Ah, Olive Garden. A culinary institution? Perhaps. A carb-loading haven? Definitely. But like any sprawling empire built on breadsticks, not everything on the menu is a guaranteed Roman victory.
We bravely ventured forth, armed with forks and a healthy dose of skepticism, to separate the pasta wheat from the chaff.
Get ready for the Olive Garden Showdown: 9 entrees that made us say “Buon Appetito!” and 9 that left us whispering, “Never-ending regrets.
1. Disappointing: Fettuccine Alfredo
The Fettuccine Alfredo at Olive Garden often sparks debate. Some diners find the sauce too heavy and overly creamy, lacking depth and flavor.
The pasta can sometimes be overcooked, leaving a mushy texture that disappoints those seeking a firm bite. A classic that should shine, yet struggles to leave a remarkable impression on the palate.
2. Deserving: Chicken Parmigiana
Chicken Parmigiana at Olive Garden earns its acclaim with a delightful balance of flavors. The golden brown crust provides a satisfying crunch, while the chicken remains tender and flavorful.
Topped with melted cheese and a vibrant marinara sauce, each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The dish captures the essence of comfort food.
3. Disappointing: Lasagna Classico
The Lasagna Classico at Olive Garden is a tale of missed opportunities. While it promises layers of rich flavor, the reality is often different.
Diners have noted that the dish can be excessively saucy, overwhelming the delicate balance of pasta and filling. Uneven layers and slightly burnt edges further deteriorate the experience, leaving some to question its classic status.
4. Deserving: Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp Scampi at Olive Garden delights seafood lovers with its elegance and flavor. The succulent shrimp are perfectly cooked, bathed in a light garlic butter sauce that enhances their natural sweetness.
Fresh herbs add a touch of freshness, elevating the dish to a delightful culinary experience. It’s a dish that embodies simplicity done right, where each ingredient shines without overpowering.
5. Disappointing: Ravioli Di Portobello
Ravioli di Portobello, though promising in name, sometimes leaves diners underwhelmed. The filling can be damp, lacking the robust flavor expected from portobello mushrooms.
An overpowering garlic presence can overshadow the delicate pasta, leading to an unbalanced dish. Presentation-wise, it may lack the appeal needed to entice diners visually.
6. Deserving: Tour Of Italy
The Tour of Italy at Olive Garden is a beloved trio that showcases the chain’s signature dishes. Featuring Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna Classico, and Fettuccine Alfredo, this plate offers a vibrant presentation that excites the senses.
Each component shines in its own right, with textures and flavors that complement one another beautifully.
7. Disappointing: Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno
Five Cheese Ziti al Forno, while inviting in name, tends to overwhelm with its heavy cheese and sauce. Diners have noted a lack of distinct flavors, with the cheeses blending into an indistinguishable mass.
The sauce can be cloyingly rich, detracting from the pasta’s texture and overall enjoyment. For a dish meant to be a cheesy delight, it falls into the trap of excess.
8. Deserving: Eggplant Parmigiana
Eggplant Parmigiana at Olive Garden surprises with its delightful texture and flavor. Each slice of eggplant is perfectly breaded, offering a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.
The smooth marinara sauce and melted cheese create a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate. This dish provides a vegetarian option that doesn’t compromise on taste or satisfaction.
9. Disappointing: Herb-Grilled Salmon
The Herb-Grilled Salmon at Olive Garden leaves much to be desired for seafood enthusiasts. The salmon fillet can often be dry, detracting from its natural richness.
The herbs, rather than enhancing, sometimes provide a lackluster flavor that fails to elevate the dish. Visually, the presentation may not entice, leaving diners uninspired.
10. Deserving: Seafood Alfredo
Seafood Alfredo at Olive Garden elevates the classic Alfredo with the addition of shrimp and scallops. The creamy sauce is rich yet balanced, enhancing the seafood’s natural flavors without overwhelming.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness, completing the dish beautifully.
11. Disappointing: Cheese Ravioli
Cheese Ravioli at Olive Garden struggles to impress those seeking a flavorful pasta dish. The pasta itself can be thick and heavy, overshadowing the ravioli’s filling.
Diners have noted that the cheese filling often lacks the expected richness, leaving a bland impression. The accompanying sauce may not provide the depth needed to elevate the dish, resulting in a lackluster experience.
12. Deserving: Chicken Alfredo
Chicken Alfredo at Olive Garden remains a fan favorite, celebrating the beloved combination of grilled chicken and creamy pasta. The sauce is lusciously smooth, enhancing the tender chicken’s flavor perfectly.
ach bite offers a harmonious blend of textures, with the grilled chicken adding a satisfying depth to the dish. Topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, it provides a touch of color and freshness.
13. Disappointing: Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo
Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo at Olive Garden often divides opinion. The steak is sometimes overcooked, leading to a tough texture that disappoints. The gorgonzola can be overpowering, dominating the dish rather than complementing it.
Paired with a heavy Alfredo sauce, the dish may lack the balance needed for an enjoyable experience.
14. Deserving: Spaghetti With Meat Sauce
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce at Olive Garden is a comforting embrace of rich flavors and satisfying textures. The tomato sauce is hearty and full of depth, perfectly coating the al dente pasta.
Savory ground beef adds a satisfying richness, making each forkful a delightful experience. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese completes the dish.
15. Disappointing: Stuffed Chicken Marsala
Stuffed Chicken Marsala at Olive Garden often misses the mark for those seeking a balanced dish. The chicken can be dry, detracting from the overall experience.
An overpowering Marsala wine flavor may overshadow the stuffing, resulting in a dish lacking harmony. Diners looking for a cohesive blend of flavors might find this entree lacking, as the components often fail to complement each other.
16. Deserving: Braised Beef & Tortelloni
Braised Beef & Tortelloni at Olive Garden is a symphony of flavors that captivates diners. The tender beef, slow-cooked to perfection, melts in the mouth, while the rich sauce adds depth and complexity.
Tortelloni offer a delightful contrast, providing a satisfying bite that complements the beef wonderfully.
17. Disappointing: Chicken Margherita
Chicken Margherita at Olive Garden often leaves diners seeking more vibrancy and flavor. The chicken breast can be dry, detracting from the dish’s overall appeal.
The cheese and tomatoes, rather than enhancing, sometimes offer lackluster flavors that fail to excite. For those expecting a burst of freshness and Italian flair, this entree may not deliver.
18. Deserving: Zuppa Toscana
Zuppa Toscana at Olive Garden is a comforting bowl of warmth and flavor. The creamy broth, infused with spices, provides a rich base that complements the hearty sausage and tender kale.
Its hearty ingredients and rich flavors make it a beloved choice among soup enthusiasts.