Olive Garden

They have a gluten sensitive menu and were able to make accommodations but I received my refill salad and it had a crouton so I immediately stopped eating. Cross contamination is a big risk.

Celiac friendly?

No

Celiac friendly?

No

Service -The first time we visited this restaurant our server was very friendly and seemed quite knowledgeable. He seemed happy to cater to our gluten-free, dairy-free needs. With our second visit to Olive Garden (a couple of months later) we had a new server. Again, this server was friendly and happy to cater to our gluten-free/dairy-free needs.

Knowledge - The first server seemed to have a great deal of knowledge about food sensitivities and was able to tell us about the processes that the restaurant has in place to keep the food safe. We did have questions about marinades and salad dressing and when he wasn’t positive about the ingredients he checked with the cooks.

The second server that we had actually asked us what Celiac Disease was (we were, of course, happy to educate him). He also suggested a sauce to me to go with the gluten-free pasta dish that I had ordered, and then came back a few minutes later to let me know that the sauce he had recommended wasn’t actually gluten-free. When I asked what steps the chefs/cooks take to ensure that gluten doesn’t end up in our meals, the server was quite vague and assured us that they are very careful to make sure that our meals don’t contain gluten, however he wasn’t able to tell us how the chefs/cooks would be keeping our meals gluten-free.

Safety of food - With our initial visit, we felt comfortable eating here and the food did appear to be gluten-free. We spoke with the manger after enjoying our meal and she further discussed the ways in which the restaurant works to ensure the safety of the food.

On the second visit, I felt a little less comfortable about the safety of the food but was glad that the server double checked the ingredients of the sauce that he recommended to me prior to serving it. I do wonder how many other gluten-free customers he has offered that sauce to in the past as I believe only checked on it after we told him just how serious a gluten sensitivity/celiac disease actually is.

Taste and cost/serving size - We were very happy with both the price and the amount of food that we were given. My wife even had to ask for a “to go” box which never happens with her!

The second visit was a different story. My wife ordered a chicken breast with a side of veggies and received a very meager portion of each (see picture above). In addition, my serving of pasta and chicken was also quite small, and while we did get our money’s worth with the amount of salad that we both ate, we were both ready to eat again by the time we got home a little while later.

Overall experience - The overall experience was definitely better with our first visit than with our second. The service was good with each visit and it does appear that the restaurant has a system in place to ensure meals are gluten-free. However, I wasn’t impressed by the education/knowledge that our second server seemed to have when it comes to gluten and I feel a more thorough staff training/education program would be beneficial. In addition, the number of choices on the g-free menu was quite limited; it would be great to have a few more options available. It was really great to see a gluten-free menu, however it didn’t offer any appetizers or soups or even display prices for that matter.

Based on the inconsistency of server education, lack of gluten-free menu prices, and the fact that gluten-free pasta is made-to-order, just like the regular pasta, I still see a large concern for error in meal preparation. I give Olive Garden 3 out of 5 stars.

Visited Bend location and was told that the Gluten Free menu could be cross-contaminated. When I received my dish, they had gluten-based pasta mixed into my GF dish. When I mentioned it to server, he shrugged his shoulders and said we shouldn't eat there in the future if that's an issue.

We've dined here several times with no issues whatsoever. GF menu is pretty limited, but it's good & safe.

I've tried the gluten free pasta with marinara and it was awesome! I was super excited to have great Italian food again... I highly recommend! Ask for the gluten free menu. There are actually quite a few choices!

My experience tonight at Olive Garden was excellent. The waitress was knowledgeable about my options. Then the manager came over and acknowledged that I had requested for gluten-free options and insured me that they would change gloves to maximize safety. Then a third person came over to serve food and he pointed out that it was gluten-free and that they changed their gloves when making my food. I don't have allergies, but I am sensitive to gluten. I don't know if it would be safe for celiac, but it was safe for me.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good vegetarian options

Now offer gluten free rotini pasta, but check with your restaurant

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Poor

You have to be careful here. You must be diluent and ask several questions. They will serve salad witout croutons, you can get them on the side. No bread, but soup Tuscana and is gf and delicious.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

I just went to Olive Garden, stated my allergy, and then ordered Gluten Free pasta option they have, if I dont remember wrong it was Gluten Free Rotini with meat sauce. I didn’t get any reaction, (I usually get respiratory and skin reaction to gluten) and it was absolutely delicious!!!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

I have eaten here twice and both times it was great! The servers are knowledgeable and their menu has everything labeled well so you can see what you have to choose from! They also instantly knew and aknowledged no croutons on the salad as soon as I mentioned a gluten allergy. I do wish they had more sauce options than what was listed.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent