic spaghetti served with a hearty meat sauce made from seasoned beef and slow-simmered tomatoes. The sauce is rich and flavorful, creating a perfect balance with the tender pasta.
This dish is served with soup or salad and breadsticks, offering a complete and satisfying meal. The spaghetti with meat sauce remains one of Olive Garden’s most popular options, delivering traditional Italian taste that many guests associate with home-cooked comfort. It is a timeless choice for veterans enjoying their complimentary meal.
You can find your local Olive Garden to order your free meal here.
Important Rules & Restrictions to Know
The Olive Garden Veterans Day rules explain how the free meal offer works and what limitations apply. These restrictions help ensure that every eligible guest receives the same fair experience. Veterans and active-duty military members must show valid military identification to receive their complimentary entrée.
According to the fine print, the offer cannot be combined with other promotions, coupons, or discounts. It is valid only at participating Olive Garden locations and applies to the special Veterans Day menu. Guests may choose one free entrée from the limited selection listed for the event, and substitutions are not allowed.
The free meal includes only the entrée. Items such as drinks, appetizers, desserts, or additional entrées are not part of the offer. Understanding these olive garden veterans day rules helps guests plan their visit and enjoy their meal without confusion.
Is the Deal for Dine-In Only
Yes. The 2025 Olive Garden Veterans Day offer is available for dine-in only. It does not apply to to-go, online, or delivery orders. Veterans and service members must visit a participating Olive Garden restaurant and present military identification to receive their complimentary meal.
The dine-in policy ensures each meal is served fresh and enjoyed in the restaurant. Orders placed through the Olive Garden website, app, or third-party delivery services do not qualify for the free entrée. Guests should plan to dine inside the restaurant to take advantage of this special Veterans Day offer.
Do Family Members or Guests Get a Discount
The Olive Garden Veterans Day family discount does not apply to this promotion. The free meal is reserved for the veteran or active-duty military member only. Family members, spouses, and friends who join them will pay the regular menu price for their meals.
There is no spouse discount or additional offer for guests. Olive Garden’s Veterans Day meal focuses on recognizing the service of military members with one complimentary entrée. Dining with family and friends is welcome, but only the qualifying individual receives the free meal. Knowing this rule helps guests plan their visit accordingly.
Are Drinks and Gratuity Included
The free Veterans Day entrée does not include drinks or gratuity. Guests often ask, does Olive Garden free meal include drink, and the answer is no. Beverages such as soda, coffee, tea, or alcohol are not part of the free offer and will appear on the bill.
Gratuity is also not included. Guests should tip their server based on the full value of the meal rather than the discounted total. This ensures fair compensation for staff who provide service during the busy holiday. Understanding this helps guests plan their visit and enjoy their Veterans Day meal while showing appreciation to their servers.
Does Olive Garden Have a Year-Round Military Discount?
Olive Garden does not offer an ongoing military discount throughout the year. The Olive Garden military discount all year is not available at any location. The restaurant honors veterans and active-duty service members once a year through its special Veterans Day free meal event.
This offer is a one-day appreciation event held each November and is not part of a continuous discount program. To receive the complimentary meal, eligible guests must visit a participating restaurant on Veterans Day and show valid military identification. Outside this event, regular menu prices apply to all customers, including military members and their families.
Olive Garden sometimes promotes general deals and limited-time offers available to all guests. These specials are not military-specific but can still provide value throughout the year. Customers can check the official Olive Garden website or join the eClub to stay updated on new offers and restaurant promotions.
How to Prepare for Your Visit
Planning ahead will help you have a smooth visit to Olive Garden on Veterans Day. The restaurants are usually busy during this event, so preparing in advance can make your experience easier and more enjoyable.
Begin by calling your nearest Olive Garden to check hours and confirm that it is taking part in the Veterans Day promotion. Most locations participate, but hours and seating may vary. Calling ahead also allows you to ask about the best times to visit or any location-specific details.
You can save time by using the Olive Garden waitlist on the official website or mobile app. This feature lets you add your name before arriving, which can reduce your wait once you get to the restaurant. It is especially helpful on days when the dining rooms are full.
Arrive a little early, bring valid military identification, and be patient if the restaurant is crowded. Taking a few minutes to call ahead, confirm your location’s hours, and use the online waitlist will help you enjoy your complimentary meal with minimal waiting.
Just a thank you from us veterans Hal Traynor Modesto, ca