Olive Garden Breakfast Hours (2025 Complete Guide)

If you’re like me, you’ve probably pulled into an Olive Garden parking lot one morning hoping for some warm Italian-style eggs or maybe a hearty breakfast panini — only to realize… they weren’t open yet. I’ve been there. And as someone who genuinely enjoys both breakfast and Olive Garden, I decided it was time to really dig into this topic.

Whether you’re planning a family brunch or just craving a comforting start to your day, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about Olive Garden Breakfast Hours in 2025 — when they open, where you can actually get breakfast, what’s on the morning menu, and what’s worth trying.

Olive Garden Breakfast Hours: Start Time Revealed

Knowing when Olive Garden opens for breakfast can make or break your meal plans. Here’s what you should know before heading out early in the day.

Standard Opening Hours Across U.S. Locations

Most Olive Garden restaurants across the U.S. don’t serve breakfast in the traditional sense. The standard opening time is 11:00 AM — that’s when their kitchens start cooking, and when the lunch menu kicks off. However, there are a few special-case locations, particularly in high-traffic areas, that offer breakfast earlier.

Here’s a general look:

So unless you’re flying out or staying in a hotel that’s partnered with Olive Garden, chances are your local branch opens around late morning, not breakfast time.

Weekend vs Weekday Breakfast Timing

Weekend hours can be slightly different, especially in areas with high foot traffic on Saturdays and Sundays. Some airport and tourist-heavy locations open even earlier on weekends.

• Weekdays (Mon–Fri): 11:00 AM (standard), 6:00–7:00 AM (airport/hotel)
  
• Weekends (Sat–Sun): Some open by 8:00 AM in tourist areas, others stick to 11:00 AM
  

But remember — most Olive Gardens don’t offer a breakfast menu at all, even if they open earlier.

How to Confirm Hours at Your Local Olive Garden

Before making plans, the best thing you can do is check your nearest location’s hours. Here’s how:

• Use Olive Garden’s official website: Restaurant Locator
  
• Call your local restaurant directly (most have a recorded message with current hours)
  
• Check Google Maps or Yelp, where hours are regularly updated
  

I’ve personally found that calling gives the most accurate info, especially if you’re trying to see if they serve breakfast at a unique location.

Does Olive Garden Serve Breakfast Nationwide?

This is the big question — and the answer is: not really. But there’s more to it than just a yes or no.

Locations That Offer Breakfast Menus

A limited number of Olive Garden restaurants do serve breakfast, but they’re usually in:

• Airports (like Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson or Orlando International)
  
• Hotel-based restaurants
  
• High-tourism areas (Las Vegas Strip, Times Square NYC)
  

These locations often serve a custom breakfast menu that isn’t available at regular standalone Olive Garden restaurants. It’s more about convenience for early travelers or guests who expect breakfast service.

Here’s an example list of a few that offered breakfast as of early 2025:

Olive Garden Airport and Hotel Partnerships

Olive Garden has slowly expanded into airport terminals and hotel restaurant programs, often through licensing deals. These locations are designed to function more like quick-service or hybrid sit-down models, with an adjusted breakfast offering.

Typical breakfast items at these locations include:

• Italian-style omelets
  
• Breakfast focaccia sandwiches
  
• Pancetta and egg flatbreads
  
• Espresso and cappuccino drinks
  

You won’t find these on the standard menu — they’re location-exclusive and designed for fast morning service.

Why Some Locations Don’t Serve Breakfast

There are a few reasons why most Olive Gardens don’t offer breakfast:

• Brand Identity: Olive Garden is known for lunch and dinner — not eggs and toast.
  
• Menu Complexity: Breakfast items would require additional equipment and prep systems.
  
• Labor and Cost: Staffing a breakfast shift means higher labor costs, which some locations can’t justify.
  
• Low Demand: Outside of airports and hotels, morning demand just isn’t there.
  

So if you’re wondering why your local Olive Garden doesn’t serve breakfast — it’s not personal, it’s just business.

Olive Garden Breakfast Menu With Prices (2025 Update)

For the few locations that do offer a breakfast menu, the food is surprisingly good. I’ve tried some of it myself at the Orlando Airport branch, and while it’s not an all-out Italian buffet, it’s definitely a unique twist on morning classics.

Here’s what’s on the 2025 Olive Garden breakfast menu.

Classic Italian-Inspired Breakfast Dishes

These are your go-to hearty options, influenced by traditional Italian ingredients.

These items bring the Italian flavor profile into your breakfast plate — not overly heavy, but satisfying.

Vegetarian and Vegan Breakfast Options

If you’re meat-free or plant-based, there are still options for you — though limited.

You’ll find these mostly at airport and hotel locations where demand is more diverse.

Low-Calorie & Healthy Breakfast Choices

For those counting calories or watching fat/sugar intake, Olive Garden has introduced a few “lighter” items under 500 calories:

• Egg White Frittata with Spinach – $7.49
  
• Whole Wheat Breakfast Wrap (with turkey and greens) – $6.99
  
• Italian Yogurt Parfait with Honey & Almonds – $4.99
  

These meals keep you fueled without the post-breakfast crash.

Kids’ Breakfast Menu Items

Yes, there are breakfast items for kids at these limited-service locations.

I saw quite a few families ordering these at the Orlando location — kids seemed happy, and it’s reasonably prices compared to most airport food.

Most Popular Breakfast Dishes at Olive Garden

From personal visits to Olive Garden’s rare breakfast spots, I can confidently say the morning offerings are not your average diner fare. These dishes lean into Olive Garden’s Italian-American roots, and a few have already become fan favorites in 2025. If you’re lucky enough to be near a location serving breakfast, here’s what’s worth waking up early for.

Chicken and Gnocchi Breakfast Bowl

This is the most talked-about dish on Olive Garden’s breakfast lineup. Think creamy gnocchi with sautéed chicken, scrambled eggs, and a light Alfredo drizzle — rich, warm, and completely satisfying.

• Texture: Soft, pillowy gnocchi meets fluffy eggs
  
• Protein-rich: Around 27g of protein per serving
  
• Price: $9.99
  

It’s the kind of breakfast that sticks with you — perfect after a red-eye flight or before a long road trip.

Fettuccine Alfredo Morning Skillet

You read that right — breakfast pasta. Olive Garden serves a skillet with Alfredo fettuccine, sunny-side-up eggs, and grilled sausage, all baked together in a cast-iron pan.

• Savory and hearty
  
• Best for pasta lovers who want something unconventional
  
• Price: $10.49
  

It’s indulgent, but worth it. Not something you’d find at Denny’s or IHOP.

Chicken Piccata with Eggs Combo

This dish surprised me the first time I tried it. It’s a plated meal with lemony chicken piccata, two eggs cooked your way, and a side of roasted potatoes.

• Fresh and flavorful: The capers and lemon cut through the richness
  
• Lighter than the Alfredo options
  
• Price: $10.79
  

Definitely feels like a brunch you’d get at a trendy café, just with that Olive Garden twist.

Zeppoli Breakfast Dessert Platter

This isn’t just a dessert — it’s a whole experience. Olive Garden’s warm, sugar-dusted zeppoli come paired with Nutella, mascarpone, and a mini side of espresso syrup. Ideal for sharing (or not).

• Perfect finisher for your breakfast
  
• Price: $5.99 for a half-order, $8.99 for full
  

I’ve seen people order this as their main breakfast when they want something sweet but not overly heavy.

Olive Garden Breakfast vs Competitors

So how does Olive Garden’s breakfast stack up against the bigger players in the game — the IHOPs and Denny’s of the world? It’s a fair question. I’ve eaten at all three, and while Olive Garden’s offerings are limited to a few locations, they do carve out a unique space.

Olive Garden vs IHOP: Italian vs Classic American

IHOP is famous for pancakes, omelets, and bacon — the classic American breakfast playbook. It’s consistent, predictable, and offers a ton of customization. Olive Garden, on the other hand, brings a more European influence.

If you want traditional flapjacks, go to IHOP. If you want a breakfast that feels more like brunch in Rome, Olive Garden might surprise you.

Olive Garden vs Denny’s: Quality and Portions

Denny’s is known for value and massive portions, but Olive Garden wins in terms of ingredient quality and flavor complexity.

• Denny’s: Big breakfasts, fast service, greasy spoon charm
  
• Olive Garden: Thoughtful combos, better sauces, unique pairings
  

You’ll spend a bit more at Olive Garden, but the food tastes less processed — especially if you’re ordering something like their Chicken and Gnocchi Bowl or Zeppoli platter.

Unique Breakfast Features Olive Garden Offers

Here’s where Olive Garden sets itself apart:

• Italian-Inspired Dishes: Nowhere else will you find fettuccine Alfredo at breakfast.
  
• Breadsticks at Breakfast: Yep — they’re available during morning hours in select locations.
  
• Sweet + Savory Combos: Their menu includes both rich and fresh options without overloading you.
  
• Better Coffee Options: Espresso-based drinks available in airport/hotel restaurants.
  

If you’re tired of the same-old breakfast chain food, Olive Garden offers a fresh and flavorful change of pace.

Can You Order Olive Garden Breakfast for Takeout or Delivery?

Now, if you’re not dining in and hoping to grab Olive Garden breakfast on the go — it’s totally possible… at some locations.

Online Ordering Availability in the Morning

Olive Garden’s online ordering portal opens as soon as the restaurant does — which means you can order breakfast through their website or app starting at 6:30 AM for those select locations that serve it.

Steps:

1. Go to Official Website
   
2. Select your location
   
3. If breakfast is available, the breakfast menu will automatically populate
   
4. Choose your items, set your pickup time, and check out
   

Just be sure to double-check availability — most locations won’t show breakfast options unless they’re open early.

Using the Olive Garden App for Breakfast Orders

The Olive Garden app functions similarly and is a quick way to place breakfast orders without using your browser. It offers:

• Scheduled pickup
  
• Curbside delivery (where available)
  
• Payment via rewards points or gift cards
  

I used the app myself in Orlando, and it let me pick a pickup time as early as 6:45 AM.

Third-Party Delivery Options (UberEats, DoorDash)

Some locations partner with UberEats, DoorDash, and Grubhub — but this is highly dependent on the area.

Here’s what to expect:

Tip: Always confirm that your selected location serves breakfast before placing your order — some apps will show Olive Garden as open but won’t list breakfast items.

Conclusion

Olive Garden may not be the first name that pops into your head when you think “breakfast,” but if you happen to be near one of their specialty locations — especially in airports, hotels, or tourist cities — it’s absolutely worth trying. Their morning menu stands out with bold Italian flavors, creative combos, and even a few healthier options that don’t skimp on taste. Whether you’re craving a Chicken Gnocchi Bowl or just want espresso and zeppoli to start your day, Olive Garden’s breakfast offerings in 2025 deliver a unique experience — if you know where to look.

For most of us, it’s still a lunch-and-dinner place. But if you ever get the chance to try the morning menu, I say go for it.

FAQs