Olive Garden

I have celiacs and I am extremely sensitive so I am crazy careful. My brother just graduated and he desperately wanted Olive Garden for his graduation dinner. So of course I wanted to know if I would be able to eat fairly safely—understand that any type of eating out is a risk! I called Olive Garden. The manager told me that they have a designated line chef who handles all allergies and is trained to avoid cross contamination, etc. They also said the servers were knowledgeable and would be able to steer me in the right direction towards the couple of options that were safe. Armed with this, I felt like it would be fairly safe, however, that was not my actual experience. Our server was very knowledgeable and was very on point with it being an “allergy”! I had some salad (no croutons), zuppa, and the gf pasta with plain sauce—which were all designated safe. Later that night I had started to break out in a rash which is my first indication I’ve been glutened. Over the next couple of days it spread and I experienced many symptoms ☹ I know it was Olive Garden because I don’t eat out and we do not have gluten of any kind in my home.

Just want others to know so that they do not have this experience!

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

— Not at all

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

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

— Average

Man, they made everything as complicated as humanly possible. Two of us out of 10 with Celiac. The two of us both ordered soup (the zuppa is gluten-free) and salad without croutons. So they want to bring out bowls of lettuce and plates of toppings an bowls of dressing. Just bring the two of us a crouton-free bowl and put regular bowls out for the rest to share! It is not complicated people. And the waitstaff had to keep calling attention to the two of us. I hate that. I have done well at some other Olive Gardens... not this one.

Celiac friendly?

No

Anything on the gluten free menu that's cooked on the grill was safe to eat and delicious (I got the salmon with broccoli). Just be careful because although they have gluten free pasta, they don't change the water between gluten free and non-gluten free pasta!!

Salmon was great they made me a side of potatoes no seasoning and everything was delicious!

Celiac friendly?

No

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