Olive Garden Italian Restaurant — Restaurant in Meridian

Second update: This is our third visit to this Olive Garden. It was a weekday in the mid-afternoon. We were seated prompted in a section with only two other parties, giving us some nice privacy and quiet. We got the unlimited soup and salad and were served by Mike, who said he was new to Olive Garden but not to being a server. Mike was the highlight of our visit. He was quiet, polite, respectful, and attentive. He repeatedly came back to check on us and to give us more soup and bread sticks, and to refill our water glasses. As always, the soups, salad, and breadsticks were delicious and satisfying. We will be back!

Update: This is our second trip to this Olive Garden since our move to the Treasure Valley.

We came on a Sunday about 2:30 pm. The place was busy, but we were sat right away. Our server, who also seemed to be working behind the bar, came fairly quickly, and took our order. We had the calimari appetizer and the soup and salad. All the food came quickly and at the same time, which was fine with us. I had three bowls of the minestrone soup, and my wife had two bowls of the gnocchi. Everything was good.

Not sure if our server was new or just busy, but when she would come to the table, she would ask us if we needed anything, instead of if we wanted refills of soup, salad, or breadsticks. The survey at the end asked us if we were asked about these refills. We were never asked if we wanted more breadsticks. We didn't, but it would have been nice to be asked. Also, unlike our last visit, we had to sit for a while for her to return to ask us about bring more soup. So, I'm taking off one star for the service.

However, I'm sure we'll be back. We like the Olive Garden soup, salad, and breadsticks on a cold, rainy day.

Previous: We're relatively new to the Treasure Valley, having relocated from CA in June. This was our first time to an Olive Garden in ID, though we frequented our local one in Orange County.

We came with friends, another couple, around 5 pm on a Wednesday evening. We were seated right away at a table close to the kitchen. Not my favorite location, but it worked for us satisfactorily.

The highlight was our server, Kevin, who took excellent care of us. He was professional, helpful, responsive, and efficient. The breadsticks kept on coming, our water glasses were never empty, our dishes came out in a timely way, and he was asking if I wanted another bowl of soup as soon as I finished.

The entrees were the shrimp appetizer for the husband, spaghetti for the two women, and I had the unlimited soup and salad. Everyone enjoyed their dishes. I'm sure...

Newest OG location. I really like where they decided to locate it, it's very central and easy to get to. Very nice establishment (of course, it's brand new). Everything looks very good, a nice touch of modern elegance compared to older locations. However, that being said, while there is modern elegance, it does reduce the more relaxed, comfortable look that OG has historically been known for. I suppose it's give and take in this department, but being a family centric (historically) chain, I wasn't quite expecting something like this. Nothing bad, don't get me wrong. Just.. different. Not the same feeling. Still, very nice. Staff seem very apt to formality. Everyone is dressed very nice. And thus far the staff are acting equally as formal. Very courteous, nice and respectful. Service has been a bit confusing. Has it been.. bad - not.. particularly. But the speed has been all over the place. And within multiple visits, especially slow on the back end after the main entrees are served. Drinks have been very slow to get refilled, along with any other requests. Example , I had to request my ice tea refilled 3 times for it to finally occur. I have been very excited for the Never Ending Pasta Bowls to come back, however.. getting a pasta refill has been.. painful. Both the last times, it took so long to finally get a pasta refill ordered and then reach the table, by the time it got there, everyone is basically ready to leave, so I don't get an opportunity to eat it and just have to have it put in a to go box. Maybe it's intentional to do that to reduce the product cost, but..that completely defeats the whole "never ending" program and seems almost like a fraudulent claim. Who knows. All in all, it's pretty solid. But I think perhaps there is still a steep learning...

Truly an Authentic Italian Experience.

Oh, mio Dio! What a delightful culinary journey I experienced at Olive Garden! I approached this restaurant with a discerning palate, and I must say, I was thoroughly impressed.

From the moment I walked through the door, the warm, inviting ambiance transported me to the heart of Italy. The charming rustic decor and soft Italian melodies set the perfect mood for a memorable dining experience.

Now, onto the most crucial aspect - the food! The menu was a celebration of Italian flavors, with an array of options that catered to a variety of tastes. I started with the zuppa Toscana, and the flavors of the sausage, kale, and potatoes combined beautifully in a rich, hearty broth. It was a symphony of taste that echoed the countryside of Tuscany.

For the main course, I opted for the Fettuccine Alfredo, a true Italian classic. The pasta was perfectly al dente, and the creamy Alfredo sauce was simply divine. I could taste the quality of the ingredients, and it felt like a comforting embrace from an Italian nonna.

Dessert was the pièce de résistance – the Tiramisu. It was heavenly, with layers of delicate mascarpone, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa. It was like a sweet kiss from the streets of Rome.

The service was impeccable, with a staff that exuded warmth and knowledge about the menu. They made me feel like family, which is a hallmark of true Italian hospitality.

Olive Garden provided me with an authentic Italian experience that transported me straight to Italy. This is more than a restaurant; it's a gateway to the soul of Italy. I highly recommend Olive Garden to anyone seeking genuine Italian flavors and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Cinque stelle! Five stars for an unforgettable dining adventure. Bravo,...