If you’re wondering whether Olive Garden takes reservations, you might be in for a surprise. Let’s find the answer to your question here.
Olive Garden is known for its delicious Italian-American cuisine and has around a thousand locations nationwide.
Over the years, Olive Garden has delighted its customers with a variety of Italian dishes.
Now, let’s delve into the topic of Olive Garden waitlists and reservations. You’ll also discover how to reserve a table at Olive Garden.
Does Olive Garden Take Reservations?
As Olive Garden is a casual dining franchise, reservations are not required when dining there.
However, if you have a large party, birthday celebration, or special event, you can add your party to Olive Garden’s online waitlist to save time.
Making a reservation is not necessary whether you’re dining alone or with your family.
Most Olive Garden locations have small-group tables available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Olive Garden offers the option to add your party to the waitlist online, which is different from making a reservation.
How to Make a Reservation at Olive Garden
Although Olive Garden doesn’t directly accept reservations, you can join their online waitlist.
Let’s go over how the Olive Garden waitlist works.
Unlike other restaurants, Olive Garden doesn’t provide traditional reservations to its customers.
Because of this, you can simply walk into Olive Garden and get seated right away.
However, if you’re planning a large gathering, you can call Olive Garden to make reservations.
By contacting Olive Garden, you can provide them with details about the size of your party, the number of guests, preferred menu items, and more.
How the Olive Garden Waitlist Works
You can secure your spot in line at Olive Garden by using their waitlist feature.
Please note that reservations and the waitlist at Olive Garden are not the same.
If you add yourself to the Olive Garden waitlist, your reserved position will be held in line for 10 minutes after your expected arrival time, even if your table isn’t ready yet.
The Olive Garden waitlist follows these steps:
Step 1: Check Waitlist Time Online
Before adding your group to the waitlist, check the waitlist time at your nearby Olive Garden restaurant.
You can easily check the wait time using the official Olive Garden app or a web browser.
Step 2: Add Your Party to the Waitlist
Once you know the waitlist time, it’s time to add your group to the Olive Garden waitlist.
Your waitlist time starts when you arrive at the specified time on the waitlist.
Step 3: Arrive at Olive Garden and Speak with the Host
When you arrive and join your party’s waitlist, you’ll find a host at Olive Garden who will assist you in finding a seat.
Olive Garden hosts will hold your place in line for ten minutes after your scheduled arrival time.
Step 4: The Host Will Seat You at Your Table
When your table is ready, you’ll receive a notification. The Olive Garden host will then seat you at your assigned table.
Olive Garden Waitlist Requirements
Before hosting your event at Olive Garden, make sure to add your party to the waitlist.
To join the Olive Garden waitlist, there are certain requirements you need to meet.
The availability and conditions for reservations may vary at each Olive Garden location.
Before bringing your guests to the restaurant, contact the specific Olive Garden location you’ve chosen to make a reservation.
You can call them now and make your Olive Garden reservation by using their phone number.
Choose the option that is most convenient for you, whether it’s visiting the Olive Garden in person or making a reservation over the phone.
To be included in the Olive Garden waitlist, you must also provide the number of guests in your party.
Be sure to provide the exact time because the Olive Garden waitlist needs to be updated with your party’s precise timing.
Tips for Making a Reservation at Olive Garden
Olive Garden has locations in every state, and most of them accept waitlist reservations.
Here are some tips to enhance your reservation experience at Olive Garden:
Make a Reservation through a Phone Call
To avoid any confusion about throwing a party at Olive Garden, contact them and make a reservation. The waitlist at Olive Garden is not the same as a reservation.
Choose the Menu Items
Decide on the food you want to serve at your party when you add your event to the Olive Garden restaurant. Check out the prices and meal options on the Olive Garden menu. For larger gatherings, Olive Garden also offers a catering menu.
Kids and Vegetarian Options
Before making a reservation at Olive Garden, select your food items. Olive Garden provides vegetarian and kid-friendly menu selections.
Specify the Exact Time of Your Party
Check the operating hours of your chosen Olive Garden restaurant to determine the precise time for your celebration.
Arrive Early at the Restaurant
It’s crucial to arrive at the Olive Garden restaurant within 10 minutes of your scheduled time. If you have an emergency and need to change your reservation time, you can call the Olive Garden customer service line.
Final Words
Olive Garden does not take reservations on any day, including holidays. However, customers can add their parties to the Olive Garden waitlist and secure a spot at the restaurant before they arrive.
For larger parties, it’s advisable to call Olive Garden and make a reservation. The Olive Garden waitlist is designed to accommodate single diners or small groups who can get seated quickly and hold their spot for a little longer.
FAQs – Olive Garden Reservations
Does Olive Garden Take Reservations on Weekends?
Olive Garden does not accept reservations on weekends. However, you can sign up for their waitlist to plan your weekend gathering.
As Olive Garden stores tend to be crowded on weekends, it’s recommended to arrive early.
Does Olive Garden Take Reservations for Easter?
Olive Garden does not accept bookings for Easter Sunday, but they do allow customers to add their groups to the waitlist.
If you want to save time and secure a table promptly on Easter Sunday, sign up for the Olive Garden waitlist.
Does Olive Garden Take Reservations for Large Parties?
Olive Garden accepts reservations for groups of 12 people or more, depending on the capacity of each location.
For large gatherings, it’s advisable to contact Olive Garden and make reservations. If you have a smaller party, you can simply add your group to the waitlist.
Does Olive Garden Take Reservations for Mother’s Day?
Olive Garden does not accept reservations for Mother’s Day, but you can add your group to the waitlist and reserve a table.
Adding your Mother’s Day celebration to the Olive Garden waitlist will give you priority over walk-ins during that time.
To avoid waiting and get seated right away, add the details of your Mother’s Day party to the waitlist.
Does Olive Garden Take Reservations for Valentine’s Day?
Olive Garden also does not accept reservations for Valentine’s Day. However, you can reserve a table at Olive Garden by signing up for their waitlist online.
