Traditional dishes and all -you-can-eat salad, soup and bread sticks are the draw at this upscale-casual Italian restaurant.

by Contributor

In Short
Established in 1982, this chain gained a following for its laid-back atmosphere and generous portions. Patrons settle into comfortable booths and tables in dining rooms with plants, artwork and décor reminiscient of the villas in the Tuscan countryside. Starters include scampi, sausage or pepperoni pizza, and several soup choices, as well as a signature seafood dip (crab, shrimp, cheese and marinara). Entrees include classics like lasagna, fettuccine Alfredo and chicken parmigiana. There are also "Garden Fare" options, which promise 30 percent fewer calories.

03/12/04

not bad at all...

by sldram

About Olive Garden not being "Italian" I'd like to just add that there is no such thing as "Italian Food". Italy's food changes from town to town. Each little town cooks in their own way.

Is Olive Garden the best place for "Italian" food? No way. BUT let's be fair... I can't think of a better value for a quick "Italian" meal. I know their sauces are mass produced, but from my visit there I'd have to say the prices are good and so are the meals. And this is coming from a very picky Italian that usually eats homemade "Italian" dinners.

10/28/03

boring

by nojamin

Olive Garden is a franchise of mass produced sauces and meals. True, authentic Italian fair is not here, don't be fooled by the commericials.

• Pros: cheap
• Cons: mass produced quality, not true authentic, no "love" in the food