Craving the comforting flavors of Olive Garden without the dine-in experience? Ordering Olive Garden for takeout can be a convenient and satisfying option—if done right. From perfectly packaged pastas to keeping breadsticks warm, a few smart strategies can make all the difference in preserving that signature taste and texture. In this guide, we’ll share practical tips for placing your takeout order and ensuring your Italian favorites arrive just as delicious as they do in the restaurant.
Why Choose Olive Garden for Takeout?
When life gets busy but you’re still craving that comforting bowl of pasta or a hearty soup, Olive Garden’s To Go service delivers convenience without compromise. The full To Go menu reflects all your dine-in favorites—from rich and creamy Fettuccine Alfredo to the crowd-pleasing Zuppa Toscana—so you never have to trade variety or quality for speed. Whether you’re feeding one or a whole family, portion sizes and customizable options make it easy to satisfy every palate.
Navigating the online ordering system is a breeze, with real-time updates on menu availability, calorie counts, and allergen information, making it simple to tailor your order to any dietary needs. Prefer gluten-sensitive rotini or a lighter sauce? You can make those swaps with just a few clicks.
Most locations offer easy curbside pickup—just check in from your car and they’ll bring the meal out to you. Want to stay cozy at home? Olive Garden also partners with major national delivery services for door-to-door service (a $40 minimum order and a 15% service fee typically apply for first-time users).
Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner, a last-minute lunch, or a comfort-food craving, Olive Garden’s takeout makes Italian dining warm, fast, and easy—wherever you are.
How to Order Olive Garden To Go
Online via Website
- Visit the Olive Garden To Go page and click “Order Now.”
- Browse menu categories like Entrées, Soups & Salads, Sides, and Desserts.
- Customize your meal—choose your pasta, sauces, toppings, and even extras like breadsticks or dressing on the side.
- Select pickup or delivery (delivery requires a $40 minimum and includes a 15% service fee on first-time orders).
- Enter your payment info and any special instructions (like contactless handoff or packaging preferences).
Using the Olive Garden App
- Download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Log in or continue as a guest to browse and build your order.
- Access exclusive To Go deals, like the “$6 Take Home Entrée” (available with any entrée purchase)—options include:
– Fettuccine Alfredo
– Five Cheese Ziti al Forno
– Spaghetti with Meat Sauce - Save your favorite orders and enable pickup reminders for fast reordering.
Phone Orders: Tips & Etiquette
- Call your local Olive Garden directly (the number is listed on your order confirmation).
- To modify or cancel, be ready with your name, order number, and preferred pickup time.
- Be respectful and clear—staff appreciate concise communication.
- Tip your To Go specialist (10–15% is standard) to recognize the effort behind careful packaging, customizations, and phone support.
Top Olive Garden Menu Items for Takeout
Best Pasta Dishes
- Fettuccine Alfredo: A creamy, garlicky classic that’s rich, satisfying, and reheats like a dream—just add a splash of milk or cream to restore its silky texture.
- Five Cheese Ziti al Forno: A baked, bubbly medley of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago. Every bite clings to sauce for maximum flavor—perfect for carb lovers.
- Chicken & Shrimp Carbonara: This hearty favorite features crispy pancetta, tender proteins, and a velvety sauce. It’s bold, indulgent, and reheats beautifully.
Soup, Salad & Sides
- Zuppa Toscana: A fan favorite with spicy Italian sausage, kale, and creamy broth. Sip straight from the container or pour into a bowl for a cozy, restaurant-style experience.
- Chicken & Gnocchi Soup: Soft potato dumplings and shredded chicken in a rich, comforting broth—this soup brings homemade vibes with zero effort.
- Unlimited Breadsticks & House Salad: Breadsticks stay warm wrapped in foil, and the salad stays fresh—just add dressing at home to keep the crunch alive.
Entrees & Desserts
- Tour of Italy: Why choose just one? Get Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna Classico, and Fettuccine Alfredo in a single, family-style entrée—ideal for sharing or splitting into multiple meals.
- Eggplant Parmigiana: A vegetarian favorite that travels well and packs bold flavor. Tender eggplant, zesty marinara, and melty mozzarella stay intact en route.
- Sicilian Cheesecake: Smooth, rich, and tangy with a graham cracker crust—holds up perfectly in transit and tastes even better chilled the next day.
Ensuring Freshness & Quality
Packaging Considerations
- Separate Hot & Cold: To keep textures intact, always request hot dishes (like soups and pastas) in insulated containers and cold items (like salads or desserts) in vented boxes. This prevents steam from wilting greens or turning crispy into soggy.
- Double-Bagging: Ask for bags inside bags. Not only does this help retain heat, but it also guards against spills—especially if you’re picking up for a group.
- Extra Sauce on the Side: Sauces like Alfredo, Marinara, or Meat Sauce can thicken during transit. Request an extra container or two so you can refresh your pasta when reheating.
Customizing Your Order
- Choose Your Pasta: Swap in spaghetti or angel hair for quicker, even reheating. Penne or rigatoni are great too, but take slightly longer to warm through.
- Lighten Up Toppings: Ordering “no cheese on top” helps prevent clumping or over-melting during microwave reheats. Want cheese? Add freshly grated at home!
- More Breadsticks, Please: Love leftovers? Ask for an extra breadstick bag—they stay warm longer and keep that signature Olive Garden aroma alive at home.
Timing Your Pickup
- Aim to arrive 5–10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. This ensures you get your order fresh from the kitchen—not sitting under heat lamps.
- Let staff know you’re on your way. A quick heads-up helps them time your packaging for peak warmth and freshness.
Reheating Olive Garden Takeout at Home
Reheating Pasta Properly
- Skillet Method (Best for Creamy Pastas): Place your pasta in a nonstick skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk, cream, or even pasta water to restore moisture. Cover and stir occasionally until heated evenly—this prevents separation and keeps the sauce silky.
- Oven Method (Ideal for Baked Dishes like Ziti or Lasagna): Transfer to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes. Craving a crispy top? Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—but watch closely to avoid burning.
Keeping Breadsticks & Salad Fresh
- Breadsticks: Wrap in foil and pop them in the air fryer at 350°F for 1–2 minutes. You’ll get that warm, soft center and gently crisp outer bite—just like at the restaurant.
- Salad: Store undressed salad in a Ziploc with a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture. Toss with dressing right before serving to keep things crisp and vibrant.
Storage & Wine Pairings
- Wine: Keep a bottle of Chianti or Pinot Grigio at the ready. Open it about 20 minutes before your meal to let it breathe—Chianti pairs beautifully with meaty sauces, while Pinot Grigio complements seafood and lighter fare.
- Leftovers: Place pasta, soups, and proteins in airtight containers and refrigerate. Best eaten within 2–3 days to maintain flavor and food safety. Avoid freezing cream-based sauces—they tend to separate when thawed.
Saving on Olive Garden To Go
Loyalty & Coupons
Join the eClub
Sign up for the Olive Garden eClub and unlock exclusive perks like:
- BOGO entrées (Buy One, Get One Free)
- Free birthday desserts
- Early access to limited-time promos
Stack the Savings
Watch for seasonal or recurring deals like:
- Free Appetizer or Dessert with select minimum orders (promo codes often sent via email or app notifications).
- $6 Take Home Entrées – Add Fettuccine Alfredo, Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, or Five Cheese Ziti for just $6 each when you buy any entrée.
Family & Catering Bundles
Catering
Olive Garden’s family-style bundles provide unbeatable value for gatherings and weekly meal prep:
- Delivery Available: Most locations deliver for a 10% fee (up to $500), making party planning easy.
- Catering Bundles start at $100 and include large trays of entrees like Lasagna Classico, jumbo salads, and two dozen breadsticks.
Soup Meal Deal
Perfect for cozy nights or weekday lunches:
- Half Gallon of soup + 12 Breadsticks = $16
- Full Gallon of soup + 24 Breadsticks = $39
Choose from crowd-pleasers like Zuppa Toscana, Minestrone, or Pasta e Fagioli—hearty, delicious, and fridge-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to tip for takeout?
Yes! While it’s not required, tipping 10–20% is a thoughtful way to recognize the effort of Olive Garden’s To Go specialists. They carefully prepare, package, and double-check each order to ensure you receive everything fresh and accurate—just like you would at the table.
Can I change or cancel my order after placing it?
Absolutely—the sooner, the better. Call your local Olive Garden directly using the phone number in your confirmation email. Be ready to provide your name, order number, and the change you’d like to make. While changes are easier to accommodate early, the staff will do their best to help even close to pickup time.
How long does my takeout order stay fresh?
For the best taste and food safety:
- Salads: Store undressed and consume within 1 day for peak freshness.
- Pasta entrées: Enjoy within 2–3 days when refrigerated in an airtight container.
- Soups and sauces: Best within 24–48 hours.
- Breadsticks: Best eaten the same day; reheat in foil to keep them warm and soft.
Conclusion
Ordering takeout from Olive Garden can be just as enjoyable as dining in — with the added comfort of enjoying your favorite Italian dishes at home. By using the online ordering tools, customizing your meal to suit your taste or dietary needs, and timing your pickup or delivery wisely, you can ensure that your food arrives fresh and flavorful. With a little planning and a few smart tips, takeout from Olive Garden becomes more than just convenient — it becomes a dependable way to enjoy a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal whenever you need it.