Olive Garden serves lunch from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays, with slightly varied hours on weekends. Whether you’re visiting for their signature soup, salad, and breadsticks or trying a pasta classic, arriving during official lunch hours ensures the best prices and portions.
Regular Lunch Hours at Olive Garden
Most Olive Garden locations operate lunch hours from Monday to Friday, starting at 11:00 AM and ending at 3:00 PM. These are standardized across many locations, but it’s smart to double-check via Olive Garden’s store locator.

Weekend Lunch Hours
On Saturdays and Sundays, Olive Garden often merges lunch and dinner menus. Some locations may not offer specific lunch pricing on weekends, switching directly to dinner portions and prices.
Olive Garden Lunch Menu Highlights
| Menu Item | Description | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Soup, Salad & Breadsticks | Unlimited servings of all three crowd favorites | $8.99 |
| Lunch Chicken Alfredo | Creamy Alfredo sauce with grilled chicken | $11.49 |
| Spaghetti with Meat Sauce | Classic pasta lunch portion | $9.99 |
| Lasagna Classico | Rich meat lasagna with melted cheese | $12.99 |
| Lunch Duo Combos | Choose two from soup, salad, or select entrées | Starting $7.99 |
These items are available during lunch hours and offer smaller portions at reduced prices compared to the dinner menu.
Best Time to Visit Olive Garden for Lunch
The ideal window to enjoy Olive Garden’s lunch is between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM.
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You’ll face shorter wait times.
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Food service is quicker.
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Ambience is more relaxed.
Holiday Lunch Hours at Olive Garden
| Holiday | Open/Closed | Special Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving Day | Closed | |
| Christmas Day | Closed | |
| New Year’s Day | Open | Hours may vary |
| Easter Sunday | Open (some locations) | Confirm with local branch |
| Memorial Day | Open | Modified lunch hours likely |
| Labor Day | Open | May switch to dinner pricing early |
Always call your local Olive Garden or check Google Maps during holidays.
Olive Garden Lunch Specials & Deals
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Unlimited Soup, Salad & Breadsticks
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Lunch Duo Deals: Choose two favorites for one price
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Kids’ Lunch Menu (varies by location)
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Join Olive Garden’s eClub for exclusive lunch coupons
Lunch Hours vs Dinner Hours at Olive Garden
| Feature | Lunch (11 AM – 3 PM) | Dinner (After 3 PM) |
|---|---|---|
| Portions | Smaller | Full-sized |
| Prices | Lower | Higher |
| Menu Options | Limited lunch-only items | Full menu including lunch |
| Wait Times | Shorter | Typically longer |
Lunch is your budget-friendly window to enjoy most Olive Garden favorites.
How to Find Olive Garden Lunch Hours Near You
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Use the Olive Garden Store Locator
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Google Maps displays real-time hours for each location
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Yelp reviews often mention lunch hours
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Call your local restaurant directly to confirm
Do Olive Garden Lunch Hours Vary by Location?
Yes. Factors include:
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Urban vs suburban areas
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Mall-based vs standalone branches
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State-specific holiday rules
Some high-traffic locations extend lunch hours or begin dinner pricing earlier, especially on Fridays.
Olive Garden Lunch Hours by Day
| Day | Lunch Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Saturday | Varies by location |
| Sunday | Varies by location |
Whether you’re looking for a quick midday meal or planning a relaxed outing, Olive Garden’s lunch hours from 11 AM to 3 PM offer both value and variety. Arrive early, enjoy the deals, and don’t forget to savor those unlimited breadsticks!
What time does Olive Garden serve lunch?
Lunch starts at 11:00 AM on weekdays and ends at 3:00 PM.
Does Olive Garden have lunch on weekends?
Yes, but many locations serve the dinner menu on weekends with dinner pricing.
Is lunch cheaper than dinner at Olive Garden?
Yes, lunch portions are smaller and more affordable than dinner.
Can I get soup and salad for lunch at Olive Garden?
Yes, the Unlimited Soup, Salad & Breadsticks deal is a lunch staple.
Do Olive Garden lunch hours vary by location?
Yes, especially on weekends and holidays, so check locally.