مطعم أوليف جاردن جده | Olive Garden Jeddah — Restaurant in Makkah Region

Disappointing Experience at Olive Garden

I recently visited Olive Garden with high expectations for a classic Italian meal, but the experience was unfortunately quite underwhelming—and distressing.

I ordered the salmon with fettuccine Alfredo, a garden salad, spaghetti with meatballs, and tiramisu. The salmon was dry and lacked flavor, and the fettuccine was overcooked. The Alfredo sauce was extremely greasy and had none of the garlicky richness one expects—it was so unappetizing I couldn’t finish it.

My friend ordered the spaghetti and meatballs, which were bland, lacking seasoning and depth of flavor, making them difficult to enjoy.

The tiramisu was also disappointing—it was missing mascarpone and had a noticeable egg white smell that made it unpalatable.

I had hoped for authentic Italian flavor, perhaps crafted by an Italian chef, but was surprised to learn the chef was Egyptian. While I fully respect culinary diversity, this experience lacked the authenticity and expertise I associate with Italian cuisine.

To make matters worse, the waitresses hovered near our table, speaking loudly with little regard for privacy or professionalism. It disrupted the atmosphere and added to the discomfort.

Not long after the meal, I began experiencing stomach cramps, and unfortunately, I ended up vomiting and spent the entire night in the bathroom. It was an incredibly unpleasant aftermath that I would never expect after dining out.

I rarely write critical reviews, but I feel compelled to share this experience in hopes that Olive Garden will take serious steps to improve food quality, authenticity, and...

5 Stars – Because Anything Less Would Be a Lie

Now listen, when one ventures into the realm of casual dining, particularly in a globalized franchise such as Olive Garden—one doesn't expect to find an archetype of competence, grace, and conscientiousness manifested in the form of a singular individual. But, as the great Carl Jung might suggest, sometimes the Self emerges in unexpected places—like a restaurant tucked away on Thumamah Road.

Enter Hanna.

This young woman is not merely fulfilling the role of a waitress. No. She's embodying the principle of responsibility. She attends to your table not with robotic obligation, but with the kind of meaningful attention that signifies voluntary suffering in pursuit of order—a rare and precious thing in a world too often adrift in chaos.

She remembers your preferences. She checks in without intruding. She moves swiftly, precisely, efficiently—like a conductor guiding a symphony of warm breadsticks and Alfredo sauce. Her demeanor is calm, yet confident—suggesting that she has wrestled with the dragon of disorganization and has emerged victorious.

In a city bustling with ambition and heat, Hanna is a reminder that meaning can be extracted from even the most seemingly mundane occupations—if one confronts them with integrity, humility, and the will to aim upward. And that, my friends, is no small feat.

So here’s to Hanna—a beacon of competence and care in an age that often rewards the opposite. If you're lucky enough to be seated in her section, take note. You're witnessing something far more profound than...

Good, but is better than Piatto?

I recently visited Olive Garden, and I must say that the pasta dishes are excellent. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere, and the staff is friendly and attentive. However, if you're looking for a broader Italian experience, Piatto is the way to go.

OG's kids' menu has customizable pasta choices and healthier sides, while Piatto offers make-your-own kids' pizza and free ice cream. Both are kid-friendly, but it depends on your preference. The breadsticks at OG are soft and buttery, while at Piatto, they are crispy and garlicky.

When it comes to pasta, OG has more options and they're more customizable. The soup options are also good and refillable. The tables at OG are larger, which is great for families or larger groups. The Italian-American music adds to the pleasant ambiance.

However, Piatto has more to offer. The decor is more upscale, and the restaurant has a broader menu. Piatto's wood-fired pizzas for both adults and kids are exceptional, which is surprising that OG doesn't offer any on their menu. Piatto's gelato ice cream bar is a must-try, and they offer lamb shoulder and shank, more steak options, a breakfast menu, ice cream selections, and more starters.

Overall, if you're looking for a good Italian pasta house, OG is worth trying. But if you want more variety and a broader Italian experience, Piatto is the...