For pasta lovers and Italian food enthusiasts, Olive Garden is a beloved destination. The restaurant offers a wide range of delicious Italian dishes, but did you know that you can customize your meal to fit your taste perfectly? Whether you’re craving a new sauce or looking to make your ravioli just the way you like it, Olive Garden offers several hacks to ensure your meal is exactly what you want. From swapping sauces to secret menu items, here are the top five tricks you should know the next time you visit.
1. Customise Your Sampler Platter
Olive Garden’s sampler platter is a popular choice for anyone who wants to try a bit of everything. It’s a great way to sample some of the restaurant’s most loved appetizers. However, if there’s something on the platter that doesn’t quite appeal to you, don’t worry. According to pasta fans at Taste of Home, you can customize it to your liking. Simply ask your server to swap any of the appetizers with others from the menu, or even double up on your favorites. This customization ensures you get the best of everything in a platter that suits your tastes perfectly.
2. Swap Your Sauce
If you’re a pasta enthusiast but not a fan of a particular sauce, Olive Garden has you covered. You can easily swap the sauce on your pasta for any other sauce from the menu. This is a fantastic hack for picky eaters or for regulars who want to change things up without committing to a whole new dish. Whether you prefer marinara, Alfredo, or something else entirely, don’t hesitate to ask your server to make the switch and enjoy a new flavor experience.
3. Secret Sauce
Here’s a fun hack for dessert lovers: Olive Garden’s popular Zeppoli dessert, which is typically served with chocolate sauce, actually has a secret raspberry sauce option available. You can request this raspberry sauce to give your Zeppoli a fresh, fruity twist. It’s a hidden gem on the menu that many customers don’t know about, and it’s perfect if you want to add a bit of variety to your dessert. Rumor has it that other secret sauces are available at select locations, so don’t hesitate to ask your server about any other hidden sauce options.
4. Ditch the Cheese
For those who are lactose intolerant or simply trying to make healthier choices, Olive Garden offers the option to enjoy your meal cheese-free. If you don’t want cheese on your dish—whether it’s pasta, salad, or another item—just let your server know, and they’ll be happy to remove it for you. This is a simple hack that allows you to enjoy the flavors of Olive Garden without the extra dairy, making it easier for anyone with dietary restrictions or preferences to still enjoy their meal.
5. Customize Your Ravioli
If you’re a ravioli fan, you’ll love this hack! While not available at every Olive Garden location, some restaurants allow you to customize the filling in your ravioli. Whether you want to make a small change, like adding a different ingredient, or you want to completely redesign your ravioli filling, the chefs will do their best to accommodate your request. However, keep in mind that not all locations offer this customization, as some prepare their ravioli in bulk early in the morning. Still, it’s worth asking if you’re craving a personalized ravioli experience.
Bonus Tip: Best Value Kids’ Meal
If you’re dining with kids, here’s a tip revealed by TikTok influencer Ashley (@thedisneygirlie). The best value kids’ meal at Olive Garden is the Fettuccini Alfredo entrée, which costs just $6.99. This affordable meal comes with a drink, customizable side options, and two breadsticks. If your kids are hungry for more breadsticks, you can always add extras for a small surcharge, making this meal a great option for families looking to save a little while still enjoying a satisfying meal.
Delivery Service Now Available
Olive Garden has recently partnered with Uber to offer delivery service at most of its locations. This means you can enjoy your favorite Olive Garden dishes from the comfort of your home. CEO Rick Cardenas mentioned that Uber Direct now handles deliveries for Olive Garden, making it easier than ever to get your Italian fix without leaving the house. While six locations do not offer curbside delivery, this partnership expands Olive Garden’s ability to serve guests’ needs and adds a convenient way for customers to enjoy their meals.
Olive Garden is more than just a place to enjoy delicious Italian dishes—it’s a place where you can make the meal truly your own. From customizing your sampler platter to swapping sauces and even changing up your ravioli fillings, these hacks give you more control over your dining experience. So next time you’re at Olive Garden, don’t hesitate to ask your server about customizing your meal. It’s all about making your dining experience as enjoyable and tailored to your taste as possible.
