Olive Garden

My experience was very different from the earlier reviews, maybe there was a management change? We actually had the manager come out to our table and outline the safety precautions that they take and make sure that we got GF menus. They have a button for the waitstaff to use when placing a gf order that makes the entire screen display a different color for the kitchen staff. The kitchen then cleans the workspace and grill to avoid cross contamination. The dishes weren’t flagged GF but they did come out on a separate tray and delivered by the manager. Neither myself nor my mother got glutened. 4/5 safety because there’s always going to be risk at a place that serves this much gluten-y food.

However, I wasn’t impressed with the flavor of the food. The salad was good but the main (we both had the chicken parm with gf pasta on the side) was pretty meh. 3/5 taste because I’m gonna eat the leftovers but I would personally rather eat elsewhere.

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

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

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?

— Average

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch

I have had good experiences at other locations of this franchise, but not in Harrisonburg. I was sick within hours of eating their gluten-free pasta entrée.

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

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

— Poor

Staff unaware of how to prepare gluten free food.

Celiac friendly?

No

They are not trained and they use the same water for gf pasta as reg pasta

Celiac friendly?

No

I thought the gf pasta was good. I got the pesto sauce with with grilled chicken, and I thought it was really, and didn’t have any issues.

GF pasta. It was gross. Won't go back.

On my visit to this location, there were many many mistakes relating to our gluten free orders. Both meals were ordered gluten free with extensive discussion with the server and both were initially brought out with regular pasta. When we pointed this out, the employee told us 'no, that's what our gluten free pasta looks like'. I insisted that it did not match the company's description and requested they double check. After acknowledging the mistake, a new GF meal was brought out for my husband within 10 minutes but mine took another 1/2 hour and was amazingly yet again served with regular pasta. We sent it back again and requested they package the 3rd try to go. When I finally began to eat at home a few hours after we had been seated, I found broken pieces of regular linguini mixed in with the GF rotini, suggesting that they cooked it in the same water or used some similarly sloppy prep procedure. Once the manager became involved, they definitely made it right from a financial standpoint (basically comping our whole meal) but I wouldn't have chosen to trade a free meal for the rest of the experience. It's a fairly new location and perhaps they will get their act together eventually, but for now I would not recommend for anyone who experiences ill effects from consuming gluten.

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