Olive Garden Specials 2025: Best Deals to Grab Now

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably pulled into the Olive Garden parking lot on a weeknight wondering, “What’s the best deal here right now?” That was me last fall after a long workday — craving comfort food but hoping not to wreck my wallet. And sure enough, that chalkboard near the entrance had one word that lit me up: Olive Garden Specials. I’m talking about those limited-time deals that make you feel like you’ve scored something exclusive — hearty portions, great flavors, and all without the guilt of overspending.

Olive Garden’s specials aren’t just about saving money — they’re about getting real value out of a meal, whether you’re grabbing a weekday lunch, enjoying a date-night dinner, or feeding a family of four without stress. Over the years, I’ve tried just about every special on their rotating menu. So if you’re searching for what’s hot in 2025 — from weekday combos to seasonal limited-time offers — I’ve got you covered.

Olive Garden’s Latest Specials You Shouldn’t Miss

Olive Garden always has a few core specials running, but what really sets 2025 apart are the new limited-time additions and improved prices. Below are the biggest deals running now — perfect if you’re budgeting but still want hearty Italian meals.

$7.99 Weekday Lunch Combos (Monday–Friday)

I used to think you couldn’t get a full lunch at a sit-down place for under $10 anymore — but Olive Garden proved me wrong. Their Weekday Lunch Combos have become a go-to for me when I’m out between meetings or just want something quick but satisfying.

Here’s what you can expect with the current $7.99 combo menu:

Combo Option	Includes	Available Time
Soup, Salad & Breadsticks	Unlimited house salad, warm breadsticks, choice of soup	11am–3pm (Mon–Fri)
Half Sandwich & Soup	Italian Meatball or Chicken Parm sandwich + soup	11am–3pm (Mon–Fri)
Pasta Bowl	Smaller portion of Fettuccine Alfredo or Spaghetti	11am–3pm (Mon–Fri)

These deals are only valid Monday through Friday — and only for dine-in, so keep that in mind.

Olive Garden Early Dinner Duos: Affordable Evening Deals

The Early Dinner Duos are one of the best under-the-radar specials you’ll find in 2025. I’ve taken advantage of this when dining with my wife after work — it’s simple, filling, and very affordable.

Price: $9.99 per person
Time: 3pm–5pm, Monday through Thursday

You get a choice of:

• One classic entrée
  
• Unlimited soup or salad
  
• Fresh breadsticks
  

Entrée selections often include:

• Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
  
• Fettuccine Alfredo
  
• Five Cheese Ziti al Forno
  

Honestly, it’s one of the best value dinners you can get in a sit-down restaurant without skimping on quality.

Limited-Time Offers: Summer & Fall Menu Specials

Every season, Olive Garden rotates in some fresh, limited-time items. Right now, in summer 2025, you’ll find a few dishes and drinks that feel tailor-made for warm weather — and yes, they’re delicious.

Seasonal Item	Description	Price
Shrimp Scampi Ravioli	Light lemon butter sauce with garlic shrimp	$18.99
Sicilian Citrus Chicken	Grilled chicken over citrus risotto with herbs	$17.49
Strawberry Bellini	Sparkling wine and strawberry purée cocktail	$7.00
Lemon Mascarpone Cheesecake	Seasonal dessert with berry drizzle	$8.25

These rotate out by October, so if any of these catch your eye, now’s the time.

Olive Garden Family-Style Meals for Under $40

I’ve hosted casual family dinners with this option more than once — no prep, no cleanup, and plenty of food. The Family-Style Meals at Olive Garden are a lifesaver when you want restaurant-quality food without paying individually.

Here’s how it works:

• Feeds: 4–6 people
  
• Price: Starting at $38.99
  
• Available for: Dine-in or To Go
  

Family Meal Option	Includes
Classic Lasagna Meal	Lasagna Classico, large salad, breadsticks
Chicken Alfredo Meal	Fettuccine Alfredo with grilled chicken, salad, bread
Spaghetti & Meatballs Family Bundle	Large bowl of spaghetti, 12 meatballs, salad, bread

Add-ons like dessert trays or extra sauces are available for a small fee — but honestly, you might not need them unless you’ve got some serious eaters.

Olive Garden’s 2 for $25 Deal: Full Breakdown

If you’ve ever wondered whether the 2 for $25 special is really worth it — let me say this: it is. This is Olive Garden’s most talked-about combo, and in 2025, it’s better than ever.

It’s perfect for date night or a casual meal with a friend. You’re getting appetizers, entrees, and dessert for two people — all for under $30 after tax in most states.

What’s Included in the 2 for $25 Menu

You choose one appetizer to share, two entrees, and one dessert to split.

Here’s what’s currently on the 2 for $25 menu:

Course	Options
Appetizer	Fried Mozzarella, Calamari, Stuffed Ziti Fritta
Entrée (Pick 2)	Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Five Cheese Ziti, Chicken Alfredo, Ravioli
Dessert	Tiramisu, Chocolate Brownie Lasagna, Strawberry Cheesecake

And yes — breadsticks and salad are still unlimited.

Appetizers, Entrees, and Dessert Options

While the exact items vary a bit by region, most locations let you choose from these categories:

• Appetizers: Stick with the Fried Mozzarella if you love melty cheese and crunch
  
• Entrees: Chicken Alfredo is the crowd favorite — rich, creamy, and filling
  
• Desserts: The Tiramisu is light and balanced, while the Chocolate Brownie Lasagna is for true chocoholics
  

If you’re dining with a picky eater, this deal gives you enough flexibility to keep everyone happy.

Best Combinations for Value and Taste

Over the past year, I’ve tested a few combos that give you the best bang for your buck. Here are my top picks:

Combo Name	Appetizer	Entrée 1	Entrée 2	Dessert
Classic Comfort	Mozzarella Fritta	Chicken Alfredo	Spaghetti w/ Meat	Chocolate Lasagna
Balanced Light	Stuffed Ziti Fritta	Five Cheese Ziti	Ravioli	Tiramisu

These combos hit the sweet spot between comfort, flavor, and value.

Extra Costs for Premium Add-ons

Some locations let you upgrade your entrée (like switching to Shrimp Alfredo or adding extra protein). Here’s what those extras usually cost:

Add-On	Extra Price
Add Grilled Chicken or Sausage	+$3.00
Switch to Seafood Alfredo	+$4.50
Extra Side Soup	+$2.00

These aren’t required, but if you want to level-up your meal, they’re worth considering.

Is Olive Garden’s Buy One, Take One Deal Back in 2025?

Yes — and it’s back better than ever. The Buy One, Take One deal is available at select times of the year (especially spring and fall), and as of mid-2025, it’s currently running nationwide.

This deal is my personal favorite when I want dinner now and lunch for the next day.

What Comes with the BOGO Offer

Here’s the breakdown:

• You dine in and select one entrée from the BOGO menu
  
• You get a second entrée packaged to-go for free
  

Both meals include unlimited salad and breadsticks when you dine in.

Dine-In Entree Options	Take-Home Options
Fettuccine Alfredo	Spaghetti with Marinara
Lasagna Classico	Cheese Ravioli
Grilled Chicken Parm	Five Cheese Ziti al Forno

Eligible Dine-In vs. Takeout Items

It’s important to know that only dine-in meals qualify for the free take-home entrée. The second meal is pre-packaged and not customizable — so don’t expect full substitutions.

What you get:

• Hot meal at your table
  
• Chilled meal to go with reheating instructions
  
• Price: Usually around $14.99–$17.99 depending on your entrée
  

Why This Deal Remains a Fan Favorite

Let me be honest — this deal saved me during my college years, and even now as a working parent, it’s a go-to option. Why?

• You’re essentially getting two full meals for under $20
  
• The quality is consistent
  
• It travels well — the pasta reheats great the next day
  

If you’re planning ahead for lunch or just want to stretch your dollars, this is the most reliable value on the menu.

Special Olive Garden Offers Based on Time of Day

Timing matters when it comes to getting the best value at Olive Garden. Over the years, I’ve noticed that the real deals aren’t just about what you order — but when you show up. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch, planning an early dinner, or heading in on a weekend, the time of day can unlock major savings.

Lunch Specials: What You Get Before 3 PM

If you’re dining before 3 PM, you’re in luck. Olive Garden’s lunch menu is one of the best-priced daytime meals around — especially for the quality and portion size.

Lunch specials are typically available Monday through Friday, from open until 3 PM, and include:

Lunch Special Combo	What’s Included	Price
Soup, Salad & Breadsticks	Unlimited refills of all three	$7.99
Half-Sandwich Combo	Italian Meatball or Chicken Parm sandwich + soup or salad	$8.99
Pasta Bowl	Choose from Spaghetti, Fettuccine Alfredo, or Five Cheese Ziti	$9.49
Lunch Chicken Alfredo	Lighter portion of Chicken Alfredo with salad or soup	$10.49

Insider tip: You’ll always get unlimited breadsticks no matter which lunch special you choose.

Early Dinner Deals: Available 3 PM – 5 PM

This is what I call the “golden window.” Between 3 PM and 5 PM, you can tap into Olive Garden’s Early Dinner Duos, which offer full meals at a fraction of their usual dinner price.

Early Dinner Duo	Includes	Price
Entrée + Soup or Salad	Spaghetti, Alfredo, or Ziti + unlimited soup/salad + breadsticks	$9.99
Add Dessert	Add Tiramisu or Brownie Lasagna	+$2.99

It’s perfect for a casual early dinner or if you’re heading to a movie afterward and want to keep things light.

Weekend Offers: Saturday & Sunday Promotions

Weekend specials vary by location, but many Olive Gardens roll out Saturday and Sunday-only promotions. These deals are usually designed for families or brunch-style diners.

Some locations currently offer:

Weekend Deal	Details	Price Range
Brunch Pasta Bowls	Egg-based Alfredo dishes and breakfast-style pasta	$12.99–$14.99
Weekend Family Meal Bundles	For 4+ people, includes 2 large entrées + salad + breadsticks	$38.99–$42.99
Cocktail Specials	$5 mimosas, bellinis, or sangrias (varies by state)	$5 per drink

Note: Weekend promos are not always posted online — ask your local server or check your Olive Garden location in the app.

Hidden Olive Garden Specials Most People Don’t Know About

Let’s talk about the stuff not printed on menus or blasted in ads. These hidden deals are the kind of things I’ve picked up just by dining often, talking to staff, and using the Olive Garden app religiously. If you know where to look — and when to ask — you can unlock some of the best savings.

Unadvertised Local Promotions

Some Olive Garden locations run their own regional specials that never show up on the national website. I once walked into a Phoenix location on a Tuesday and got a free dessert with any entrée — totally unexpected.

These can include:

• Free dessert with entrée (usually weeknights)
  
• $5 off a $25+ bill on slower days
  
• Free appetizer coupons left at local events or stores
  

Your best bet? Ask your server if there are any unlisted promos running that day. They’ll usually let you know if something is happening.

App-Exclusive and Online-Only Offers

If you’re not using the Olive Garden app, you’re definitely leaving money on the table. In 2025, they’ve really leaned into app-exclusive deals.

Here’s what I regularly see pop up:

App Deal Type	Description	Typical Value
Limited-Time Coupons	$5 off $30, free dessert, or double points	Rotates weekly
App-Only Combo Pricing	Entrée + drink + dessert bundle available via mobile order	~$14.99
Curbside Pickup Specials	Lower prices on takeout-only family bundles	$2–$4 cheaper

You won’t find these on the menu — only in the app notifications or email alerts. So make sure you’re opted in.

Kids Eat Free Nights (At Select Locations)

If you’ve got kids, this one’s a game-changer. Select Olive Garden locations run Kids Eat Free nights, usually on Tuesdays or Thursdays.

Here’s the general setup:

• 1 free kids’ meal per adult entrée purchased
  
• Available after 4 PM
  
• Applies to dine-in only
  
• Age limit: 10 and under
  

Kid’s Menu Options	Normally Priced At	Now Free With Adult Meal
Kids Spaghetti with Marinara	$6.49	Free
Kids Mac & Cheese	$6.29	Free
Kids Grilled Chicken Alfredo	$7.49	Free

Call your local location first — not all restaurants offer this, but many do.

How to Maximize Your Olive Garden Special Deals

Getting a deal is good. Stacking deals? That’s next-level. Over the years, I’ve learned how to combine specials, rewards, and smart timing to eat well and still spend less. Here’s how you can do the same.

Combine eClub Coupons with Daily Specials

Olive Garden’s eClub (their email newsletter) is where some of their most valuable coupons show up. Think:

• $5 off $25
  
• Free appetizer with any entrée
  
• Free dessert on your birthday
  

Here’s how to stack it:

1. Use a weekday lunch combo or early dinner deal
   
2. Apply your eClub discount at checkout
   
3. Ask if the server can scan both your app rewards + coupon
   

It’s all legit — I’ve done this several times without any hassle.

Use the Olive Garden App for Loyalty Rewards

Their loyalty program through the app is getting better in 2025. You’ll now earn 1 point per $1 spent, and you can trade those points for rewards.

Reward Type	Points Needed
Free Dessert	75 points
Free Appetizer	100 points
$10 Off Entire Meal	150 points

It adds up fast — especially if you’re ordering for a group or getting takeout weekly.

Military, First Responder, and Senior Discounts

Not widely advertised, but available at most locations:

• Military Discount: 10% off for active duty and veterans
  
• First Responder Discount: 10% off with ID (check your local store)
  
• Senior Discount: 10% off for guests aged 55+ (not all stores — ask first)
  

These can often be combined with lunch or early dinner specials — another great way to reduce your total.

How to Save on Group and Family Orders

If you’re feeding a crew — whether it’s for a birthday, office lunch, or Sunday dinner — Olive Garden’s group options are some of the best in the casual dining world.

Here’s how to save big:

• Order Family-Style Bundles (see earlier table)
  
• Use eClub coupon on your group order
  
• Pick it up curbside to avoid service fees
  
• Join the Rewards App to earn extra points per dollar
  

Bonus Tip: Order before 3 PM on weekends if you’re hosting a late lunch — you’ll often get lunch pricing on group meals if you time it right.

Olive Garden Specials vs. Other Italian Restaurants

Let’s be honest — Olive Garden isn’t the only Italian chain offering deals. But when you compare what you actually get — from the variety to the prices to the overall value — Olive Garden often comes out ahead. And I say that as someone who’s dined at just about every major Italian chain in the U.S.

Olive Garden vs. Carrabba’s Deals: Which Is Better?

Carrabba’s offers solid food and a more upscale vibe, but when it comes to specials, Olive Garden takes a more aggressive approach — especially in 2025. Here’s a side-by-side breakdown:

Feature	Olive Garden	Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Weekday Lunch Specials	$7.99–$10.49	Limited, $12+
2 for $25 Deal	Yes (App, 2 Entrees, Dessert)	No similar offer
Buy One, Take One	Yes	No
Kids Eat Free Nights	Some locations	No
App & eClub Discounts	Weekly offers and loyalty points	Occasional email promos

While Carrabba’s has quality entrées, Olive Garden just delivers more consistent value across the board.

Macaroni Grill vs. Olive Garden Specials Comparison

Macaroni Grill has a solid reputation, especially for baked pasta dishes and seasonal menus. But the specials aren’t nearly as frequent or budget-friendly.

In 2025:

• Macaroni Grill offers a few fixed-price menus (like a $24 three-course meal), but it doesn’t touch the flexibility of Olive Garden’s $25 for two.
  
• Takeout bundles are more limited and typically priced $10–$15 higher than Olive Garden’s family meals.
  
• Loyalty programs at Macaroni Grill aren’t as rewarding — no consistent app-based deals or points.
  

In short, unless you’re after something specific like their Rosemary Chicken, Olive Garden’s specials win in both price and day-to-day availability.

Why Olive Garden Still Wins in Value and Variety

Here’s why I keep coming back to Olive Garden when it comes to specials:

• Options for Every Budget: Whether you’ve got $8 or $40 to spend, there’s a deal for you.
  
• Consistency: The quality doesn’t dip just because you’re ordering off a special.
  
• Customization: Many of the combos let you mix-and-match entrées, upgrade to premium items, or double up for takeout.
  

And most importantly — Olive Garden always finds a way to make those meals feel like a real sit-down experience, even when you’re saving.

Customer Favorites: Top Picks from the Specials Menu

Now let’s talk about what the people — and staff — actually love ordering. After asking a few servers, checking social media reviews, and reflecting on what I keep seeing on nearby tables, here are the real MVPs of the Olive Garden specials menu.

Most Popular Entree from the 2 for $25 Deal

Hands down: Chicken Alfredo. It’s rich, creamy, and surprisingly filling — especially when paired with the breadsticks and soup or salad. It’s the default choice for a reason.

Close runner-up: Five Cheese Ziti al Forno — cheesy, baked, and always satisfying.

Best Lunch Special According to Regulars

From chatting with a few regulars (and being one myself), the clear lunch-time favorite is:

• Soup, Salad & Breadsticks Combo – It’s unlimited, it’s under $8, and it’s perfect for lighter eaters or anyone who loves Olive Garden’s famous Zuppa Toscana or Chicken Gnocchi soups.
  

Not to mention, it’s fast — which matters during the lunch rush.

Staff Recommendations: What They Eat on Breaks

Here’s something I’ve learned over time: if you want to know what’s really good, ask the people making it. A few staff favorites I’ve heard over the years include:

• Spaghetti with Meat Sauce + Fried Mozzarella (from 2 for $25)
  
• Grilled Chicken Parm with extra Alfredo drizzle
  
• Ravioli with Meat Sauce + Salad for lunch
  

Most staff lean toward dishes that are simple but hearty — things they can count on tasting great, even during a short break.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, Olive Garden doesn’t just win with catchy commercials or endless breadsticks. It wins by making great food feel affordable again. In 2025, their specials hit that sweet spot between comfort, cost, and convenience — whether you’re eating solo on a Tuesday lunch break or feeding your whole family after church on Sunday.

And what I love most is the flexibility. You can go in for a $7.99 lunch combo or take advantage of a $25 dinner-for-two deal that actually feels like a full date night. And with rotating seasonal options, app exclusives, and even kids-eat-free nights, they’re keeping things fresh and family-friendly.

So the next time someone asks, “What are the specials at Olive Garden?” — you’ll know exactly where to point them.

Frequently Asked Questions About Olive Garden Specials