Insider Pages Reviews for Olive Garden

2 Stars: Too crowded (by Jorge H.)

Jorge H. — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:29:00 GMT

This place is ok not all that. It is always sooooo crowded. The service is really bad. The only good thing is their breads sticks. Not highly recommended

3 Stars: Great staff, good food (by Reciprocity508)

Reciprocity508 — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Went here on a Saturday and they had wine tasting, was really cool. Tried a bit of different wines...

5 Stars: Hard to find, but worth it (by Kelly M.)

Kelly M. — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:36:00 GMT

We went here on a sat. night and the wait was only like 30 minutes for 6 of us and the service was exceptional. I like to dine out a lot, and this little nook and corner of the building is surprising. Typical olive garden food, reliable and not too expensive, great bar drinks

5 Stars: I love the breadsticks! (by Patricia N.)

Patricia N. — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:30:00 GMT

My boyfriend and I went here for lunch after shopping at the Galleria, we didn't have to wait, the food was good and the server was very nice. They don't have their signature raspberry lemonade, but the bread and the salad was really what I came for anyways. I had a good time. We were in and out of there fast, good atmosphere. I would recommend it

5 Stars: Very friendly staff (by Erin420)

Erin420 — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I went to the Olive Garden in Burbank and the wait was terrible, and the server was pushy and had an attitude. So I talked to the manager there and they blew me off and gave me a gift card---but at least I have the option of dining elsewhere! So I tried the one closer to my house (we haven't been there in years cause it sucked so bad) but we went back and it was good. The server was an older gentleman who took really good care of us and didn't seem rushed at all, and the food was the way it is supposed to be, hot, sudo-italian (this isn't gourmet, it wasn't designed to be that upity, a lot of these reviews seem to miss the point!) and everyone seemed to be in a great mood. I think I found my new Olive Garden!

5 Stars: We enjoyed this restaurant (by traytray)

traytray — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

We had a large family get together and we wanted to go to an Olive Garden, it was my grandmother's birthday... (it was her idea) there were about 12 of us. We came in late like 8:30 and they got us sat at this long table within 15 minutes. We had good service, the waiter was very nice and made some good suggestions. We had this one waiter who even sang for my grandma, she loved it, he was very good. It made her entire day. We will go back.

3 Stars: Not Pleased (by mrslidz2u)

mrslidz2u — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 02:00:00 GMT

A group of friends & I where out shopping we where all starving right across from us was The Olive Garden we all agreed Olive Garden sounded great. When we arrivied the manager was taking names and the number in your party. Once we told him there was 9 of us he looked at us and said I don't think we can service you because you guys are to many and we are real busy. In his words" and if we where we sit you it would be 1-2 hour wait". We told him they can sit us in 2 tables he said he did not have 2 tables available.I asked to speak to someone above him and he told us he was the manager and there was no one above him at the time. The employees around him looked as shocked as we did. We asked for corporates number and walked out. As we walked out one of the workers was outside and said " He's a $%*@". We could not agree more with him.

1 Stars: Absolutely horrible!!! (by cpubols)

cpubols — Tue, 01 Nov 2005 01:00:00 GMT

After Trick or Treating with our friends 8 of us showed up at this Olive Garden location. We were told it would be 30 minutes. Then the Hostess checked and said it wouldn't be actually that long. I took my daugther to the restroom and as I walked through the restaurant, it wasn't even full. There were numerous empty tables. We waited approximate 10 more minutes and then asked how much longer. The hostess said about 5 minutes. A few minutes later the Hostess and another lady were taling (within our ear shot) that none of the waiters wanted a table that big and we would have to wait 15 more minutes. We at that point got up and went to CPK upstairs where they seated us and happily waited on us.

2 Stars: Too small and cramped (by Rosalie B.)

Rosalie B. — Thu, 28 Jul 2005 10:13:00 GMT

This restaurant is located in the lowest level of a hi-rise building and is small and kinda cramped. the waiters dropped several trays of food while we were there and seem very scaterbrained. We nearly got a tray of food dumped on us the last time there. Not a very good olive garden

5 Stars: The best Italian food (by gvasquez)

gvasquez — Fri, 11 Mar 2005 01:00:00 GMT

I like coming here a lot.

I love the food and wines.

The garlic bread id good too.

Everything is great.

3 Stars: Better than some, worst than most. (by intlfoods)

intlfoods — Tue, 28 Sep 2004 02:00:00 GMT

Couldn't really say because I only ate here once in my lifetime at this location. The food was okay, nothing really special. The waiter was doing his job which succeeded on a good dining experience. The price was not at all in terms of value.

1 Stars: Olive Garden (by stunmullen)

stunmullen — Thu, 22 May 2003 02:00:00 GMT

The Olive Garden is probably THE worst Italian food ever! They must take it right out of the frozen pack and put it right into the microwave. Come ON!
I'm Italian and a chef, I know food, and bottom line that food is crap !
Stony A.

2 Stars: Listed as Best Italian?! (by bernstar)

bernstar — Tue, 22 Apr 2003 02:00:00 GMT

You LA people bust me up. I'm sitting here in NYC looking over what the top restaurants and nightlife places are in LA, and I come across Olive Garden as the 3rd best Italian restaurant in LA??? That's the problem with LA, it's like a hellhole of franchises, with nothing unique about the nightlife or city. In NYC, we won't even go near an Olive Garden. The only one here is in Times Square for all the tourists. For those of you who really want good Italian, don't be fooled by the ratings, even if LA people really do think it's the best!

2 Stars: one word...Franchise (by mhalperin)

mhalperin — Wed, 16 Apr 2003 02:00:00 GMT

With all the Italian restaraunts in LA, somebody would subject themselves to franchise slop.

4 Stars: Lighten Up (by jon5cts)

jon5cts — Sat, 05 Apr 2003 01:00:00 GMT

If you're expecting authentic Italian cuisine, then you won't be happy with Olive Garden. But the portions are nice(Tour of Italy), the food is good and the service is usually very good. The Burbank location is exceptional in the service category! The bottomless soups and salads are possibly the best value you'll find anywhere and the desserts are delicious!

1 Stars: You call this Italian? (by fractious)

fractious — Thu, 27 Mar 2003 01:00:00 GMT

This place is the "Dennys" of Italian cuisine. Do yourself a favor if your going to dine at an Italian chain, stick to Il Fornaio or Maggianos.

4 Stars: Underrated (by knopfile)

knopfile — Tue, 11 Mar 2003 01:00:00 GMT

The Olive Garden takes some getting used to. You go and try to convince yourself it's not that great. In fact, having tried Olive Gardens in multiple cities, it's honestly pretty reliable. Good bread. Very decent pasta. If I'm travelling, don't know where to eat and see it, I'll go.

2 Stars: Not all that bad...but not great either. (by izelmorena)

izelmorena — Thu, 06 Feb 2003 01:00:00 GMT

Okay, a lot of the reviews seem a bit harsh to me...though many of them have a bit of truth to it. No, Olive Garden is not truly authentic Italian food. It's mediocre at best, but it is digestible, and some of it is kind of tasty, only some. The wait staff is good, but it depends on who you get. Some will leave you wondering if they've left for the evening. But I can say that there are at least 2-3 really good ones at that location. Now for the pros. The Bloody Mary, Mai Tai, Tequila Sunrise and pretty much every mixed drink is strong and good. The salad is pretty good. One entree I'll recommend is the Garlic-Herb Chicken con Broccoli. I crave it from time to time and it's the ONLY reason I'll go back.

1 Stars: Like A Bad Date (by snackcakes90)

snackcakes90 — Fri, 24 Jan 2003 01:00:00 GMT

What are you thinking??? This isn't a real Italian restaurant. OK, sure their antipasta bloody marys are good. But much like a bad date, think how many you'd have to drink for that watery plate of pasta in front of you to seem appealing. My advice is live a little, try something out-of-the-way for a change. What's the worst that could happen? Besides, if you don't like it you know Olive Garden (just like that bad date) will always be available in a pinch.

1 Stars: THis should not be on this list (by michellemms)

michellemms — Tue, 21 Jan 2003 01:00:00 GMT

If you're looking for Italian then you shouldn't go to this very un-Italian restaurant. It's like being in the Cafeteria at a hotel or hospital.

1 Stars: Not a good restaurant (by PatrickRU92)

PatrickRU92 — Sun, 19 Jan 2003 01:00:00 GMT

To save yourself time and money, go to Ralph's, buy a Michael Angelos frozen microwave dinner and eat it. About $5 for the same meal you get at Olive Garden. For the life of me I don't understand this restaurants loyal following. Its not even cheap and I can literally think of 100s of italian restaurants that are better.

1 Stars: Oops! Bad Choice! (by alhjr55)

alhjr55 — Wed, 01 Jan 2003 01:00:00 GMT

A good friend told me not to go to Olive Garden. I should have listened! Just like he said, sauce tasted like it came from a can, not freshly made. This restaurant chain claims their chefs go to Italy to learn to cook their food? They must not cook what they learn or they didn't really go. Paying $12 for $4 worth of spaghetti w/meatballs? What a joke. A bottle of Ragu and some ground beef for a meal at home would give you not only more value but some flavor too for a fraction of the cost.

1 Stars: Why waste your time? (by billy_kang)

billy_kang — Thu, 05 Dec 2002 01:00:00 GMT

Lets get it straight. Olive Garden's marketing catch is just that: a catch. They sucker you with all you can eat salad and bread. Makes you wonder. The italian food that they serve is barely worth eating.
For $15 dollars a person, they need to offer better food. Service is only good if you come in a large group or else you will end up waiting and waiting and waiting. I will not go back to any Olive Garden.

2 Stars: Mass Market (by mattsengle)

mattsengle — Thu, 28 Nov 2002 01:00:00 GMT

Canned Itailian Food, too many kids, and too long for service!

1 Stars: Tasteless food in an Italian atmosphere (by sternlight)

sternlight — Sun, 24 Nov 2002 01:00:00 GMT

This has to be the most over-rated, advertising-hyped italian chain on the planet.

1 Stars: olive garden -- ugh (by gravtgrl)

gravtgrl — Thu, 21 Nov 2002 01:00:00 GMT

if i were italian, i'd be offended that olive garden is upheld as "italian food." they put the same sauce on every pasta and the sauce doesn't even taste good to begin with. you're better off popping open a bottle of spaghetti sauce at home. the one saving grace is the salad and breadsticks, but that's not enough to get me through the door.

3 Stars: Overrated (by ctoves)

ctoves — Thu, 21 Nov 2002 01:00:00 GMT

It's not the best Italian food. It's a chain restaurant and does not compare to Mom and Pop Italian restaurants. But it's okay when you're hungry. Over priced though.

2 Stars: Save your money for real Italian (by mharbut)

mharbut — Thu, 21 Nov 2002 01:00:00 GMT

With all the Italian restaurants in this city, WHY go here? This place is generic, mediocre, and their focus is more on consistency (that is, being consistently generic) than creating good-tasting Italian food. I can't believe I waited 90 minutes for a table for two on a Friday night at the Burbank location...had we not been obligated to eat there, I would've left.

2 Stars: Not worth the buck (by ginah)

ginah — Wed, 13 Nov 2002 01:00:00 GMT

If you want authentic fine Italian food, don't come here. I think the food is average and for your money, definitely not worth the trip.

2 Stars: hahahahahahahahahahahaha (by djohn42)

djohn42 — Sat, 02 Nov 2002 01:00:00 GMT

No seasoning, no taste, big portions of bad food doesn't make it better!

1 Stars: Ok if you like generic (by kdlady62)

kdlady62 — Sat, 26 Oct 2002 02:00:00 GMT

Olive garden as a great Italian resturant? hmmm NOT. Imagine the comercial where they bring the italian grandmother there for dinner, i doubt she'd be raving. There are tons of better hole in the wall Italian resturants in LA. Its Greasy, bland and generic.

1 Stars: Horrible "NOT Italian" (by saborrr69)

saborrr69 — Fri, 25 Oct 2002 02:00:00 GMT

this is the McDonalds of Italian Food. Bland!! Go to Palermo's or Maggiano's Little Italy for the real thing!!

1 Stars: Worse than Buca! (by carlyboy)

carlyboy — Mon, 21 Oct 2002 02:00:00 GMT

If humanly possible, the trash served here is worse than the inedible compost served at Buca de Beppo. Except for elevating one's lipids, there is NOTHING to recommend these places.

5 Stars: My favorite Italian place (by erin)

erin — Mon, 21 Oct 2002 02:00:00 GMT

I LOVE Olive Garden. I could eat there every day. The salads are tasty, the breadsticks are to die for. The soup is great and the pastas are very tasty and filling. The staff is always so nice. They never mess up on the order, they bring exactly what you ask for, they jon=ke with you and they remember you from when you were there last. I yhink this is great food for a reasonable price.

1 Stars: Plus for dieters (by rebsfoley)

rebsfoley — Wed, 25 Sep 2002 02:00:00 GMT

As someone trying to watch her weight, I usually avoid Italian restaurants. However, the exception is the Olive Garden, because the food is so bland there, so unoriginal and tasteless, that I lose my appetite and end up having only a few bites.

1 Stars: What a joke (by nelsony)

nelsony — Fri, 13 Sep 2002 02:00:00 GMT

Eating at the Olive Garden is like someone comes over to your table, kicks you in the nuts, throws a frozen dinner on the table and steals your wallet while you're writhing in pain.

1 Stars: Say What?! (by thedraper)

thedraper — Thu, 12 Sep 2002 02:00:00 GMT

I've had better Italian cusine on airplanes. To say their pasta is great is to say Sizzler's steaks are actually edible. How did this make it on the top ten?

1 Stars: WHAT?! (by gmar)

gmar — Fri, 30 Aug 2002 02:00:00 GMT

How could Olive Garden & Valentino end up on the Best Italian list together... Olive Garden... you've got to be kidding!

1 Stars: Say WHAT!!? (by sunshine91307)

sunshine91307 — Wed, 28 Aug 2002 02:00:00 GMT

WE ARE IN L.A.??? really? and Olive Garden makes the list... ouch... Stouffer's is better....

1 Stars: I've tasted better frozen food. (by cuervodl)

cuervodl — Sat, 17 Aug 2002 02:00:00 GMT

If you like salt then this is the place to go, almost everything is full of salt to hide the drab taste of the food. There must be something added chemical that keeps people coming back for more. A good place for salad and breadstick lovers.

1 Stars: Sauce out of a jar is better!!! (by lisgreg)

lisgreg — Thu, 08 Aug 2002 02:00:00 GMT

The salad and breadsticks are the only foods edible at the Olive Garden. It doesn't even come close to authentic Italian food. I don't mean to be harsh but I'd rather eat... well, anything else.

4 Stars: Italian Basics (by netter1)

netter1 — Fri, 26 Jul 2002 02:00:00 GMT

The Olive Garden is not the most authentically styled or the best made food, but their "factory" dining is satisfying and flavorful for the everyday. I particularly enjoy, the Zuppa Toscana, a spicy sausage/potato soup. Of course the all-you-can-eat salad is always filling. Entrees are generally pedestrian, but since the company's trying to improve their image, they've added several dishes that have proven to be very satisfying. In particular, the chicken marsala or the pork filletino are good choices. The waitstaff at this Glendale location is usually on the ball and solicitous, but not obnoxious. This restaurant does get very busy on weekends, so be patient if you have to wait.

5 Stars: A Fun Place to Go (by maxbbr)

maxbbr — Thu, 11 Jul 2002 02:00:00 GMT

A fun place to go with faimily or a date. I love their salad, spaghetti and sauce. Sometimes you have to wait a very long time but its worth it. Wine tasting sometimes and you can order a glass of wine while you wait. A convivial upbeat place. Patio with umbrellas if you get there in time.

5 Stars: Alwayz Good (by stonivic)

stonivic — Thu, 27 Jun 2002 02:00:00 GMT

This is my favorite Olive Garden - Great Food - Loooove the Chicken & Shrimp Limon - @ a great location in glendale!

5 Stars: I love there food. (by acereclipse)

acereclipse — Mon, 24 Jun 2002 02:00:00 GMT

There food will stuff you so good you dont want to eat the rest of the night and it tastes great , especially for the price of it it is a well worthy place to go and spend money to eat especially for a date a girl will be impressed.