Olive Garden Italian Restaurant — Restaurant in Lakewood

It's Olive Garden food. Most people know what to expect. I cant say the food was amazing that anyone from our party mentioned. But I do like the "endless" options as the salad/soup has always been tasty. They have a new option/add on for "endless" since I went there last. bread stick dipping sauce. I think 3 different dipping sauces. I got the red sauce with cheese version. It was good, I'll try the Alfredo sauce one down the road. The standard sauce (which is a sauce you can already get) was better than the cheese version. Reason I'm giving a 5 star review for this place is service. We had a large party (13 people). On a Thu @ 3:30pm and they took reservations. We were escorted to the table, then figured out the count was off. We had 4 more people. They added tables quickly. We also had some folks show up late. None of the usual - can't sit till the entire party is here from restaurants. They also let folks order "off menu". I.E. we had an order for angel hair pasta, regular sauce, no meat. Without a single complaint. Last we didn't plan ahead right before ordering. We needed split up checks. They worked with that, not a single whimper, whine or complaint. And the serving staff were 👏 AMAZING the entire time, for the group. Their staff made regular visits to the table that I saw. My glass of pop never reached empty before a full glass was set beside it. We were told they were out of a particular type of wine someone requested. 3 minutes later, they somehow were able to give that person the wine they wanted. Only critical thing I can add is they don't really have a true gluten free menu (as a chain I think). One person couldn't eat unfortunately. But to recap, food was good, not great, and the customer service was stunning! As an individual I will add this as a place to go to I normally wouldn't visit just based on quality...

Wish I could put no stars but that's not an option. We have been regulars ( several times a week) of this restaurant for the last few years and we're extremely disappointed in the service or lack of that we received last night. We had family come to town and knew we would have a 10 person table needed. I called at 3pm asking them about the accommodations that they may or may not have. Knowing full well their wait list does not allow you to join if you have more than 5 people. Told them we would be on around 6/630 and was told we can do nothing for you as you must come in person and join the wait list as they won't take reservations and won't put a big party like that on the wait list until I showed up in person. Came in at 530 to join wait list was told we have and I quote "too many reservations to even begin to think about seating a 10 person table for atleast 1-2 HOURS" Had a four year old granddaughter who's heart was broken as thats her restaurant she takes Nana and poppop to when she visits. We have never had the rudeness that was given to us last night ever before. I would have waited if it wasn't for the way they boldly told me what they did with not a care of customer service one in their tone or attitude. We went down the block to Outback which we visit just as regularly and was accommodated with grace and gratefulness that we were there. They went out of their way to make sure we could get in timely and the service...

Not only have I worked in an Olive Garden when I was younger, I've been to many as a guest. This, by far has been the best one I've both seen and had the experience of dining within. I've been here several times, each seeming better than the last. This time our server won first place. My fiance had never been to an Olive Garden and I made sure to take her here, to my favorite one. A warm host took us to a nice booth where we were politely greeted by our server. He smoothly moved through the companies mandatory intro requirements as if it were normal conversation. The mark of quality, right there. Drinks were addressed promptly and he was even ankle to recite every tea flavor they had. Impressive, being that tea was not a specifically common order for such a restaurant. We put in for an appetizer the moment drinks arrived and after only a moment we were ready to order our main dish. He even made sure to ask wether we wanted the app first or three soup and salad. We said which ever was quickest. Not more than a few minutes of conversation had passed when he returned with the appetizer, fresh, hot, and very well presented. Gratitude goes to the chefs in the back as even when our main meal came, it was fresh and full, no slapped together reheat here. Everything was as appealing to the eye as it was to the mouth. Makes me wonder if they used this place for taking photos and marketing for their foods. Haha, can't recommend this...