Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

I went to dinner last night the tour of Italy. We ordered dinner in a empty restaurant. Got our soup bread sticks 55 minutes later our dinner was still not ready. I left! Now if it was busy I could understand but it was a empty restaurant! Sad! And the waitress tries to give my son wine he is not even 21…

We haven’t been to an Olive Garden in years. The only reason we decided to go was because of a gift card that was given to us for the holidays. The wait staff was great and friendly. However, the food was mediocre and when my husband and I came home from lunch, we immediately had stomach pains and been continuously using the bathroom due to uncontrollable diarrhea. We will never go back to this establishment.

I just felt the need to share our experience. We’ve been to Olive Garden many times and many locations. Tonight was different the food is always good but our waitress was amazing! We came in pretty late, as it was nearly 10 pm. Our waitress Kendra, was so personable to where it didn’t even feel like she was our waitress but our friend! We were her only and last table for the night but didn’t try to rush us. We enjoyed our time with her especially after an exhausting, stressful day! Thank you for your amazing service and hope to see you again!

Because my reviews tend to be lengthy, I will start with my summary to give those who read this a quick overview of my experience. I was welcomed at the door before waiting to be seated. The wait was not that long. I had an interrupting waitress by the name of Jill, and I also did not receive a goodbye when we left. However, my water was always above half and the flavors of some of the food was average. I didn’t find problems in the presentation, but I liked the soup. Bottom line, the place was not memorable, and I would not recommend this location to any of my friends or family.
Now, I will start my in depth review of my experience at the Olive Garden. When I arrived, I was welcomed and then asked to wait briefly. The young woman handed me a buzzer and asked me to sit down. As soon as I sat down, my buzzer had gone off and I was to be seated. I thought that was weird because there was no reason to check me in and have me receive a buzzer. Anyways, I was not bothered, and I was seated rather quickly.
The atmosphere definitely felt homey until I got to the table. The electronic devices that were on the table just took away from my experience. From most restaurants I go to, I love to receive the personal interactions and customer service. This took away from my experience and also gave my waitress more of a reason not to check on my properly. I will talk later about her preformance. Aside from these computers at each table, which evidently weren’t used by anyone, the feel reminded me of an Olive Garden in a good way. I have always felt out of the franchises thay they have the most warm atmosphere.
Continuing the topic of my waitress, she was very rushed and cut me off at every corner. It actually came to a point where I would let her start and finish the conversations without me talking. Her name was Jill, and I think she may have been busy because of the business they were experiencing thay night. On the contrary, even if they were busy, Jill had no reason not to take her time and make my girlfriend and I feel welcome. On a positive note, she was very good at maintaining our water levels and keeping us up with soup and breadsticks.
This leads me to the food. We ordered the «Ravioli di Portobello». Before I talk about the entrée, I want to make a note on the soup. The soup had good flavor as always, but I noticed particularly bad plating with them. It seemed that the chef would just pour the soup without caring if it covered the bowl. Back to the entrée, I did not care for the flavors that were presented in this dish. I think that the best bites were with the fresh tomatoe that topped the Ravioli. Sadly, I only had a few tomatoes on the entire dish. Also, when I received my dish and asked for cheese, the other waitress that brought it out left before I said stop. I had to ask Jill when she came back around to get us some more cheese to top our dishes.
In the end, I know this place is a franchise, but I also know that the managment team can have higher standards. I paid $ 14.49 for each dish, and I didn’t even receive a single dish that didn’t have sauce on the borders. I also was interrupted and cut off many times during my experience. Another negative, when I was leaving, I wasn’t even given any attention for any of the 10 workers mingling at the front.
I do think if you look past all the minor flaws you will see a functioning Olive Garden that has the same experience everytime, but for 28.98, I think that we deserve more than just another experience at the same place. I know that the small details are what changes the name for any company, franchise or not. Josh, a waiter from Claim Jumper, brought me an experience that proved that a franchise can far outshine it’s other sister resturants and even private restaurants alike. I hope the managment team talks to their team about building more connections with their guests and helps with the presentation of the food.

I’m not a huge fan of Olive Garden because, honestly, I think there are better italilan restaurants out there. However, my kids love it. So, when we asked out 14-​year-​old daughter where she wanted to go for her birthday dinner, she chose Olive Garden at Mall 205.
We took advantage of the call ahead and were seated as soon as we arrived, which was nice. We told the waiter about her birthday and he was sure to make it special with the complimentary dessert and embarrasing singing! Overall, he was a good waiter, friendly and attentive.
My low rating however is due to the new portable electronic devices on each table. It’s used for all sorts of purposes, taking the place of the waiter in many circumstances, including, ordering non-​alcoholic beverages and paying the bill. The devise itself was very impersonal and had the appeal of a grocery store self check out. I can also see how it could be confusing to a customer who is older or not tech-​savvy.
Then, when the receipt for the final bill printed out, it was blank. I brought this to the attention of a staff member, who told me the manager would be right over to get me a proper receipt. the manager did not come over timely and we eventually left without the receipt, which we would have liked. This would not have happened with a real live person.
I would sugges the Olive Garden do away with these devises. They are impresonal, open to human error, and do not encompass the service of the service industry.

Let me start by stating I am not in the habit of reviewing major chains nor am I in the habit of accepting veteran offers. However, today I found myself very near an Olive Garden, the one by Mall 205, and today is vets day. So for the first time in my life I decided to take advantage of being a vet by visiting Olive Garden.
I have been to Olive Garden many times for lunch. When I walked in today it was packed, much busier than I have ever seen at lunch. There were some folks with their navy hats on, other guys with their vests on proudly displaying their medals and accomplishments, it was kinda cool.
Upon arrival, I immediately took a seat at the bar. I didn’t have any proof of being a vet other than the word ‘veteran’ on my drivers license. I explained this to my server, Robert, he stated that would be fine and handed me a menu. Much to my surprise the meals were not lunch portions, but full dinner meals, free for veterans.
I had the Chicken Parmigiana, it was good, but you know what was great, the way Robert and the crew treated the visitors. Restaurants usually treat you nice, but Robert was going out of his way to welcome each new face. He was on the ball, I didn’t have to wait or ask for anything, he was there asking me or providing me with what I needed, oftentimes, before I even knew what I needed. He worked very well with his coworkers, who in turn were also doing a fantastic job taking care of the many vets, and there were many people in the restaurant.
I didn’t join the military to receive a lifetime of free offers. I joined the military for myself and my country. I didn’t do it for anyone else. But when I am shown the respect, that I and many others were shown today by both Olive Garden/​Darden and my server, Robert, it really really does something to you, it makes you feel good, no it makes you feel special.
Its just a meal and not even a very expensive one at that, but when I said bye and thank you to Robert and he said, «No, no, thank you and thank you for your service.» I almost lost it, I walked to the car with tears in my eyes. I could tell he cared not by the way he thanked me, but by the way he treated us.
Thank you Robert, thank you very much.
–Scott

When you live in Portland, you go out to new places a TON. Sometimes it is nice to sit down and already know what you want, and what it will taste like. This for me, is Olive Garden. My parents are European and this place (and some little Russian place downtown) are the only two places that they will go out to. The Zupa and Salad is excellent — and the servers in this location were GREAT. We had a large party of 10 for my mothers birthday and both servers were very quick to get everyone ordered and good to go.

Everyone knows Olive Garden is a reheat and serve type restaurant. As long as you know what your dealing with, you can appreciate the amount of food your getting for the price. The staff is usually great and the management will make things right if something goes wrong. Nick is a great server/​bartender.

Though I enjoy regularly their soup and salad. With the recent introductions of ziosk terminals to every table the ambiance has plummeted. TVs in restaurants is highly annoying and this raises it to a while new level. I will be eating on patio or finding a quiet café instead. I cannot imagine who at corporate could imagine that when trying to simulate a Italian theme could imagine a electronic gadget on every table on my next trip to Italy.

I have never had a bad review for Olive Garden but I can’t believe they forgot to give us bread sticks or salad I made reservations for my mothers birthday and she loves their bread sticks. The waiter was okay he took a while with the order and there wasn’t that many people at the restaurant. I saw everyone else was getting breadsticks :/​… I can’t stress how much we love their bread sticks that’s the whole reason we go there.

Food is good just the same as any Olive Garden the big difference was our server Jessy B. He was amazing. There were 5 of us at dinner and even though he was busy he still took great care of us. Great attitude, the GM also stopped by the table and was awesome too!

My husband and I went there last night for anniversary dinner… They now have iPad sitting at your table where you can order drinks and other goodies and even play games for $ 1:99… Seriously this was the best dinner night ever:)
The bartender was amazing super kind! our server was amazing :-) they even bagged up our doggie bags to take home… All-​around experience was super awesome… We will definitely be back…

My family went here on Wednesday night for my mother’s birthday dinner (her choice).
The food was delicious, probably the best I’ve had from an Olive Garden.
The thing that made this trip special was our waiter Shane. He was friendly, helpful, attentive, and absolutely fantastic with my daughter. A+ service from this guy.

I’m from Los Angeles so there are PLENTY of olive gardens where I’m from. I was here in Portland for a half marathon and decided to eat here because I arrived late on my plane.
The girl I’m dating and I walk in and the hostess Hannah was super hospitable and friendly. Points right off the bat. She had the best attitude. I’ll get back to her later.
Miguel was our server. Super cool waiter that was quick and straight to the point. We ordered beer, salad, and some entrees. I had the chicken Toscano and the gf had soup and Alfredo pasta. Miguel brought us endless bread and salad many times.
At the end of the meal, I was satisfied. However my date forgot my water bottle I brought into the restaurant. (I know I know, who brings a water bottle into a restaurant!?) The point is that it was a gift and my date INSISTED she hold it for me. After using the restroom I asked if she had my bottle and she replied, «yes.»
An über ride later we get back to our hotel and what do you know… She forgot it! (Ugh!)
I instantly thought of Hannah and called back and wouldn’t you know she found it sitting on the floor (thanks babe…) and said she’d hold it for me! Major bonus points for Hannah! Please recognize her. She deserves it.
–manny from LA

I’ve never had a bad experience at any Olive Garden, first and foremost.
With that being said, I hadn’t tried shrimp in over 21 years but for some reason I wanted to try it last night. I ordered the fettuccine and added shrimp. After one taste, I was done… Nothing to do with the way it was prepared, just that I am not use to the texture and I just didn’t like it. No big deal, my lover ate it happily!
Our waitress, Danielle, who was EXCEPTIONAL, asked how I liked it and I explained my story of not trying it in 21 years and just that my guy gladly ate it instead… blah blah blah. Long story short, she spoke to the manager about taking the added shrimp off the bill, without us knowing. The manager took the entire entrée off the bill. What? Whoooo does that?! I was so touched and of course NOT expecting that! She insisted that they just wanted me to be happy. I explained that I was already happy with the food and service and that it was NOT their fault that I ordered the shrimp and didn’t like it. Well, she insisted.
Shortly after, the manager came out to talk to us. How sweeeetttt! We shared laughs and I got a chance to thank her from the bottom of my heart for such a kind gesture. She stated that we were family and that they just wanted to make sure we were happy. So KINDDDD! Awesome customer service. Can’t wait to return.
When you go, ask for Danielle! She anticipated our needs, so much so that I never asked for anything. She was ON ittttt!!! Loved my first experience at this location! My baby’s food was delicious and so was my fettucini.

We arrived here after the lunch rush was over. For Saturday the place was not that busy. Keep in mind that this restaurant shares a parking lot with Red Robin so It can be extremely busy at times and it may be hard to find parking very close to the restaurant.
We were seated immediately in a booth at the back of the restaurant. The waiter greeted us almost immediately and beverages were served promptly. Followed by the endless salad we chose instead of soup. The salad included pepperocinis, olives, tomatoes and Italian dressing. It was good except the core of the lettuce was in our bowl which showed lack of prep detail. This came with endless garlic breadsticks which had more garlic butter on them than most Olive Gardens. Nice!
We ordered the chicken fettuccine alfredo and the citrus chicken sorrento as our entrees. The entrees were served within 10 minutes and were hot, delicious and good size portions, I’ve included photos.
We ordered the lemon cream cake as dessert. The cake was a bit dry than normal but was light and lemony. :-)
Our waiter was very good and attentive. Thanks!

The good: I went here for my anniversary with my fiancé. We had been planning to go for so long and finally got around to it so we were really excited. The food has always been excellent and high quality and HUGE portions. We spent around 50 $ for two large entrees, three appetizers, drinks, dessert (which ended up being free but I will get to that soon), and of course we got endless soup, salad, and bread sticks! The manager also came by the table a few times to see how our meal was which was nice and welcoming despite the other service we received.
The frusrating: the waitress that seated us walked us through the restaurant, passing by nice open tables and booths, to the back of the restaurant in a corner by the emergency exit door away from everything else to what seemed like maybe over-​flow seating? Even though the place was not crowded. It was terribly lit and just very uncomfortable. Enough so that I actually asked her if we could get a booth. I pointed to one that was clean and set in the middle of the restaurant. She hesitated and gave me a funny look. She then proceeded to call someone on her little ear piece and asked, «uhm… i guess, could we maybe get this couple a different table.?» I dont understand why it was a problem or something she had to consult with someone else. We were paying customers on our anniversary and wanted a nice table. But Yes, in the end, we did get our booth.
The Waiter.: He was nice at first. While I was ordering something I guess I was scratching my nose and he couldnt hear me. He then proceeded to mock the movement I was doing and make a mocking mumbled whine which I guess was supposed to be an impression of me. He loudly said something along the lines of «I can’t hear your when youre doing this.» When he walked away, I was so embarrassed, I started crying my eyes out. My Fiancé immediately told him to apologize to me the second he came back and he knew exactly what he did and started apologizing to me and giving me his excuse for acting that way. «The restaurant is loud you have to speak up.»
In the end, we got 14 $ of free dessert and lots of food to take home. We left an OK tip…

I’ve never had a issue going to this OG location. Service was quick, staff were nice, food is good.
We usually order carryout so I don’t deal with the wait and that works for us. We normally order the soup/salad/breadsticks…never disappointing.

Good tasty food…
Run errands while you place a to go order.
It will be ready in about 15 – 20 mins!!!

For all the media jokes aimed at Olive Garden restaurants, and the negative rants, Sweetie and I can’t figure out why everyone «hates» this eatery — yet the Gateway store is packed every time we go there!
It must be that «ordinary people» such as us enjoy their food, and get great service.
We generally order their «special» at the time; Sweetie a seafood version, and myself, a chicken dish. It usually has pasta and sauce with it.
But, it’s the service and wait staff attitudes that makes a big difference.
Don’t like to wait an hour for a table? Try their «Call Ahead Seating» — it shaves out most of the wait time for a table.
We always get the salad — and usually a second bowl — with extra ripe olives. The servers come through with the olives. And, we have that with a warm, tasty bread stick.
Many of their «endless» entrée specials are simple, but good tasting. And, their policy of allowing substitutions without hesitation or charge (unless it is an upcharge specified on the menu) is cool. Finally, they ask if you want some to take home (on an «endless bowl» special), after you’ve finished your entrée. For us, it’s like getting double the value.
On one visit, we did have «confused» service — where the food delivery timing was poor, the food was cold, the up-​charge sauce wasn’t great — a comedy of errors. But, when the manager came over and inquired about our meal, and learned of the situation, he gladly «made it right» on our check.
Oh yes, Sweetie loves their blended strawberry margarita (at an Italian restaurant? Go figure). Another plus.
I don’t know about their other locations, but the Mall 205 Olive Garden remains on our monthly visit list.