Olive Garden

This was my first time at Olive Garden since my diagnosis, so I was nervous. I didn’t dare get anything with gluten free pasta because I’d heard several stories about people finding regular noodles mixed in with their GF noodles or just that the GF noodles weren’t good. So I told the server that I had a gluten allergy and also opted for the naturally gluten free foods from their gluten sensitive menu: https://m.olivegarden.com/menu-listing/gluten-sensitive. I got the salmon and the Zuppa Toscana. The soup was surprisingly good and full of sausage. The salmon was pretty good but expensive, and its only side was broccoli. I wouldn’t choose to come to Olive Garden on my own because the options are so limited if you’re trying to avoid cross contamination as much as possible, but at least I found a meal that I feel fairly safe ordering if my family wants to go. Thank goodness I didn’t get sick.

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

— Not very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free 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?

— Good

Boo! Stay away! We ordered gf pasta and it came out late. My son was about to eat it when we noticed it looked just like everyone else’s pasta. The waiter had brought out regular pasta instead accidentally. Luckily we caught it before he ate it. They brought out his pasta about 10 min later and it was still slightly hard and not cooked all the way. Yuck! Spending $15 on a pasta dish is bad enough, but having it be inedible was even worse!

Celiac friendly?

No

They have some gluten free noodles. Some of the staff know the answers to my questions. I have been sick about half of the times I have eaten there so we don’t go anymore.

I got super sick from CC here.

Celiac friendly?

No

They now have a "gluten sensitive" menu. But they have a note that anything fried or grilled has a higher chance of being contaminated....but they still list them all on the allergy menu?? The waitress didn't know or understand anything about the gluten "sensitive" items. I asked if the pasta is at least cooked in separate water from the regular pasta and she said "Probably". I asked for salad with no croutons per their menu, but asked for the to go cups of dressing because they are sealed and there's less of a chance for contamination and she acted like it was the end of the world to do such a thing and that she had to "check" to see if they even had any. Not the best experience and I most likely will NOT return .

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