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Reviews

Olive Garden
Category: Restaurants


Posted:  Aug 23, 2010 Location:
Name:  LAURAGLUTEN FREE 7844 MALL ROAD 17134 [GF Map]     [Map]
Rating:  * FLORENCE, KY 41042

Worst meal I have ever had. A 1 was to kind. After talking to the manager, this was a frozen diner just heated up. They should be ashamed of themselves for serving this!!!



Posted:  Aug 13, 2010 Location:
Name:  JoAnn 219 LOUDON RD. 16841 [GF Map]     [Map]
Rating:  * CONCORD, NH 03301

I wish I had read everyone's comments before I tried olive garden's lame attempt at a Gluten Free menu. Do they think people who are on Gluten free diets do not have taste buds. My daughter had the penne pasta with the marinara sauce, it looked/tasted horrible. How can they possible feel good about serving food like that. I had the mixed grill chicken, it was so bland and dry. Don't waste your money, find someplace else to eat.

Posted:  Jul 24, 2010 Location:
Name:  Kelli&Dan 1525 COUNTY ROAD C 16682 [GF Map]     [Map]
Rating:  * ROSEVILLE, MN 55113

We both ordered the only GF pasta on the menu. The waiter had no idea what was or was not gluten free. We had them add chicken to the pasta, because we both wanted some type of meat with the meal. When the dish arrived the sauce was a strange orange color. The noodles were overcooked and mushy. I'm sure they microwaved them. I couldn't even eat mine because it tasted so bad, but the chicken was fine. My boyfriend ate mine just because he was really hungry, but he also thought it tasted awful. The food tasted like some terrible grade school cafeteria mush. We were extremely disappointed that a pasta restaurant would serve such garbage. The only good thing was neither of us got sick! We'll never go back though, save your money.

Posted:  Jul 15, 2010 Location:
Name:  delirious4dolphins 4701 AMERICAN BOULEVARD W 16554 [GF Map]     [Map]
Rating:  * BLOOMINGTON, MN 55437

I ordered from GF menu and they brought out the NON-GF entre -- what the heck? did not take the GF seriously. no pasta - no fun. Server and Manager were not very informed on options/needs for GF. Very disappointing.

Posted:  Jul 9, 2010 Location:
Name:  Kay 5743 JOHNSTON STREET 16746 [GF Map]     [Map]
Rating:  * LAFAYETTE, LA 70503

Since I am new to eating gluten free I decided to try Olive Garden's GF menu. I ordered the Pennine Rigate W/ Marinara Sauce and the pasta was so nasty I couldn't eat it. I was told this was a frozen meal which they heated up before serving to heir guest. It definately wasn't brown rice pasta. Just to be fare I returned one more time for dinner and ordered the Mixed Grill (All chicken) once more disappointment. The chicken was very dry and tasteless. The grilled vegetbles were so over done they were charred & needless to say very dry. I DO NOT recommend Olive Garden for Gluten Free eating & I definately will NOT return. Prehaps given enough time and a little educating on GF cooking Olive Garden may improve....I hope so.

Posted:  Jul 9, 2010 Location:
Name:  Julie 1200 BETHLEHEM PIKE 16705 [GF Map]     [Map]
Rating:  * NORTH WALES, PA 19454

They had a VERY limited GF menu, and I was also informed that many of the meals came "pre-packaged", so they couldn't mix and match a certain sauce with GF pasta. I was so disappointed that all I ended up eating was the salad. I will not go back.

Posted:  Jun 12, 2010 Location:
Name:  daisy 9690 US HWY 19 16594 [Map]
Rating:  * PORT RICHEY, FL 34668

does not carry gluten free pasta as advertised on this web site very rude hostesses would not waste my money at this restaurant

Posted:  May 23, 2010 Location:
Name:  frustrated dad 5609 SPECTRUM DR. 16903 [GF Map]     [Map]
Rating:  * FREDERICK, MD 21703

My son has celiac disease and on top of that is very picky. He mainly eats gluten free pasta with butter. We were excited to hear og had gluten free pasta. The waiter had no idea how the pasta was prepared since we ordered it butterd. He came back to advise it only came with red sauce. My son opted to try it. It was the worst. It was overcooked and we were told they were having trouble with it since it was frozen. Needless to say we did not pay for this meal after speaking with the manager. I would avoid the pasts until they are better equipped to properly prepare gf meals.

Posted:  May 4, 2010 Location:
Name:  GFUtah 538 WEST MAIN STREET 17148 [GF Map]     [Map]
Rating:  * AMERICAN FORK, UT 84003

I went to the Olive Garden in Riverdale, UT and luckily my waiter was kind and very aware of Celiac Disease. He brought me the GF menu and after I ordered, he brought my meal out. Before setting it down, he said, "In order to make your meal gluten-free they have to microwave the noodles. I wouldn't want to eat this and I showed it to my manager and he felt the same. I am going to give this to you, but how about you order something else." I tasted the pasta and it was not worth eating. I then ordered a kid's meal without pasta - the veggies were way too spicy - but I was just glad to have something to eat. When the salad came out, I was enjoying it, but then found a crouton! The waiter brought me out a new salad that he personally tossed - to ensure it was GF. The waiter didn't charge me for the GF meal. I am going to avoid Olive Garden - until I hear that they have improved their GF menu. It felt so good to have a great waiter who knew about my dietary needs - but it was unfortunate that the food was such a disappointment.

Posted:  Mar 10, 2010
Name:  Lou
Rating:  *

I went to the OG in Brockton, Mass. and ordered their gf pork which was not edible. Took over an hour to cook and was so dry and unapertizing looking that I couldn't even cut it with a steak knife. Staff not courteous or would not substitute or apologize for entre. Ended up paying for a whole meal I could not even eat.

Posted:  Mar 10, 2010
Name:  ItWasGood
Rating:  * * * * *

The OG that I went to in Mentor OH, and in Sandusky OH were very accommodating, and I had a great time. they both had a gluten free menu that had about 8 choices on it. There was no salad dressing offering, BUT they offered to make me an olive oil vinaigrette. I had already brought my own dressing so this wasn't an issue. They made me my own salad without breadcrumbs or dressing without complaint. I did NOT order pasta. Ordering pasta freaks me out. I ordered the Mixed Grill each time. It was quite a large meal and was very well done. It came as is without any special modification. I think it's hit or miss as to what restaurants are accommodating or not. Be careful to watch your expectations of a restaurant as well. If I can go to a place that actually has gluten free offerings, even if it's only 4 or 5 things I am extremely grateful!

Gluten-Free Grocery Guide

Posted:  Mar 7, 2010
Name:  Sally
Rating:  * *

At our local restaurant where our whole group used to go after church, they did make an attempt to try to get me something, but it clearly wasnt gluten free, and I was very sorry later. Our group now goes to Carrabba's where they actually have great gf food. - fresh cooked pasta with a real sauce or even a good pizza. It is very hard to sit there looking at all that good and appetizing food and having to pay but not eat anything good at all. OUr group decided to let me pick a safe restaurant each Sunday. Virginia Beach

Posted:  Mar 6, 2010
Name:  Vi Orloff
Rating:  *

The receptionist assured me that gluten free items were available, but the waiter said the only thing they had to offer me was a plain salad. Because I was with a group, that was all I had. At least it was served without croutons. LOCATION; NORTHRIDGE, CA I will not return, sorry to say.

Posted:  Mar 6, 2010
Name:  Olive Kaiser
Rating:  * *

I have used the GF menu twice as I have a relative who loves to eat at Olive Garden. I don't look forward to going there. The meal is boring and I don't like to choke down salad with no dressing. Everyone else is getting great food and I just have to endure just to be there with the group. And I don't feel "safe" either, like they are trained well enough. They can do a LOT better, and as time goes on, likely they will.

Posted:  Mar 6, 2010
Name:  suering
Rating:  * * * *

I had a wonderful experience with GF dining at Olive Garden. I've eaten there twice. Not only was the staff pleasant and accommodating, my food was very good. I will plan to eat there again.

Posted:  Jan 26, 2010 Location:
Name:  HS 36 BACKUS AVE. 16854 [GF Map]     [Map]
Rating:  * DANBURY, CT 06810

We called ahead to ask if they had GF options and they claimed that they had a whole menu. Upon arrival I was tossed a wrinkled nutritional fact menu which had a list of 4 options. The waitress then came by and laughed at me for looking up the nutrition facts, when I told her I was GF she had no idea what that was. I simplified it for her saying no wheat products. She then proceeded to bring me a salad with croutons on it and could not figure out why I was upset. She could not have cared less about my condition and the entire staff was very uninformed and insulting. I was furious to have to pay for a meal I wanted no part of. I would HIGHLY recommend if you are the area to STAY AWAY from this Olive Garden and from the sound of it my experience was not isolate to this location.

Posted:  Jan 16, 2010 Location:
Name:  Mare 4125 ROUTE 31 16870 [GF Map]     [Map]
Rating:  * * CLAY, NY 13041

UGH! What a tremendous disappointment! I asked for a GF menu and received a dirty wrinkled one. Ordered a salad and was informed my only option was Fat Free Italian dressing. I said that would be fine, and then order the pork dish on the GF menu. There was not any listing of pasta options on the GF menu I received. I then was informed that no, they didn't have ANY GF options for salad dressings. Later, I was asked to choose a different dish because they were no longer "selling" the GF Pork because it wasn't popular. So I switched my order. I was so disappointed that their "GF" menu actually doesn't exist. Fortunately, a manager finally came to our table (at the end of the meal) and cleared our bill. That was the only saving grace of the entire experience. Do not go to Olive Garden if you need to be Gluten Free.

Posted:  Nov 29, 2009 Location:
Name:  Mom 2 AB 3147 ERIE BLVD EAST 16820 [GF Map]     [Map]
Rating:  * SYRACUSE, NY 13214

The wait-staff we dealt with was completely unaware of gluten-free options. Finally, our 6yo son was served his plain pasta but AFTER it was eaten, the manager came over. She did apologize and admit that it was not gluten-free. She explained that their GF foods are all pre-packaged & just heated up, then served. No ability to accommodate taste at all.

Posted:  Oct 30, 2009 Location:
Name:  Very Angry 8133 LEESBURG PIKE 16778 [GF Map]     [Map]
Rating:  * VIENNA, VA 22182

DON'T GO HERE! I ordered their gf pasta off the gf menu (of which they had a grand total of ONE copy) and expressly told the waitress it must be gluten free. She served me the pasta and told me she had double checkedand that this pasta was definitely okay, and then ten minutes later the cook came to tell me they had made a mistake. This was wheat pasta. So it turns out I ate a half plate of wheat pasta withouth knowing it. The staff is not educated at all in terms of gluten intolerence

Posted:  Oct 22, 2009 Location:
Name:  meg 1631 RING ROAD 16641 [GF Map]     [Map]
Rating:  ??? CHESAPEAKE, VA 23320

before going to olive garden (which was one of my favorite restaurants before i went gluten free) i called to ask what was on the GF menue. The host gave me a list of very yummy sounding options off of what I believed was the GF menue. When I got there, after driving an hour, i learned that my only pasta option was a microwave meal that I could get from the grocery store for $5. They not only LIED on the phone but also had only 4 options to choose from, 3 were plain meat with veggies and the fourth, microwaved pasta...definitely not what I was told on the phone.

Posted:  Oct 6, 2009 Location:
Name:  Disappointed 12980 FAIR LAKES CTR 16853 [GF Map]     [Map]
Rating:  * * FAIRFAX, VA 22033

They had a GF Menu that had no selection to chose from. 4 items. Had chicken & beef with brocolli, the chicken was awful, the beef OK, they had put a dressing on the salad even after we make sure there was no croutons & it was to be gluten free.. Disappointing to even have this restaurant listed as a GF restaurant. Won't go there again.



Posted:  Oct 4, 2009 Location:
Name:  Glutenless in Grand Rapids - Sept. 2009 3030 ALPINE AVE NW 16829 [GF Map]     [Map]
Rating:  * GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49544

I appreciate that Olive Garden is attempting to accommodate a gluten free diet, so I'll definitely check back in a year or so to see if things have improved, but my experience a couple weeks ago was very frustrating. There were all kinds of regular menu items that seemed like they should have been fine - no pasta, no creamy sauces, but the gf menu itself was VERY limited. The waitress disclosed that the gf pasta dishes were just frozen dinners that they heated up in the back - basically a $15.00 microwave dinner. I ordered one anyway since there wasn't much choice, and it was really terrible. It had almost no sauce or flavor at all, just a bunch of extremely al-dente noodles lightly tinged red with what must have once been a watery sauce. I ended up dumping the marinara dipping sauce for the bread sticks onto the pasta trying to improve it, (I had my own dish and brought my own bread,) and I thought, aren't there chefs in the back? Couldn't they think of that and pour some on before sending it out? I mean I understand it's a chain and they are in the business of providing decent food for a low price, but I'm no chef myself and I could have easily fixed up that pasta and made it edible. I would have been embarrassed to serve that at my home, let alone my restaurant. Seriously, just plop some sauce on it, saute up a few mushrooms, throw on some fresh basil, SOMETHING. I think what sucks the most about the failed attempt at a gluten-free menu is that it lures people into going there with family, only to fight a bad attitude all throughout dinner while everyone else eats good food and I think about what's in the fridge at home that I can eat when the evening is over. It really would be better to have no gluten-free menu at all, then to have one that attracts people but then seriously disappoints.

Posted:  Sep 29, 2009 Location:
Name:  Princess Jessie 41 HAZARD ROAD 16781 [Map]
Rating:  * ENFIELD, CT 06082

I went out to eat with a group of my girlfriends that were home on winter break from college. One of my friends worked at the Olive Garden, and assured me that the GF menu would be safe. I went with the "safest" thing I could imagine on the menu... the grilled salmon and veggies. Everything seemed fine, and tasted great. Then we finished lunch, and went outside to take some pictures. As soon as I stood up, I knew... I took a few pictures, and made up some excuse that I had to get home for. My house is just barely 10 minutes away from the resturaunt, and I almost didn't make it home. I spent a few hours getting sick from this "wonderful" meal. Now after reading some reviews, I understand they cook thier veggies in pasta water?!? Definatly not gluten-free! Not worth my money or my time... Will NEVER try this resturaunt agian, atleast not until they are more educated.

Posted:  Sep 20, 2009 Location:
Name:  katie 3730 UNIVERSITY DR NW 16494 [GF Map]     [Map]
Rating:  * * HUNTSVILLE, AL 35816

I ate the salmon and veggies. It tasted fine until I got home and then I spent four hours in the bathroom paying for it.

Posted:  Sep 7, 2009 Location:
Name:  MD resident 4101 TOWNE CENTER BLVD 16943 [GF Map]     [Map]
Rating:  * * BOWIE, MD 20716

When I arrived at the Bowie restaurant I asked the hostess for their gluten-free menu. They asked, "what is gluten?" When I explained the girl outwardly laughed at me and said, "You do know what we serve here, right?" I then asked the waitress if she knew what foods were gluten free and she immediately said, "Oh, let me bring you our gf menu" After about 15 minutes of waiting she came back and said they couldn't find a copy. Unless the restaurant actually offers the gf pasta (this did not) I don't think they are actually trained to cook gluten free, and even though items are listed on the gf menu I don't trust that they are not contaminated with gluten from the kitchen. I gave it 2 stars because hopefully those with the gf pasta on their menu actually know what they're doing. This location, however, does not.

Posted:  Sep 7, 2009 Location:
Name:  Susan 100 NUT TREE PARKWAY 17091 [GF Map]     [Map]
Rating:  * VACAVILLE, CA 95687

I "tried" to eat there twice. They don't seem to understand gluten free. The first time they served me the regular version of the meal I ordered off the gluten free menu, full of sauce & seasoning. While my friend ate I waited for them to make me a new meal. The 2nd time they got closer but my plate still included a gluten item instead of broccoli. When I asked the waitress she said she just ordered the meal I wanted w/o seasoning. There is no button for gluten free. I don't think they truly get gluten free.

Posted:  Aug 28, 2009 Location:
Name:  Nell 3060 HIGHWAY 69 17018 [Map]
Rating:  * PRESCOTT, AZ 86301

Salad came with croutons, Venetian Apricot Chicken was over cooked, vegetables were over cooked and their water was all over the plate. A very disappointing meal. We will not be going back.

Posted:  Aug 22, 2009 Location:
Name:  Gluten review 392 PATRIOT PLACE, SPACE 3 17168 [Map]
Rating:  * * * * FOXBORO, MA 02035

We ordered the mixed grill of the garden fare menu. In there defense a trainee waited on us. The meal came out with the roasted potato which is not gluten free. I questioned the waitress and immediately she came back and told my daughter not to eat it(she had already eaten one bite). They did have to make her a whole new mixed grill with steamed veges. The rest of us were done before she received her meal. Even though there was an error made I give this Olive Garden a B+ for effort.When the manager found out what happened he immediately came to our table and asked if my daughter was ok and if there was anything he could do for her. They took her meal off the bill even though she did eventually get a meal. The most impressive part to me was the manager approached my daughter at eye level and apologized for the error. He then handed her a $20.00 gift card and hoped she would try them again. Now I know nothing can take the place of a safe meal, but this location tried hard to accommodate my daughter and I do appreciate it. After all that happened she did not have a full blown reaction. I would definitely try them again and so would my daughter.

Posted:  Aug 9, 2009 Location:
Name:  The Registrar Team 8531 BROWN DEER RD. 16840 [GF Map]     [Map]
Rating:  ??? MILWAUKEE, WI 53224

Thank you for posting your comment. Just because their corporate office claims they have a gluten-free menu (http://www.olivegarden.com/menus/garden_fare/nutrition_alternatives.asp), doesn't mean all of the individual locations can actually live up to it. Your feedback, both positive and negative, is the most important information on our website. It helps others decide if a particular restaurant, or restaurant location, is appropriate for their needs. Thank you again for posting your comment. Sincerely, The Registrar Team

Posted:  Aug 9, 2009 Location:
Name:  Maggie 8531 BROWN DEER RD. 16840 [GF Map]     [Map]
Rating:  * MILWAUKEE, WI 53224

They absolutely do not have a gluten-free menu!! Even the salads are impossible unless you take them without dressing; all the salad dressings contain gluten. I asked the manager what I could safely eat, and after a long pause, he admitted there was nothing on the menu I could eat 'as is'. It is very misleading to put this restaurant on the gluten-free registry. Makes me not trust the site at all.

Posted:  Jul 5, 2009 Location:
Name:  Anonymous 18180 BLUE MOUND ROAD 16675 [GF Map]     [Map]
Rating:  * * BROOKFIELD, WI 53045

They used to accomodate us very nicely UNTIL they came up with the gluten-free menu. There is nothing appealing on this menu, especially when everyone around you is eating pasta. Go to Maggiano's instead.

Gluten-Free Grocery Guide

Posted:  Jun 29, 2009 Location:
Name:  stevenstlou 3105 GLENSTONE AVENUE 16590 [GF Map]     [Map]
Rating:  * SPRINGFIELD, MO 65804

THey davertise they have a gluetn free menu but then after you read it tell you non of it is gluten free. They can make anyof them plain if you like very mis-leading the manager didn't even come over to appologise, the waiter said oh he just left!

Posted:  Apr 26, 2009 Location:
Name:  EPH 1525 COUNTY ROAD C 16682 [GF Map]     [Map]
Rating:  * * * * ROSEVILLE, MN 55113

I was pleased to find a reasonably priced kids menu item for my Celiac daughter at Olive Garden (just over $5), though there is only one GF kids menu item. She had no reaction to the food and the staff was very friendly and understanding of cross-contamination issues after I explained that clean utensils and water needed to be used to prepare her food.

Posted:  Apr 22, 2009 Location:
Name:  celiaclady 1880 ADAMS STREET 17073 [GF Map]     [Map]
Rating:  * MANKATO, MN 56001

can not figure out why this is even on here---it is not safe, they even cook their veggies in the pasta water

Posted:  Apr 13, 2009 Location:
Name:  Mama K 1405 N. KINGS HIGHWAY 16753 [GF Map]     [Map]
Rating:  * MYRTLE BEACH, SC 29577

My daughter can't eat gluten. We tried eating here and they weren't very friendly about the situation. Even put croutons on the salad after we explained the situation. I was disappointed.

Posted:  Apr 10, 2009 Location:
Name:  NAN 696 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS 16950 [GF Map]     [Map]
Rating:  * NEW YORK, NY 10010

I asked for the gluten free menu and there were about 4 items to choose from. I ordered the ceasar salad. The ceasar salad included a plate of lettuce with parmesan cheese and tons of ceasar dressing. That's it. I was disappointed as it still cost $10. I ended up sick after eating there, so I'm not convinced they understand the cross contamination issues. Totally not worth it!

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Location:  10223 N METRO PKWY E
  PHOENIX,  AZ 85051

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