While Olive Garden is famous for its classics like endless breadsticks and fettuccine alfredo, there’s a whole side of the menu that often goes unnoticed. Hidden among the more popular dishes are some truly underrated gems — flavorful appetizers, creative pastas, and hearty entrees that deserve their moment in the spotlight. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, discovering these lesser-known items can completely change the way you experience Olive Garden. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the most underrated dishes that are well worth a try on your next visit.
Why Olive Garden’s Hidden Gems Deserve More Love
Olive Garden is best known for its bottomless breadsticks, Never Ending Pasta Pass, and classic favorites like Fettuccine Alfredo and Chicken Parmigiana. These dishes are popular for a reason—they’re familiar, comforting, and satisfying. But if you only stick to the classics, you might be missing out on some truly amazing finds.
Tucked away on the menu, and sometimes offered for just a limited time, are soups, pastas, appetizers, and seasonal specials that are just as delicious—sometimes even better—than the big-name dishes. Many guests naturally go for the “usual suspects” without realizing that there’s a whole world of flavors waiting in the background. Some of these hidden gems are old fan favorites brought back by popular demand, while others are off-menu hacks recommended by servers and savvy diners.
Top 10 Most Underrated Menu Items at Olive Garden
1. Chicken & Shrimp Carbonara
This dish features sautéed seasoned chicken and shrimp served over spaghetti and tossed in a creamy, smoky carbonara-style sauce with bacon and roasted red peppers. Even though it’s often pictured right on the menu cover, it somehow slips under the radar—overshadowed by more talked-about items like Fettuccine Alfredo or Lasagna Classico.
But according to many Olive Garden fans, this is one of the best-kept secrets on the menu. What makes it stand out is the way it blends tender proteins with rich, creamy sauce and just the right amount of smoky flavor. The roasted red peppers add a little sweetness and depth, making each bite feel balanced and satisfying.
Pro tip: Ask for extra mushrooms and a sprinkle of crispy bacon on top. It adds a nice pop of texture and takes the whole dish to another level.
2. Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo
For those who love a little bold flavor with their comfort food, the Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo is a must-try. This rich and savory dish brings together tender grilled steak slices, tangy gorgonzola crumbles, and sun-dried tomatoes, all layered into a buttery Alfredo sauce that coats the pasta like a dream. The result? A perfect blend of creamy, salty, and slightly sharp flavors that stands out from the typical pasta lineup.
Despite its standout taste, this dish doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. But for cheese lovers or anyone looking for a richer, more indulgent twist on Alfredo, this one’s a hidden gem.
Pair with: A glass of crisp Pinot Grigio to help cut through the richness and balance the boldness of the gorgonzola.
3. Zuppa Toscana
Don’t let its quiet menu presence fool you—Zuppa Toscana is one of Olive Garden’s most beloved soups for a reason. This creamy, comforting bowl is packed with spicy Italian sausage, tender russet potatoes, fresh kale, and a touch of smoky bacon, all simmered in a flavorful broth that’s rich without being too heavy.
It’s often treated as just a side option next to the more well-known Minestrone, but fans in the know rave about its depth of flavor and satisfying heartiness. Whether you’re doing the soup, salad & breadsticks deal or just want a cozy add-on to your meal, this soup can absolutely hold its own as a highlight.
Order hack: Ask for extra sausage and kale to make it even heartier—and don’t forget to dunk your breadsticks into the broth for a combo that’s pure comfort in every bite.
4. Pasta e Fagioli
If you’re looking for something hearty but not too heavy, Pasta e Fagioli is a hidden treasure. This savory, Italian-style soup is made with white and red beans, ground beef, fresh tomatoes, and tubetti pasta, all simmered together in a flavorful broth. It’s filling without being overwhelming—a great choice when you want a comforting meal that won’t leave you feeling stuffed.
Why it’s underrated: Many diners tend to skip over this lighter soup, choosing heavier pastas or creamier dishes instead. But Pasta e Fagioli offers a balanced, protein-packed option that’s perfect for a quick, satisfying lunch or a lighter dinner. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with a side salad and a few breadsticks for a classic Olive Garden experience that feels a little more traditional Italian.
5. Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno
If you’re craving something rich, cheesy, and totally satisfying, Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno is a can’t-miss dish. This baked pasta combines tender ziti noodles with a blend of Italian cheeses and Olive Garden’s signature Five Cheese Marinara, creating a flavorful, melty masterpiece that’s comfort food at its best. Every bite is packed with creamy, tangy, and slightly smoky notes, making it one of the most flavorful entrées on the menu.
Secret hack: For an even heartier meal, ask to mix in Chicken Fritta (breaded, crispy chicken). It adds a delicious protein boost and gives the dish a little extra crunch and texture that takes it to the next level.
6. Chicken & Gnocchi Soup
Another soup that deserves way more love, Chicken & Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting bowl packed with roasted chicken, soft, pillowy Italian gnocchi, and fresh spinach. The broth is rich but not too heavy, making it a perfect in-between choice when you want something filling but still on the lighter side.
Much like Zuppa Toscana, this soup often gets labeled as just a “side” dish, but it easily holds its own as a starter or even a light main course. The tender gnocchi give it a unique, satisfying texture you don’t always find in typical restaurant soups, making every spoonful feel a little extra special.
Serving suggestion: Pair it with the unlimited garden salad (pro tip: ask for extra dressing on the side to keep it fresh and flavorful). Together, they make for a balanced and delicious meal that won’t weigh you down.
7. Lasagna Fritta
If you think regular lasagna is indulgent, wait until you try Lasagna Fritta. This playful dish features parmesan-breaded lasagna slices that are fried to golden perfection, then topped with more parmesan cheese, savory meat sauce, and a drizzle of creamy Alfredo sauce. It’s crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, and every bite is packed with rich, comforting flavors.
Although it’s listed under appetizers, it’s hearty enough to share as a starter or even enjoy as a decadent side dish with your main meal. It’s a true hidden gem for anyone who loves the idea of lasagna but wants something a little different and extra indulgent.
Order as: A sharable starter for the table to kick off the meal—or a rich side to upgrade your pasta night.
8. Toasted Ravioli
Simple but seriously satisfying, Toasted Ravioli is one of those under-the-radar appetizers that deserves more attention. These lightly fried ravioli are stuffed with seasoned beef, creating a crispy, savory bite that pairs perfectly with Olive Garden’s homemade marinara sauce for dipping. The crunchy coating and warm, meaty filling make them a great choice for sharing—or for treating yourself before your main dish.
Despite being packed with flavor, Toasted Ravioli often flies under the radar compared to bigger, splashier starters. But for fans of bold, comforting flavors with a satisfying crunch, it’s a no-brainer.
Tip: Ask for extra marinara for dipping and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top to bring even more richness to every bite.
9. Herb-Grilled Salmon
If you’re looking for a lighter, healthier option at Olive Garden, the Herb-Grilled Salmon is a standout. This entrée features a perfectly seasoned, grilled fillet of salmon, rich in heart-healthy omega-3s, and served with a side of steamed vegetables. It’s a refreshing change from the heavier pasta dishes and still delivers plenty of flavor without feeling overly rich or heavy.
The herb seasoning gives the salmon a fresh, bright taste, and the overall dish clocks in at a more moderate calorie count compared to creamy pastas or cheese-loaded plates. It’s a great pick if you want something satisfying and balanced, but still in the Olive Garden comfort zone.
Pair with: Swap out the standard pasta side and ask for steamed broccoli instead to create a nutrient-dense, feel-good meal that’s both tasty and energizing.
10. Eggplant Parmigiana
A true classic with a plant-based twist, Eggplant Parmigiana features two lightly fried, parmesan-breaded eggplant slices layered with homemade marinara sauce and melted Italian cheeses. It’s rich, comforting, and hearty enough that even meat-lovers won’t miss a thing. Served with a side of spaghetti tossed in marinara, it’s a satisfying choice that feels indulgent but skips the meat.
Even though it’s one of the few fully vegetarian mains at Olive Garden, it often gets overlooked in favor of chicken or shrimp dishes—but it absolutely deserves a spot in the spotlight.
Serving suggestion: Add Italian sausage (for a small extra charge) if you want to give it a meaty twist—it adds bold flavor and makes it even more filling.
How to Order These Hidden Gems
Customize at will.
At Olive Garden, customization is part of the experience. Don’t hesitate to swap proteins, add extra vegetables, or double up on your favorite sauces. Servers are very used to special requests and usually happy to help tailor your meal to exactly what you’re craving.
Leverage unlimited items.
Take full advantage of the unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks deal. You can ask for extra salad dressing or butter and salt on the side to make dipping your breadsticks even better—pro tip: try dunking them into sweet sauces like chocolate or raspberry for a surprisingly delicious treat.
Secret menu hacks.
Get creative! Request less cheese on casseroles if you prefer it lighter, ask for extra Alfredo or marinara on pastas, or even mix sauces for a custom flavor profile. Olive Garden is flexible, and these small tweaks can make a big difference.
Cater the soup deal.
If you’re feeding a group—or just planning ahead for easy lunches—Olive Garden’s half-gallon and full-gallon soup catering is an incredible value. Zuppa Toscana and Pasta e Fagioli are especially popular picks that hold up well for meal prep or parties.
Conclusion
Next time you visit Olive Garden, venture beyond the usual breadsticks and Alfredo favorites. These 10 underrated menu items show off the true range of what the restaurant has to offer—from comforting soups and shareable appetizers to protein-packed entrées and clever secret-menu hacks.
Whether you’re hunting for hidden gems, looking for healthier options, or simply craving bold new flavors, this guide will help you order with confidence and discover new favorites you’ll want to enjoy again and again. So grab a seat, customize your meal, and dig into something deliciously unexpected!