Olive Garden Italian Restaurant — Restaurant in Greensboro

UPDATE - I haven't gone back because I am generally a single diner and we seem to be less important than large parties. I can say this... whoever answered this review asked me to send them information and then never once responded when I did. So for those of you who are dissatisfied with service there; they only answer publicly so that they can look like they care. It's simply a publicity move, so just know they aren't truly going to value your opinion or use your review to improve anything at all. I had even attempted to reach them again, to no avail. I would lower this to one star if I could. I won't go back to that place, but I will take the time to visit other Olive Garden restaurants to see how those experiences are. If other managers see this from other stores, let me know and I'll come visit yours! :)

I have given this place several opportunities to get it right.

I often go to this place alone and take a meal home for my son. Without fail, I am seated in a section that feels like I'm there to be available for new servers. It's not always clean and the service is slow and grueling. I certainly don't mind being available for new servers to learn with, but when I'm the only one in the section, I should have better service than I'm receiving. I don't want to be there for 2 hours, but I am... every....single...time.

Without fail, if I ask for something it takes at least 20 minutes to get it. It generally takes 20 to 30 minutes to receive soup or salad. Anything after the entree arrives is never going to show up and don't bother asking another server for anything, they will just wait until they can get your server's attention, if/when that happens.

The only reason they are getting 2 stars from me is because the food, when you do get it, is generally satisfying. Management doesn't want to deal with you if you have a complaint. And the last time I went, the server, after providing absolutely horrible service, leaned up against the wall and asked if I was paying in cash or by card. When told her I was paying in cash, she told me I should pay her, then.

I handed her my ticket and money with tip, she walked away shoving it ALL in her pocket. No, not her apron, in her pants pocket.

I have deduced that these people ASSUME that if one goes into this place alone that they won't receive a decent tip. I ALWAYS pay at least 20%. I've gone in with my husband once and we were seated in the bar. We tipped the server 20.00 because we were elated at having the rare opportunity to actually have someone care about her guests.

Perhaps consider going elsewhere if you're seeking good Italian food if you would like to bundle it with good service if you're just out enjoying and evening as a single diner. You will not be appreciated in this establishment, which is absolutely ridiculous. I probably tip better than many of their single dining guests, regardless, no paying customer should be treated this way and I do mean day, night and any day of the week.

UPDATE- The "owner" did respond here publicly asking for information, as I note that the exact same response has been asked of other negative reviews. I provided the requested information immediately and it's been a week and not a word from them. I'll let you know what actions were taken once I hear...

Tonight, (7/07/23), my sister and I went to Olive Garden for dinner. Shortly after being seated, our server, John, came over and took our drink orders and brought us some bread sticks. After giving us time to peruse the menu, he came back to take our order. I order the Seafood Alfredo while my sister chose the Shrimp Alfredo. We both opted for the salad versus the soup. Once we got our salad, we dug in right away as we were starving. We noticed John would come by surveying our table and his other tables nearby to see if we needed anything. At first, we didn't need anything. Our food eventually came out and as always, it was delicious. No complaints there. The complaints came in after the food was served. John would walk by our table, glance at us then continue to check out his other tables. We watched as he took orders of others and served them. Here comes the issue..... Once our bread sticks and drink were depleted, he never got us refills even though he had just stopped to look at our table! He hardly checked on us. Just would glance at our table. No, "is there anything you ladies need" or "do you need refills" etc. None of that. Normally, my experience with servers is when they walk by your table and see your running low on a drink, they'll refill you or ask if you need anything. He didn't. I wanted to give him a chance..... My sis was getting increasingly aggravated. I did end up stopping him to request drink and bread sticks refills which he promptly took care of only to go back to not being an attentive server. Even though we enjoyed dinner, we didn't feel like he was attentive enough as a server. Eventually we asked for the manager and I explained how we didn't feel like we were giving the attention customers deserve. The manager, Jerome, was very understanding and apologetic. He promised to talk to John about our complaints and even offered us a free dessert. We thanked him for listening to us and for the dessert. He actually gave us 2 desserts (the Chocolate Brownie Lasagna and the Strawberry Cream Cake). Both were OMG delicious! I'm writing this just to say that although we were disappointed in the service, Jerome the manager definitely made up for it by listening to our concerns, assuring us that he would speak with his server and the free dessert didn't hurt either. Thank you Jerome for your understanding and kindness! We look forward to coming back in the...

Olive Garden: A Satisfying Italian Dining Experience

Olive Garden is a national chain restaurant specializing in Italian-American cuisine. With over 800 locations in the United States, it has become a household name for diners seeking affordable and family-friendly dining.

Ambiance

Olive Garden's atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a rustic Tuscan-inspired décor. The spacious dining rooms are well-lit and comfortable, with plenty of seating options for parties of all sizes. The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring that every guest feels welcome.

Menu

Olive Garden's menu is extensive, featuring a wide variety of pasta dishes, entrees, appetizers, and desserts. The signature dish is the Unlimited Pasta Pass, which allows diners to enjoy unlimited servings of select pasta entrees and unlimited breadsticks.

Pasta lovers will be spoiled for choice with options like Spaghetti & Meatballs, Chicken Alfredo, and Carbonara. Among the popular entrees are Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna, and Shrimp Scampi. For appetizers, the Breadsticks are a must-try, along with the Zuppa Toscana soup.

Food Quality

The food at Olive Garden is generally satisfactory, with generous portions and reasonable prices. The pasta dishes are cooked al dente and the sauces are flavorful. The entrees are well-prepared and offer a good balance of flavors.

While the food is not necessarily gourmet, it is consistent and reliable, making it a solid option for casual dining.

Service

The service at Olive Garden is usually prompt and efficient. The servers are knowledgeable about the menu and can provide helpful recommendations. The drink orders are refilled regularly, and the staff is attentive to any special requests.

Value for Money

Olive Garden offers a good value for money. The Unlimited Pasta Pass, in particular, is a great deal for those who enjoy large portions of pasta. The entrees are also reasonably priced, with most dishes falling within the $10-$20 range.

Overall

Olive Garden is a reliable choice for affordable and family-friendly Italian dining. The inviting atmosphere, extensive menu, and satisfactory food quality make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. While not necessarily a fine dining experience, Olive Garden is a great option for casual dining with a...