Olive Garden

I’ve eaten here quite a few times and never gotten sick which is saying something considering I’m pretty sensitive. The waiters are always very accommodating when I mention I have celiac and how important it is to reduce the risk of contamination. They always take my request very seriously and even let the manager know. That being said, their GF options are very limited. I just always get plain GF pasta tossed in olive oil with a side of chicken. I find the simpler, the safer. I have definitely had better GF pasta, this one is quite mushy. But hey, I can’t complain because at least I have something to eat when I go there with my family, and I always prioritize my safety over taste. I’ve been glutened by restaurants that claimed they could accommodate me and it is NOT fun. So that makes me appreciate Olive Garden all the more.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

HORRIBLE. We went to an Olive Garden in Sacramento a few weeks ago and it was okay. Then we went to a location in Palm Desert last night and it was awful. The non-Celiac people in the group all said their meals were NOT good, for various reasons. One of our group had ordered pasta in a cream sauce and had said it tasted like leftovers. He was up sick all night. I am Celiac and ordered the same dish I'd ordered in Sacramento (pasta primavera) from the very limited GF menu and it was disgusting. Totally over cooked noodles, the chicken was tough, and the vegetables were mushy. The waiter was vacant and entirely inattentive but very pre-occupied with his table of friends next to us. And I was sick all night and all day today so I'm pretty sure the noodles weren't GF at all. I'll never be going back to Olive Garden again.

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