When the aroma of garlic and the warm embrace of Italian-American cuisine call, Olive Garden answers. But in this haven of unlimited breadsticks and hearty pasta, some menu items are more like a siren’s song — tempting but potentially treacherous for the unwary diner. Here’s a dive into the dishes that might be better left unordered, offering you a taste of what to avoid for a truly bellissimo dining experience.
1. Shrimp Alfredo
Olive Garden’s Shrimp Alfredo often leaves much to be desired. This dish, which should be a symphony of creamy sauce and succulent shrimp, has been reported to come with pasta that isn’t fully tossed in the Alfredo sauce. Some noodles arrive drenched, others bare, leading to an inconsistent and underwhelming dish. With a steep price tag, it’s recommended to try a homemade version instead.
Furthermore, a sauce heading towards a solid rather than a liquid state is not what you expect from a restaurant of Olive Garden’s caliber. The shrimp, often small and lacking additional flavor, fail to rescue the dish from its descent into mediocrity. It seems in this case, the iconic Olive Garden Alfredo sauce fails to live up to its reputation.
2. Lasagna Fritta
The Lasagna Fritta presents itself as a unique twist on a classic, but the execution may not hit the mark. Described as a soggy affair rather than the crispy appetizer one might anticipate, it’s a heavy start to an Olive Garden feast. With an overbearing sense of grease and a confusing blend of flavors, the Lasagna Fritta is a far cry from the light, crispy appetizers that one might expect from a traditional Italian experience.
It’s an item that’s become more about novelty than culinary delight. Between its layers, you’ll find a muddled mix of cheeses and sauces that overwhelm rather than complement each other. As a precursor to the main meal, it could potentially overshadow the flavors yet to come, and not in a good way.
3. Chicken Parmigiana
The Chicken Parmigiana at Olive Garden is another dish that might be better left on the menu. Although this Italian-American staple has the potential to be a crowd-pleaser, the version served up by Olive Garden has been described as forgettable. The chicken may be well-cooked, but the lackluster breading and overdone pasta side fail to elevate this classic dish.
The sauce and cheese, which should be the dish’s crowning glory, add little to its appeal and tend to be overcooked. In this instance, the quest for the perfect Chicken Parmigiana continues beyond Olive Garden’s doors.
4. Tour of Italy
The Tour of Italy, while boasting generous portions and an enticing price point, might not take you on the culinary journey you’re hoping for. It’s a dish that promises a sampling of Olive Garden classics but delivers an experience that some have likened to a tour of the frozen food aisle. The lasagna, chicken parmigiana, and fettuccine alfredo that comprise this platter often suffer from a lack of freshness and a disappointing presentation.
With the lasagna appearing messy and the Alfredo sauce once again not properly integrated with the pasta, the Tour of Italy seems to offer quantity over quality. This menu item may be economical, but for those seeking an authentic taste of Italy, it falls short.
5. Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno
The Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno, a dish that should be a comforting blend of cheese and pasta, has been described by some as merely adequate. While this item does not incur the same level of disappointment as others, it’s often noted for its simplicity and lack of standout qualities. For a restaurant that prides itself on Italian-American comfort food, “adequate” might not be a strong enough endorsement to warrant a try.
Though the dish does bring a certain warmth and familiarity, it is a reminder that sometimes the classics are best left unaltered. The Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno, while not necessarily a dish to avoid, may not live up to the expectations set by its more flavorful counterparts on the menu.
In the end, while Olive Garden offers a plethora of satisfying dishes to its patrons, there are a few that might not hit the high notes. Whether it’s due to execution, flavor balance, or simply failing to meet the expectations set by their traditional counterparts, these dishes are better skipped. Instead, focus on the many other options that Olive Garden does right, and enjoy the Italian-American culinary journey that awaits.
