Unearth Olive Garden’s Best-Kept Secrets: 5 Must-Try Dishes
Olive Garden’s menu is a parade of Italian-American classics, from endless breadsticks and fried calamari to towering plates of Chicken Parmigiana. But what happens after you’ve tried all the greatest hits? For regulars looking to explore beyond the famous favorites, we went off the beaten path to uncover the chain’s most overlooked and underrated gems. These are the delicious dishes and drinks that don’t always get the spotlight but absolutely deserve your order.
While appetizers like stuffed mushrooms are iconic and entrees like the Tour of Italy are legendary, some of Olive Garden’s best offerings are hidden in plain sight. We’ve combed through reviews, fan feedback, and conducted our own taste tests to bring you a list of lesser-known meat dishes, perfectly balanced cocktails, and pastas that fly under the radar. The next time you visit, skip the usual and discover these standout menu items that are sure to become new favorites.
The Lighter Entree That Doesn’t Skimp on Flavor
For those seeking a break from heavy cream sauces and piles of pasta, the Grilled Chicken Margherita is a flawless choice. This dish features grilled chicken breasts topped with melted mozzarella, basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon garlic sauce, served with Parmesan garlic broccoli. It defies the stereotype of dry, bland chain-restaurant chicken. Instead, it’s bright, herbaceous, and bursting with the classic flavors of a margherita. The lemon garlic sauce and pesto create a zesty, savory coating that makes every bite delicious. It’s a popular pick for diners wanting a satisfying, protein-forward meal that feels indulgent yet fresh, proving you don’t need a plate of pasta to leave Olive Garden fully satisfied.
The Surprisingly Excellent Steak You Didn’t Know They Served
Even devoted Olive Garden fans might be surprised to learn the chain serves a genuinely great steak. The 6-ounce Grilled Sirloin, topped with garlic herb butter and served with a side of fettuccine Alfredo, is a hidden triumph. In our own rankings of non-pasta entrees, this steak secured second place, outshining more famous dishes. The beef is consistently cooked to order with a flavorful crust, and the herb butter adds a rich, aromatic finish. While the pairing with Alfredo is indulgent, the star of the plate is the juicy, high-quality sirloin itself. Online reviews echo this sentiment, with customers calling it “one of the best steaks I’ve ever had” and praising its perfect preparation. Though consistency can vary by location, if your local Olive Garden takes care with its grill, this steak is a must-try.
The Seafood Pasta That Champions Simplicity
While the Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara gets most of the attention, its shrimp-only sibling is an underrated star. The Shrimp Carbonara features spaghetti with sautéed shrimp, creamy carbonara sauce, crispy bacon, and roasted red peppers. By focusing solely on the shrimp, this version often provides a more generous portion of seafood and allows each ingredient to shine. The roasted red peppers add a sweet, vibrant note that cuts through the richness of the garlicky cream sauce, creating a more complex and balanced dish than its meatier counterpart. Reviewers also note it’s surprisingly not overly salty, making it a great choice for a decadent yet well-rounded pasta.
The Refreshing Cocktail That Beats the Sweet Classics
Move over, Italian Margarita. For a cocktail that’s refreshing rather than cloying, the Spiked Strawberry Lemonade is the clear winner. This drink masterfully blends strawberry and passion fruit lemonade with New Amsterdam vodka, garnished with fresh mint and strawberries. It strikes an ideal sweet-tart balance, completely avoiding the artificial, syrupy taste that plagues many chain restaurant cocktails. The vodka is present but not overpowering, making it a smooth, food-friendly sipper that won’t overwhelm your palate. It earned first place in our ranking of Olive Garden’s beverages for its sophisticated flavor profile. If you prefer a drink that tastes like real fruit rather than candy, this is the cocktail for you.
The Legendary Pasta That Makes a Triumphant Return
The Three-Meat Manicotti isn’t just a dish; it’s a piece of Olive Garden nostalgia that fans passionately demanded back. Recently returning as a “Fan Favorite,” this baked pasta is a carnivore’s dream. Manicotti shells with a four-cheese filling are smothered in a robust tomato sauce loaded with meatballs, sausage, and pepperoni, then topped with melted mozzarella. The result is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, deeply flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Reviewers rave about the tender, spiced meats and the perfect cheese pull. Its limited-time status makes it a special find, and its cult following is a testament to its quality. Keep an eye on promotions, as this beloved dish is too good to miss when it appears.
