How to Use Apple Pay at Olive Garden? 2025

I’ll never forget walking into my local Olive Garden with just my iPhone, thinking, “Is this going to work, or am I about to embarrass myself in front of the cashier?” That moment of hesitation — standing at the register, wondering if Apple Pay at Olive Garden was actually accepted — is exactly why I wrote this guide.

In 2025, we expect things to be easy. We want to order our food, tap our phone, and move on. And honestly? That’s exactly how it should be. Whether you’re grabbing takeout after work or sitting down for that legendary Tour of Italy with family, paying should be as smooth as that first bite of Zuppa Toscana.

So let me walk you through everything — from in-restaurant payments to ordering online, plus what to do when Apple Pay isn’t available. This guide isn’t just about tech; it’s about making your next Olive Garden experience fast, safe, and stress-free.

Does Olive Garden Accept Apple Pay in 2025?

Yes — you can pay at Olive Garden with Apple Pay in 2025, and it works surprisingly well at most locations. But there are a few nuances worth knowing so you don’t end up fumbling at the checkout.

Apple Pay Availability at Dine-In Locations

Most Olive Garden restaurants now have contactless payment terminals installed — whether it’s a countertop reader or a portable device your server brings to the table.

Here’s what I’ve seen personally:

• In major cities (like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York), Apple Pay works flawlessly.
  
• Servers are trained to recognize Apple Pay and guide you through it if needed.
  
• In smaller towns or older franchises, some locations still don’t support it, so it’s good to check ahead.
  

What matters most: Look for the contactless icon on the card reader. If it’s there, your Apple Pay will likely work.

Can You Use Apple Pay for Online and Mobile Orders?

Absolutely. In fact, this is where Apple Pay really shines.

Ordering through the Olive Garden app or website is seamless — and Apple Pay is fully integrated. Here’s how it works:

• You choose pickup or delivery on the Olive Garden app or website.
  
• At checkout, Apple Pay automatically appears if you’re using Safari on iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
  
• With two taps and a Face ID confirmation, your order is done.
  

No typing. No digging for your wallet. Just tap, confirm, eat.

Apple Pay also encrypts your card data, making it safer than entering your credit card manually.

Is Apple Pay Accepted at All Olive Garden Locations Nationwide?

While most U.S. locations accept Apple Pay, not every Olive Garden has upgraded to support it — especially independently owned franchises.

To avoid surprises, I recommend:

• Searching the restaurant on Apple Maps — it usually shows payment methods under “Useful to Know.”
  
• Calling the restaurant ahead of time if you’re unsure.
  
• Trying the Olive Garden app — Apple Pay won’t appear unless it’s supported by that location.
  

Bottom line: About 90%+ of Olive Garden locations now accept Apple Pay, but a quick check can save you from frustration.

Step-by-Step: How to Use Apple Pay at Olive Garden

If you’ve never used Apple Pay at a restaurant before, don’t worry — it’s way simpler than it sounds. Here’s how to do it in person or online, without any awkward tech hiccups.

Paying In-Restaurant with iPhone or Apple Watch

When dining in, you’ll usually pay either at the table (with a handheld device) or at the front counter. Here’s what to expect:

Using Your iPhone:

1. Let the server know you’re using Apple Pay.
   
2. Double-click your side button to launch Apple Wallet.
   
3. Authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID.
   
4. Hold your phone near the terminal until you hear the beep — that’s it.
   

Using Your Apple Watch:

1. Double-press the side button.
   
2. Hold the watch over the reader.
   
3. You’ll feel a gentle tap and see “Done” on your screen.
   

This works for full meals, desserts, drinks — even split bills. I recently split dinner with a friend using Apple Pay and his physical card, and it worked seamlessly.

Using Apple Pay on the Olive Garden App or Website

Here’s the process when ordering pickup or delivery:

1. Open the Olive Garden app or go to their website using Safari.
   
2. Add items to your cart — I usually grab Chicken Alfredo and salad.
   
3. Choose pickup/delivery and continue to checkout.
   
4. If your device is compatible, you’ll see Apple Pay as a payment option.
   
5. Tap Apple Pay, confirm with Face ID, and you’re done.
   

It’s especially great when you’re busy or want a no-contact option.

Checking If a Specific Olive Garden Location Accepts Apple Pay

Here’s a quick checklist to confirm Apple Pay support:

Method	Steps	Why It Helps
Apple Maps	Search Olive Garden location, scroll to “Useful to Know”	Lists accepted payment methods like Apple Pay
Olive Garden App	Try placing an order for pickup — see if Apple Pay appears	Only shows Apple Pay if supported by that location
Call Directly	Ask the host if they accept Apple Pay	Still the most reliable option
On-Site Signs	Look for the contactless symbol at the counter	Quick visual check when you arrive

I always check Apple Maps when traveling — it’s saved me from surprises more than once.

Other Payment Methods Accepted at Olive Garden

Of course, not everyone uses Apple Pay — and Olive Garden offers a wide range of alternatives. Whether you’re old-school or just want options, here’s what you can use.

Credit and Debit Cards

All major credit and debit cards are accepted, including:

• Visa
  
• MasterCard
  
• American Express
  
• Discover
  

You can swipe, insert the chip, or tap — tap-to-pay cards work the same way as Apple Pay. I tested this with my Chase Freedom card, and it worked instantly at the terminal.

Olive Garden Gift Cards

These are accepted both in-store and online, and you can combine them with other payment types.

Types of Gift Cards Accepted:

• Physical cards: Purchased in-store or mailed.
  
• Digital eGift cards: Delivered via email or text message.
  
• Third-party cards: From retailers like Walmart or Amazon.
  

Gift cards can be applied to:

• Dine-in meals
  
• Pickup orders
  
• Online purchases
  

One trick I use: If your gift card doesn’t cover the full amount, you can pay the rest with Apple Pay or a credit card — no problem.

Cash and Contactless Payments (Tap-to-Pay)

Yes, Olive Garden still accepts cash, though most people don’t use it as often anymore. I’ve paid cash before when dining with older family members who aren’t into mobile wallets.

For contactless payment, here’s what works:

Payment Type	Accepted at Olive Garden?	Details
Apple Pay	Yes	Works on iPhone, Apple Watch, Safari web
Google Pay	Yes	Android tap-to-pay accepted
Samsung Pay	Yes	Accepted at NFC-enabled locations
Contactless Credit Cards	Yes	Visa, Amex, Mastercard with tap symbol
Cash	Yes	Accepted at all dine-in locations

Whether you use a smartwatch or a folded $20, Olive Garden makes sure you’re covered.

Apple Pay Benefits at Olive Garden

There’s a reason so many of us now pay at Olive Garden with Apple Pay—the experience just feels better. It’s not just about being “techy.” It’s about making a meal out with friends or family feel smooth, secure, and hassle-free. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout, Apple Pay offers a few powerful advantages that make it my go-to.

Fast and Secure Checkout

When I use Apple Pay at Olive Garden, the transaction is over before I can even glance up at the receipt screen. That speed is one of the biggest reasons I use it.

Here’s why it’s faster:

• No card to swipe or insert
  
• No PIN to enter
  
• No wallet to dig for in your bag or back pocket
  

And security? It’s next-level. Apple Pay generates a unique code for each transaction, meaning your actual card number is never shared. That makes it far less vulnerable to fraud. Plus, authentication happens through Face ID or Touch ID, so no one else can use your Apple Pay even if they get your phone.

In short, it’s faster than cash and safer than cards.

Contactless Dining Experience

Since 2020, we’ve all grown more conscious of how many surfaces we touch in public. When I started using Apple Pay more frequently at restaurants, including Olive Garden, I noticed how much cleaner and smoother it felt.

• No handing your card to the server
  
• No physical receipt signatures required
  
• Just tap and go — from your iPhone or Apple Watch
  

Olive Garden has done a good job adapting to this shift, especially at locations where handheld terminals are brought to the table. I’ve used it dozens of times — it’s especially useful when you’re trying to get in and out quickly during lunch breaks.

Possible Cashback or Reward Points with Linked Cards

Another quiet advantage when you pay at Olive Garden with Apple Pay? Rewards.

If you link a cashback credit card to Apple Pay — like Apple Card or Chase Freedom — you can still earn the same rewards you’d get with a physical card.

For example:

• My Apple Card gives me 2% Daily Cash on Apple Pay purchases.
  
• My Citi Double Cash card gives me 2% total cashback whether I use the card or Apple Pay.
  

So while Apple Pay is just a payment method, it doesn’t strip away your benefits — it enhances them, especially if you’re already enrolled in cashback or points programs.

Can You Get Cashback When Paying with Apple Pay at Olive Garden?

Absolutely. You can earn cashback when you pay at Olive Garden with Apple Pay — you just need to link the right credit card to your Apple Wallet. There are two common ways this works, depending on which card you use.

Cashback Through Apple Card

If you’re an Apple Card user, here’s some great news: when you use Apple Pay (instead of swiping your Apple Card physically), you automatically earn 2% Daily Cash on the transaction.

Let me give you a quick example:

• I spent $43.75 on dinner at Olive Garden.
  
• Paid using Apple Pay via Apple Card.
  
• Got $0.87 back in Daily Cash — immediately available to spend, save, or transfer.
  

You don’t need to activate anything. As long as Apple Pay is used, you get the 2%. It’s one of the cleanest, easiest cashback systems I’ve used.

Cashback Offers from Third-Party Credit Cards

Beyond Apple Card, many other credit cards support cashback when used through Apple Pay — here are some popular options and their typical rewards:

Card	Apple Pay Cashback Rate	Notes
Chase Freedom	1.5% – 5% (on rotating categories)	Bonus may apply if dining is the active category
Citi Custom Cash	5% on top spending category	Often includes restaurants
Discover It	1% – 5%	May vary depending on quarterly promotions
Amex Blue Cash Preferred	3% at U.S. restaurants	Works when used via Apple Pay too

Just make sure your credit card is added to your Apple Wallet, and that it’s selected as your default payment method when checking out.

Does Olive Garden Offer In-Store Technology Like Ziosk Tablets?

Yes — many Olive Garden locations have introduced Ziosk tablets at the table, and while they’re more common at brands like Chili’s, I’ve definitely seen Olive Garden slowly integrating them in select locations.

These tablets are all about giving guests more control over the dining experience. From viewing the menu to paying the bill, they cut down wait time and let you wrap things up at your own pace.

Can You Use Apple Pay on Ziosk Tablets?

Now this is where it gets tricky. While Olive Garden’s Ziosk tablets have contactless payment readers, not all of them support Apple Pay yet. Some support basic NFC cards, while others are still limited to chip and swipe methods.

If you’re seated at a table with a Ziosk:

• Check the bottom of the tablet for the contactless symbol.
  
• Tap your phone or Apple Watch as you normally would.
  
• If it doesn’t work, you can always ask your server to process the payment using their handheld device — which almost always supports Apple Pay.
  

I’ve had mixed results — some locations had fully functional tablets with Apple Pay, others didn’t. So while it’s possible, don’t count on it 100% of the time.

How These Tablets Improve Payment and Tipping Speed

Whether or not you use Apple Pay, these tablets are actually a time-saver:

• You don’t have to wait for the server to bring the check.
  
• You can split the bill, select a tip, and pay — all in under a minute.
  
• For larger groups, this tech makes checkout way smoother.
  

If you’re someone who hates waiting around after finishing your meal, you’ll appreciate how fast these tablets make things — and if they accept Apple Pay at your location, even better.

Placing To-Go or Delivery Orders with Apple Pay

Let’s be honest — not everyone’s going to dine in. A growing number of Olive Garden guests (me included) prefer to-go orders, especially when we’re short on time or just want to eat at home in sweats. Thankfully, you can pay at Olive Garden with Apple Pay even for pickup and delivery — and it works great.

Apple Pay for Pickup Orders via Olive Garden App

The Olive Garden app is well-designed for mobile ordering. Here’s what the process looks like:

1. Open the app and sign in.
   
2. Choose your nearest location and tap “Order To-Go.”
   
3. Build your meal — from pasta combos to desserts.
   
4. At checkout, select Apple Pay as the payment method.
   
5. Authenticate using Face ID or Touch ID.
   

Once the order is placed, you get a confirmation number and pickup time. The last time I did this, I was in and out of the parking lot in under five minutes — no card swiping, no waiting in line.

It’s fast, contactless, and secure, especially during lunch breaks or after work rush.

Using Apple Pay Through Third-Party Delivery Apps

What if you’re using apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub to get Olive Garden delivered?

Here’s the good news: most of these apps support Apple Pay too — but you’ll want to double-check depending on which one you use.

Delivery App	Apple Pay Support	Olive Garden Available?
DoorDash	Yes	Yes — in most locations
Uber Eats	Yes	Yes — menu availability varies
Grubhub	Yes	Yes — check your zip code

I’ve used Apple Pay on DoorDash multiple times for Olive Garden orders, and the experience is quick and intuitive. Just make sure your Apple Wallet is enabled on your device and selected at checkout.

Are Breadsticks Still Free with Apple Pay Orders?

Let’s be real — free breadsticks are part of what makes Olive Garden so iconic. But what happens when you pay at Olive Garden with Apple Pay? Do the rules change? Not at all — but it depends on how you’re ordering.

Dine-In vs To-Go Breadstick Policy

If you’re dining in, you’ll still get unlimited breadsticks with most entrees. Whether you pay with Apple Pay, cash, or card doesn’t matter. I’ve tapped my iPhone and still had the server swing by three more times with the basket.

However, if you’re ordering To-Go:

• Olive Garden usually includes one breadstick per entree by default.
  
• You can add extra breadsticks for a small fee (usually around $1 per 2 extra).
  

Here’s a quick summary:

Order Type	Breadstick Policy	Does Apple Pay Change This?
Dine-In	Unlimited with most entrees	No change — still unlimited
To-Go	1 per entree included	No change — can add more for a fee

So yes, Apple Pay users still get their breadstick fix — it just follows standard Olive Garden policy.

Customizing Orders Using Apple Pay

One benefit of ordering through the Olive Garden app or website is how easy it is to customize your meal — even with Apple Pay.

For example:

• You can request extra breadsticks, add dipping sauces, or remove toppings.
  
• All customizations carry over seamlessly to your order summary.
  
• At checkout, Apple Pay completes the transaction without resetting or interfering with your customizations.
  

I’ve used this personally to build a fully custom meal — Alfredo, double meatballs, side salad, extra breadsticks — and paid in seconds without losing a single detail.

How Secure Is Apple Pay for Olive Garden Transactions?

Security is where Apple Pay really sets itself apart — and when I pay at Olive Garden with Apple Pay, I know I’m adding another layer of protection that traditional card swipes just don’t offer.

Tokenization and Face ID Security

Here’s how it works:

• When you tap to pay, Apple doesn’t send your real card number to the restaurant.
  
• Instead, it uses tokenization — creating a unique, encrypted code for that one-time transaction.
  
• Your identity is verified through Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcode.
  

That means even if someone intercepted the signal (which is nearly impossible), they couldn’t use it for future purchases.

In real-world terms? I’ve used Apple Pay dozens of times at restaurants like Olive Garden, and never once have I had to worry about my card data being compromised.

Comparing Apple Pay vs Traditional Card Swipe

Let’s break this down:

Feature	Apple Pay	Traditional Swipe
Card Info Shared	No (tokenized)	Yes (full card number)
Requires Physical Card	No	Yes
Biometric Security	Yes (Face/Touch ID)	No
Fraud Risk	Low	Moderate
Speed	Instant	Slower

Bottom line? Apple Pay is faster, safer, and more secure, especially in busy restaurant environments.

Olive Garden Contact and Support Info

Even with smooth tech, sometimes things go wrong. Maybe your Apple Pay didn’t go through, or you didn’t receive your order. In those rare cases, Olive Garden makes it easy to get help.

How to Reach Olive Garden About Payment Issues

If you experience any problems while trying to pay at Olive Garden with Apple Pay, here’s how you can contact them:

Customer Service Phone:
  1-800-331-2729 (Mon–Fri, 9 AM – 5 PM ET)

Online Support Form:
You can submit a request through their official site:
https://www.olivegarden.com/contact-us

In-App Support (for online orders):

• Open the Olive Garden app.
  
• Tap on your order history.
  
• Select “Help” or “Report Issue.”
  

Tip: Always keep your digital receipt or confirmation email, especially when using mobile payment methods like Apple Pay.

Reporting Apple Pay Problems or Refund Requests

If an Apple Pay charge appears on your bank statement but didn’t process correctly at Olive Garden:

1. First, check your Apple Wallet for recent transactions.
   
2. If the charge was processed, but you didn’t receive your food or receipt, contact Olive Garden directly with order info.
   
3. For double charges or errors, you can also contact Apple Support to report the issue.
   

In my experience, Olive Garden’s customer service is responsive and helpful — especially when you provide exact times, locations, and payment details.

Conclusion

Using Apple Pay at Olive Garden isn’t just possible — it’s one of the most convenient ways to dine, order, and go in 2025. Whether you’re placing a mobile order for Chicken Alfredo, dining in with family, or tapping your watch for a solo lunch, the process is fast, secure, and flexible.

From earning cashback to avoiding contact with payment terminals, there are clear advantages to leaving your wallet behind and going fully digital. And the best part? Olive Garden has done a solid job embracing this technology — both in-restaurant and online.

If you’ve ever hesitated at the register, wondering, “Can I actually pay at Olive Garden with Apple Pay?” — now you know: Yes, you can. And once you try it, you probably won’t go back.

Frequently Asked Questions