Don’t Miss Olive Garden Mother’s Day Specials 2025

You know what I’ve always believed? That the simplest way to show love is through a meal made with heart. Growing up, Mother’s Day meant gathering around the table — not just for the food, but for the feeling. And for countless families across the U.S., Olive Garden Mother’s Day Specials bring that same warmth and tradition to life in 2025.

Whether you’re planning a sit-down dinner for Mom or looking for a take-home bundle that keeps things easy, Olive Garden’s seasonal offerings this year are all about comfort, indulgence, and a little extra joy. I’ve explored everything they’re offering this year — from what’s on the special menu to their family-style bundles — and I’m breaking it all down so you know exactly what to expect. Let’s dive into what makes the 2025 experience so special.

What’s on the Olive Garden Mother’s Day Menu for 2025?

Mother’s Day at Olive Garden is not just another Sunday dinner. It’s a curated selection of their best-selling classics paired with a few seasonal touches. The kitchen leans into rich, homey flavors — creamy Alfredo sauces, crispy appetizers, decadent desserts — all brought together in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.

Let’s break it down piece by piece.

Appetizers That Set the Tone for the Celebration

Before the entrees arrive, Olive Garden sets the table with appetizers that are shareable, crave-worthy, and absolutely comforting. Here’s what’s typically featured on their Mother’s Day menu as appetizer choices:

These appetizers not only kick off the celebration with flavor but set a warm, indulgent tone. If your mom loves sharing bites while sipping on a Peach Bellini, this is where the experience really begins.

Entrées Featuring Classic Italian Comfort Dishes

Olive Garden doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel here — and that’s the charm. They focus on Italian comfort food done right, and the Mother’s Day entrée list feels like a greatest-hits collection. Expect generous portions and that signature creamy-saucy-cheesy goodness.

Each of these plates is designed to be soul-satisfying. And honestly, if you’re celebrating with a big group, the Tour of Italy is a fan-favorite that always draws attention when it hits the table.

Desserts Made Just for Mom

This is where Olive Garden pulls out all the stops. The desserts aren’t just sweet — they’re presented with a bit of ceremony, perfect for capping off a meal meant to celebrate someone special. For 2025, here’s what’s available:

I’ll be honest — the Black Tie Mousse Cake is hard to beat. Rich, layered, and not too sweet. It’s always the dessert my mom requests, year after year.

Included Sides, Soups, and Salads

One of the underrated things about Olive Garden Mother’s Day Specials is the fact that every entrée is a full experience. It’s not just a main dish on a plate. You get generous sides that make you feel like you’re being truly hosted.

Here’s what typically comes with the meal:

• Soup or Salad:
  
  • Choice of: Zuppa Toscana, Chicken & Gnocchi, Minestrone, or Pasta e Fagioli
    
  • OR their Famous House Salad tossed in signature Italian dressing
    
• Breadsticks:
  
  • Unlimited, warm, and buttery-soft — just the way you remember them
    
• Side Dishes (select entrees):
  
  • Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic sautéed broccoli (usually with meat-based entrées)
    

The soups, especially Zuppa Toscana, feel like home in a bowl. If your mom likes her meal to be more than just one plate, this makes the whole experience feel thoughtful and complete.

Olive Garden Mother’s Day Family Bundle: What You Get

If you’re planning to celebrate Mother’s Day at home but still want the taste of a sit-down Italian dinner, Olive Garden’s Mother’s Day Family-Style Bundle is a solid choice in 2025. It’s built for convenience without compromising on flavor.

This ready-to-bake option is perfect for families who want less time in the kitchen and more time together.

Complete Breakdown of the Ready-to-Bake Bundle

Here’s what’s typically included in the 2025 Family Bundle:

The whole bundle is built around simplicity: just heat, serve, and celebrate. No prep stress, no cleanup marathon — just great food that feels festive.

Serving Size and Pricing Details

One of the biggest questions families ask is: “How many people does it feed?” Olive Garden makes this bundle generous enough for most medium-sized families.

Depending on your location and customization, pricing may vary slightly. But for around $50–60, feeding 4–6 people with quality Italian comfort food is a value that’s hard to beat.

Can You Customize or Add Extras?

Absolutely — and this is where it gets fun. While the base bundle comes pre-set, Olive Garden allows add-ons depending on availability at your local restaurant. You might be able to:

• Add protein: grilled chicken or shrimp to Alfredo
  
• Swap sauces (like switching to Five Cheese Marinara)
  
• Upgrade desserts
  
• Include a bottle of Olive Garden’s house wine (where legal)
  

If you’re ordering online or via the Olive Garden app, you’ll see all the customization options laid out clearly. I’ve personally added extra breadsticks and a second dessert tray — because let’s face it, leftovers are part of the celebration too.

How to Order Olive Garden’s Mother’s Day Special

If you’re anything like me, you don’t want to wait until the last minute to figure out your Mother’s Day meal plans. Luckily, Olive Garden makes the process pretty simple, but timing and prep still matter — especially if you’re going for one of the popular Family Bundles or want a specific pickup slot.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to get your order in for 2025.

Order Window and Deadlines for 2025

Every year, Olive Garden opens up pre-orders for their Mother’s Day Bundles and catering menu a couple of weeks ahead of time — and 2025 is no different.

Here’s a general timeline (always confirm with your local Olive Garden to be sure):

If you’re planning for May 11th (Mother’s Day Sunday), place your order no later than May 9th to secure your pickup window — trust me, slots fill up fast.

Pickup or Delivery Options Explained

One of the great things about Olive Garden in 2025 is how flexible they’ve become with pickup and delivery services.

You’ve got a few solid options:

• Standard Pickup:
  Drive to your local Olive Garden at your selected time. A team member will bring the food out curbside.
  
• Hot Delivery (Where Available):
  Available in select markets. Food arrives warm and ready to eat, usually through DoorDash or Olive Garden’s own delivery platform.
  
• Catering Delivery:
  Ideal for large parties or events. Includes chafing stands, serving utensils, and setup instructions.
  

Pro Tip: I always choose pickup. Not only do I get my food hot and fresh, but I avoid third-party fees and delays.

Step-by-Step Guide to Placing Your Order Online

Olive Garden’s online system is pretty intuitive, but here’s a quick step-by-step guide if you want to get your order in quickly:

1. Visit olivegarden.com
   
2. Click on the “Order Now” button on the homepage
   
3. Choose Pickup or Delivery
   
4. Enter your ZIP code to find the nearest location
   
5. Select the Mother’s Day Specials or Family Bundles section
   
6. Customize your meal: choose entrees, sides, and desserts
   
7. Pick your date and time
   
8. Checkout and confirm your order
   
9. Receive a confirmation email or app alert
   

Done. You’re now officially the family hero.

Olive Garden Mother’s Day Hours and Reservation Tips

One thing that always trips people up: hours. Mother’s Day is one of the busiest dine-in days of the year for Olive Garden, and it’s easy to assume they’re open regular hours — but that’s not always the case.

Here’s what to expect in 2025 when it comes to planning your dine-in experience.

Dine-In Hours at Most Locations

While Olive Garden typically opens for lunch around 11 AM and closes between 10–11 PM, some locations extend hours on Mother’s Day or open earlier to accommodate the rush.

Here’s a general idea for 2025:

Always double-check your local store hours using the Olive Garden store locator. Some suburban or high-traffic locations may offer earlier seating or brunch-style specials.

Do You Need a Reservation for Mother’s Day?

Short answer: yes — if you’re dining in, book it now.
Olive Garden does accept reservations at most locations via Call-Ahead Seating or through their online reservation portal.

If your location doesn’t offer formal reservations, use Waitlist via the Olive Garden app — it allows you to hold your spot and reduce the wait time dramatically.

I’ve been caught once without a reservation — never again. I always book a table at least 5 days in advance during Mother’s Day week.

Best Time to Visit for a Stress-Free Meal

If you’re aiming for a smooth, relaxed experience, the best times to dine in on Mother’s Day are:

• Early Lunch: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM (beat the rush)
  
• Mid-Afternoon: 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM (post-lunch, pre-dinner lull)
  
• Late Dinner: After 7:30 PM (quieter, but limited menu availability)
  

Avoid peak windows between 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM and 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM, when crowds are heaviest and wait times can stretch past 45 minutes, even with the app.

Olive Garden Mother’s Day Deals, Discounts, and Coupons

Let’s talk savings — because celebrating Mom shouldn’t mean emptying your wallet. While Olive Garden’s Mother’s Day specials don’t always come with big coupon codes, there are ways to save — especially if you plan early or use the right loyalty perks.

Are There Special Mother’s Day Offers in 2025?

Yes — Olive Garden typically rolls out limited-time bundle pricing and combo meals around this time of year. Here’s what’s expected in 2025:

• $10 Off Family Bundles (Pre-order only, May 8–10)
  
• Free Dessert With Purchase of 2 Entrées (Dine-in only, select locations)
  
• Limited-Time Entrée Combos starting at $16.99
  

Some of these offers are location-specific or sent via email only, so make sure you’re on their subscriber list ahead of time.

Loyalty Rewards and eClub Benefits for the Holiday

If you’re part of Olive Garden’s eClub or rewards program, you could be eligible for exclusive Mother’s Day perks. Here’s what typically shows up:

If you’re not already a member, it’s free to sign up and totally worth it for frequent diners. I’ve gotten enough free appetizers and $5 off deals over the years to know it pays off.

Group & Large Party Discounts: What to Know

Hosting the whole family? Olive Garden offers group order discounts — especially for catering-sized trays or large takeout orders.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

While Olive Garden doesn’t widely advertise these during holidays, calling your local location directly often unlocks custom discounts, especially for events like Mother’s Day brunch or multi-family gatherings.

Why Olive Garden Is a Top Choice for Mother’s Day

If you’ve celebrated Mother’s Day at Olive Garden before, you already know why it hits differently. There’s something about the warmth of the food, the smiles from the staff, and the familiar flavors that just feels like a genuine celebration — not a rushed holiday dinner.

Comfort Food That Feels Like Home

In a world full of new-age restaurants and Instagram-worthy plates, Olive Garden leans into nostalgia — and that’s exactly what makes it work for Mother’s Day. The menu is stacked with hearty Italian dishes that feel like something your mom might have made at home… only with a professional touch.

Here’s what makes their comfort food so fitting for the occasion:

• Creamy Alfredo and Ziti that bring back family-style dinners
  
• Endless soup, salad, and breadsticks that make the meal feel never-ending
  
• Lasagna, Chicken Parm, and Shrimp Scampi that are both rich and satisfying
  

When you’re celebrating someone who’s probably spent years making meals for you, there’s something poetic about treating her to one that feels just as thoughtful.

Affordable Options for Families

Let’s be honest — holidays can get expensive fast. But Olive Garden has always struck a balance between quality and affordability, especially on Mother’s Day.

Whether you’re dining in or picking up a Family Bundle, you’re getting multiple courses for what other restaurants might charge for one. And with bundles serving up to six people for around $50–60, it’s one of the most budget-friendly holiday options out there.

Even a full dine-in meal with apps, entrees, drinks, and dessert rarely crosses the $25–30 per person mark — and that’s including generous portions and sides.

As someone who’s hosted big family Mother’s Day lunches without blowing up my credit card, I can tell you: Olive Garden gets it right.

Atmosphere That Makes Mom Feel Special

From the moment you walk in on Mother’s Day, Olive Garden adds subtle touches that make the day feel different:

• Staff greeting guests with extra warmth
  
• Tables decorated with small seasonal touches
  
• Servers offering dessert recommendations “just for Mom”
  

It’s not stuffy. It’s not overdone. But it’s just enough to let your mom know she’s the reason you’re all there.

There’s background music, soft lighting, and a casual energy that makes you want to linger at the table a little longer. And honestly, sometimes that’s the best gift of all.

What’s New in 2025 Compared to Previous Years?

Each year, Olive Garden tweaks their Mother’s Day experience — and 2025 has brought in a few thoughtful updates that improve on past offerings. If you’ve dined in or ordered bundles in the past, you’ll notice a few fresh surprises this time around.

New Additions to the Menu

This year, Olive Garden has expanded the Mother’s Day specials to include a few new limited-time dishes that feel fresh but still on-brand.

Some of the 2025 additions include:

These new dishes are only available during the Mother’s Day window, and they’re designed to offer returning guests something new without straying too far from the classics.

Changes to Pickup and Ordering Process

In response to growing demand and last year’s overwhelming surge in online orders, Olive Garden has implemented a few key changes in 2025:

• Expanded Pickup Windows: More slots available throughout the weekend
  
• Priority Time Blocks for Loyalty Members
  
• Improved Curbside Pickup Flow: Designated parking with faster check-in
  
• Simplified Online Interface: Fewer clicks, clearer bundle customization
  

If you’ve used the online ordering platform before, you’ll definitely notice the new layout — it’s faster, clearer, and even shows real-time availability at your location.

As someone who juggles holiday schedules like a pro, I appreciated the ability to schedule pickup to the minute this year — no long waits, no mix-ups.

Value Improvements and Better Bundles

2025’s Family Bundles aren’t just copy-paste versions of previous years — they’ve been reworked to offer more variety and better portion control. Here’s how:

That’s right — you’re paying slightly less in 2025 and getting more.

The bundle also now includes heating instructions printed directly on the containers, instead of just a small paper insert, which makes serving much easier if you’re hosting.

Final Thoughts

Mother’s Day at Olive Garden in 2025 isn’t just about a meal — it’s about creating lasting memories around the table. Whether you’re treating Mom to a cozy dine-in experience or surprising her with a beautifully prepared Family Bundle at home, Olive Garden makes it easy to celebrate in a way that feels thoughtful, warm, and delicious.

The expanded menu options, streamlined ordering process, and flexible deals make it clear that Olive Garden continues to be a top choice for families during this special holiday. With comforting Italian classics, personalized bundle options, and budget-friendly pricing, it’s a stress-free way to say “thank you” to the woman who means the most.

So whether you’re reserving a booth for the whole family or placing an early online order, rest assured — Olive Garden’s Mother’s Day Specials in 2025 are designed to impress without overwhelming your schedule or budget.

Frequently Asked Questions