Olive Garden Italian Restaurant — Restaurant in Coralville

Update:

I did go back for a second time with my mom and brother yesterday, so I'm back to update like I said I would.

During the day, the restaurant is nice and bright - a different ambiance then late evening. Very clean like before.

We ordered simple pasta entree dishes, my mom and I had fettuccine alfredo and my brother had spaghetti. They were very tasty.

Again though, the only unsavoury thing about the experience was how OFTEN they stopped by the table! The waitress was lovely, friendly and prompt don't get me wrong, but the "table checkups" were a bit much. One stop she asked how my entree was, when I hadn't even put my fork anywhere near it yet - I was finishing my salad and the pasta was still in the spot she had placed it. Another table visit from her was followed IMMEDIATELY by the mgt(?) checking on us - 'Ally' our waitress hadn't even made it two tables away.

I will add a star to my review (3 to 4) because everything else was amazing. I just don't know that I'll frequently come here because it's a bit disconcerting for those with social anxiety.

I ate at Olive Garden for the first time EVER a few weeks ago, on a date with my boyfriend.

I love the intimate type of seating, lighting and decor. I had lovely pasta with shrimp, and a delicious drink. (He orders for me often, so I don't remember what it was exactly.)

The staff was friendly, nice and attentive. Really TOO attentive for my taste. I don't like a million stops at my table while I'm eating. The rare times I get to go out, I'm trying to catch up with my family and/or boyfriend, and the constant interruptions is quite annoying and breaks up our conversations. My boyfriend loves attention though, and expects to be treated like a king so he was soaking it up.

I don't expect them to catch the cues though, and probably are expected to stop frequently by their management. And maybe it was just an overzealous waitress.

I'm probably going today with my family for my birthday, so I'll update this...

My Italian American adventure began in a parking lot shared with a hotel. Parking was easily accessible and convenient. We walked from my vehicle into the foyer of the establishment. I was serenaded by Italian-style music that sung softly and added to the exquisite ambiance. Upon entering said establishment, we were immediately seated by a handsome gentleman. We were escorted to our dining area where we were simultaneously greeted by our server.

We started with two waters. The attention to detail was already apparent; the waters were crisp and filled just to the brim. Shortly later, we were asked if we were ready to order. We were not. Our waitress politely noted her understanding. Just as we had finalized our orders, she returned. We gave our orders and made pleasant conversation while noshing on delectable bread sticks and spooning the most delicious minestrone soup imaginable to our lips. We were frequently checked on and our glasses were never empty. All the while, a pleasant hum of conversation filled the air. We were given the opportunity to order additional bread sticks and soup, both of which were complimentary.

Minutes later, a buffet; nay, a feast, was delivered to our table. Our eyes met the food and we knew that this meal would be legendary. Flaky cheese, like snow, showered from a hard block. We decided when the cheese shower would stop. Words cannot describe the flavor that ensued. No attempt will be made to do so.

In a moment not too soon, we were given our mints and sent on our way. The price of the meal was the icing on the cake; a small price to pay for such an amazing experience. We left a tip becoming of such a delightful dinner. We left as we had entered, except pleasantly...

Having had several meals from Olive Garden in the past, my recent take-out experience was a bit of a mixed bag.

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce: This classic dish is always a comfort-food favorite. The spaghetti was cooked al dente, giving it the right balance of firmness. However, it felt somewhat under-dressed in its meat sauce. There was a noticeable lack of the hearty and rich flavor that usually defines this dish. The sauce-to-pasta ratio could have been better, and it would indeed be beneficial for Olive Garden to consider providing an option to add extra meat sauce when placing orders. That small adjustment could significantly elevate the dish for those who prefer a more generous sauce serving.

Pasta e Fagioli Soup: A beloved staple on their menu, the Pasta e Fagioli soup on this occasion was a letdown. The traditionally meat-rich and flavorful soup felt pared down in both meat content and seasoning. The essence of the beans and pasta was present, but the soup lacked the depth and robustness that usually make it a crowd-pleaser. A dash more of seasoning and a more generous inclusion of meat would bring it up to the mark.

In conclusion, while the take-out experience wasn’t entirely disappointing, there’s room for improvement in ensuring that dishes maintain the same quality and richness as one would expect when dining in. Here's hoping my next order is closer to the Olive Garden standard I...