Olive Garden Italian Restaurant — Restaurant in Aiken County

The parmesan flakes did not fall but my opinion of the new location did as it was less than satisfactory. I was not impressed and came with reasonable expectations considering their relatively new status.

Wait list Attempting to beat the wait we used the online wait list. 20 minutes in we were kicked off the list. Again we used the wait list this time after calling we were finally on the list another 25 to 35 minutes. Once we made our way in the ridiculously cramp lobby we were seated.

At the Table The server came by with the promise of a return a few minutes during the busy dinner hour a small glimmer of hope that quickly faded. We ordered drinks and notified that a pitcher of sangria could take a moment - 30 to 45 minutes. Then the simple drinks from the fountain non alcoholic came somewhere about the time one bowl of soup came. No breadsticks, no salad just a bowl of soup.

The Wait... The tables around us came and went while we waited even for the starters- the app we ordered, breadsticks salad. Finally appetizer - no salad, no soup, no breadstick. The sangria but the empty drink still stayed. Voracious for food and waiting over an hour we devoured the appetizer. Once plates were remembered.

Finally! A salad came and those after us had their first course, already devoured their breadsticks and salad. We waited patiently as more patrons came and went. Then all of a sudden another server dropped off our food. Still no soup. Shocked the food arrived "quickly" the soup sat down. No fresh parmesan no refill on the drink, no extra napkins. The other server took our dirty dishes from what meager items we had and all at once our table was over crowded and our appetites vacant.

Epilogue.. After our half eaten food sat stale on the table and we tasted the overcooked Gnocchi soup that seemed more fitting of a hospice meal than something we should pay for. We attempted to pay and even tried help. Again, we waited for the bill to be right and we never got it right. During this time we had to close the blinds and a vehichle in the lot shined their car beams blinding us all. Candelight I think not. We waited for boxes we got some quickly tossed but not enough for the food we planned to eat there but now took home. YES, 2 HOURS LATER WE WERE FREE. Over paid and under served. Not worth the money, time, or wait. The manager did not come to the table; however, he seemed ill equipt for even when we arrived we heard of customer complaints and saw him frazzled and unaware of anyone other than the server practicly leading him by the collar.

Recommendation: performance and food quality are two big areas lacking. I spent money but did not feel valued or wanted as a guest. Instead, I left feeling robbed, exhausted, and wishing I had walked away at the first sign of red flags. In addition, serving a whole table of servers before guest who had been waiting is interesting. Best wishes and I hope your performance and quality improves or you will soon find your place shuttered and another name on top.

Best wishes I doubt any of us will return any time soon. Don't worry at this rate the crowds won't last long.

Side note: Public restrooms are not private and if your servers and cooks do not want to work and get paid for it maybe they should find another job. Nothing like hearing how horrible guests are who are paying for the food that pays the bills. If you want to vent, go someplace off property or staff only. I don't like feeling I am a burden or unwanted - especially when they do not take pride...

Worst visit bar NONE!! Olive Garden is my favorite restaurant. After having my implant procedure, I wanted to treat myself to my favorite Italian restaurant. The Aiken location is my go to place. The food was amazing, customer service was great, overall I would say my visit was 10/10. It wasn’t until I left that I noticed I left my wallet on the table. We were seated across from the bar directly in front of the kitchen. I called and inquired about my wallet and was treated great at FIRST. After confirming my identity over the phone, I made my way back to Olive Garden. The two women in the front greeted me with respect as they did upon our initial arrival. They informed the manager Daniel that I came to retrieve my wallet. Daniel came to the front and walked away headed towards what I’m assuming was the office area. It’s located directly behind the host/hostess station. The manager Daniel then turned around and came towards me. He open my wallet and asked me to confirm my name again as if he didn’t remember he served us our food tonight and as if he wasn’t the person I confirmed my identity to. I noticed my money wasn’t in my wallet. I looked at the floor to see if my money fell when Daniel opened my wallet. I knew my eyes weren’t deceiving me. Daniel walked off. I told the two hostess in the front that my money was missing. They replied “oh”. I walked towards my truck and informed my husband what happened. He called and we were able to speak with Daniel. At first Daniel acted as if no one came to pick up a wallet. I suggested that I should have the police come and take a look at the camera. Daniel stated that this Aiken location does not have surveillance. I said well I still want to make a report. Daniel then asked how much money was in my wallet, I stated I’m not sure the exact amount but it was one dollar bills folded over ten dollar bills folded over twenty dollar bills. Totaling about 176 at the least. Daniel said there was no money in my wallet and that the hostess turned my wallet in and she had not opened my wallet. Seeing that I wasn’t going to reach a positive conclusion, I asked for Daniel’s superior information. He provided only her name. When asked for the hostess name so I can have my report accurate, Daniel stated he would not give that type of information as it violates their “policy”. I tipped my server over the limit that was suggested, I shouldn’t have to be called a liar about my money I work hard for. I WILL NEVER EAT HERE AGAIN. It’s one thing to offer sympathy and at least pay me a portion of money back, but I guess because of the color of my skin I’m automatically trying to get a “come up” absolute worst visit. I promise I will drive to the Washington Rd. location...

Update from Jan 2024 (4 stars) New year improvement! I fell back in love with the chicken gnocchi. The gnocchi was so soft but not overcooked. The zuppa was okay per my husband. He still thinks they can do better. I think the zuppa was really good. It's missing a small kick of the specific spiciness that you get from the spicy Italian sausage in addition to the pepper flakes. The breadstick still a bit overbaked. It used to be just baked with a slight golden brown and was slathered with garlic butter salt. But compare to last time, the breadstick no longer look like pretzel. It's still a bit doughy; I'm guessing the company change the recipe to make it so that we fill up on bread. This time was amazingly better than the last time. I would definitely come back for their soup and breadstick again.

November 2023 (2 stars) Disappointed in their signature soups and breadsticks Soup: Zuppa Toscana and Chicken Gnocchi.

The Zuppa was watery and flavorless. There was not enough potatoes and the kale was so soft like the texture of canned collard greens. There was no bits of bacon. There was not much spice nor much of the heavy cream. Was there no given recipe by the franchise? If not, then I can definitely tell that they took a lot of shortcuts.

I found chunky chicken in the chicken gnocchi. The first bowl had no gnocchi and it was heavily salted. The shredded carrots was so laughable. It looks like it came from a salad bag. If you ever had Sam Club's broccoli cheddar, the creamy taste and the carrots tasted just like that, store bought.

The worst was the breadsticks. It was brown and doughy like pretzel bread.

The only appeal was the entrees and our server, Ryan. The entrees came out delicious. The entrees came out really quick. I suspect that they had a lot of sauce frozen/refrigerated then reheated. I had no issue since was it was lunch hour on a Saturday. Ryan was super and awesome.

The price was quite expensive for lunch because they charge dinner price on the weekend. The entrees were between $17.99 to $20.99.

I will try again next year but if there is no improvement. I might as well just order...