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Olive Garden Italian Restaurant ico

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
- 1250 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, OH 43240

Italian restaurant, Caterer ★4.0 (634)·US$10–20

1250 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, OH 43240, USA

4.0
The server was fabulous. The food was horrible. The red sauce was bland. It tastes like it was watered down. The mushroom sauce is the only thing that has flavor. It was a waste of money. The marinara sauce doesn't have a tomato taste. It tastes like water. I will not recommend them for any pasta dish. Their pasta is over cooked and unseasoned. It's bad. The tables were clean and the service was good. We felt sorry for the server because of the bad tasting food. Everyone welcomes you and they will also thank you when you are leaving. But the food is horrible. Maybe soup and salad but I wouldn't order anything else. - Mr. Branham
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Overview Intro Menu Detail Photos Location Reviews
US$10–20 per person Reported by 634 peopleUS$1–10US$10–20US$20–30US$30–50US$50–100

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Introduce

For many of us in Ohio, the name Olive Garden conjures up images of familiar comfort, unlimited breadsticks, and generous servings of classic Italian-American dishes. Located conveniently on Polaris Parkway in Columbus, Olive Garden Italian Restaurant has long been a go-to spot for locals seeking a casual and welcoming dining experience with a taste of Italy. This article aims to provide a clear and informative overview of what this particular Olive Garden offers, helping residents across the Ohio region learn more about this popular dining establishment.

Olive Garden, established in 1982, has become one of the largest full-service Italian restaurant chains in the United States. Its success is built on a simple promise: to provide a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere where guests can enjoy comforting Italian-inspired meals. The brand has become synonymous with its signature unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks, a feature that offers excellent value and a beloved tradition for many diners. For Ohioans, the Polaris location upholds this long-standing reputation, offering a consistent and accessible dining option for various occasions.

While some culinary opinions might vary, as is common with any large chain, Olive Garden's enduring popularity among local users in Ohio speaks to its ability to deliver a recognizable and generally satisfying experience. They focus on a menu of Americanized Italian favorites, including a wide array of pasta dishes, chicken, and seafood entrees, along with their well-known appetizers and desserts. The emphasis is on creating a welcoming environment where families and friends can gather for a meal that feels both special and comfortably familiar. The Polaris location aims to continue this tradition, serving as a reliable spot for those craving their classic Italian-American fare.

Location and Accessibility

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant is conveniently situated at 1250 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, OH 43240, USA. This address places it directly on Polaris Parkway, a major commercial thoroughfare in northern Columbus, and in close proximity to the expansive Polaris Fashion Place shopping and entertainment district. For residents throughout Central Ohio, including those in nearby suburbs like Westerville, Dublin, and Worthington, accessing this Olive Garden location is highly convenient.

The restaurant's position on a prominent parkway ensures excellent vehicular accessibility, with direct connections to Interstate 71 and other primary roads. Ample parking is available in the dedicated parking lot surrounding the restaurant, making it easy for diners to find a spot, even during busier times. The area around Polaris Parkway is well-developed with numerous other retail and dining establishments, contributing to its overall ease of access and popularity. For individuals utilizing public transportation, various COTA bus routes serve the Polaris Parkway area, providing accessibility for a broader range of local users.

This strategic location makes Olive Garden an ideal choice for a casual family dinner after a day of shopping, a convenient lunch stop, or a relaxed evening out with friends. Its integration into this bustling commercial area caters to the needs of Ohioans seeking readily available and familiar dining options.

Services Offered
  • Dine-in Service: Guests can enjoy their meals in the restaurant's casual and welcoming dining room.
  • Online Waitlist: Customers can join the waitlist online before arriving at the restaurant to minimize wait times, especially during peak hours.
  • Online Ordering for Pickup (ToGo): Conveniently place orders online for car-side pickup or in-store pickup, allowing customers to enjoy Olive Garden meals at home.
  • Delivery Service: Available through various third-party food delivery platforms, bringing Olive Garden's menu items directly to your home or office within their service area.
  • Catering Services: Offers a wide range of catering pans and meal combinations suitable for events, family gatherings, and office meetings, with options for pickup and delivery.
  • Full Bar Service: A selection of wines (including their signature Moscato), beers, and classic cocktails are available.
  • Kids' Menu: A dedicated menu with smaller portions of popular dishes, catering to younger diners.
  • Gluten-Sensitive Options: Offers a selection of menu items prepared without gluten-containing ingredients, including gluten-free pasta, to accommodate dietary needs.
  • Darden Restaurants Gift Cards: Olive Garden accepts and sells Darden Restaurants gift cards, which are redeemable at any of Darden's restaurant brands.
Features / Highlights
  • Unlimited Soup, Salad, & Breadsticks: A signature offering that accompanies most entrées and is also available as a standalone meal, providing excellent value and a beloved, comforting start to the meal.
  • Classic Italian-American Comfort Food: The menu features popular dishes like Lasagna Classico, Chicken Alfredo, Fettuccine Alfredo, Shrimp Scampi, and Five Cheese Ziti al Forno.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Olive Garden is designed to be a welcoming and comfortable place for families, with a casual ambiance and options suitable for all ages.
  • Freshly Baked Breadsticks: Served warm and fresh, these are a staple and a highlight for many diners.
  • Generous Portions: Entrées are typically served in substantial portions, ensuring a satisfying meal.
  • Variety of Soups: Offers a selection of popular soups including Zuppa Toscana, Pasta e Fagioli, Minestrone, and Chicken & Gnocchi.
  • Loyalty to Familiar Flavors: While some find the sauces bland or pasta overcooked, the consistency and familiarity of the flavors appeal to a broad audience seeking dependable Italian-American fare.
  • Friendly and Attentive Service: Many reviews highlight the excellent service provided by the staff, who often go out of their way to ensure a pleasant dining experience.
Contact Information

Address: 1250 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, OH 43240, USA

Phone: (614) 885-0080

Mobile Phone: +1 614-885-0080

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant on Polaris Parkway is a highly suitable dining choice for locals across the Ohio region, particularly in and around Columbus, for several practical and appealing reasons. It caters to a widespread desire for accessible, comforting, and family-friendly dining experiences.

Firstly, its reputation for consistency and familiarity makes it a reliable option for many Ohioans. While individual food quality can sometimes be subjective, as seen in mixed reviews regarding pasta dishes or sauces, the overall experience of unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks provides undeniable value and a comforting standard that many cherish. This makes it a dependable spot for a casual weeknight dinner, a quick lunch, or a gathering with family and friends where everyone can find something they recognize and enjoy. The emphasis on friendly service, as consistently praised by customers, further enhances the dining experience, making guests feel welcome and appreciated.

Secondly, the restaurant’s prime location on Polaris Parkway offers exceptional accessibility. For those living or working in northern Columbus and its surrounding suburbs, Olive Garden is easy to reach, with ample parking readily available. This convenience means that locals can seamlessly integrate a visit into their daily routines, whether they're coming from a shopping trip at Polaris Fashion Place or simply looking for a straightforward dinner option. The presence of online ordering, car-side pickup, and delivery services also adds layers of flexibility that cater to modern busy lifestyles.

Moreover, Olive Garden’s extensive menu with options for kids and those with gluten sensitivities ensures it can accommodate a wide range of dietary needs and preferences within a family or group. It provides a no-fuss environment where the focus is on a relaxed meal and good company. In essence, Olive Garden on Polaris Parkway remains a popular and suitable choice for Ohio locals seeking a familiar, comforting, and convenient Italian-American dining experience.

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Menu

  • Appetizers

    Great for sharing

  • Calamari

    Hand-breaded and fried to order. Served with marinara and spicy ranch.

  • Meatballs Parmigiana

    Five hearty meatballs baked in homemade marinara, topped with melted Italian cheeses and toasted breadcrumbs.

  • Lasagna Fritta

    Parmesan breaded lasagna, served with homemade alfredo and meat sauce. **Our meat sauces include pan-seared beef and Italian sausage.

  • Stuffed Ziti Fritta

    Crispy fried ziti filled with five melted Italian cheeses. Served with homemade marinara and alfredo.

  • Toasted Ravioli

    Lightly fried ravioli filled with seasoned beef. Served with homemade marinara sauce.

  • Spinach-Artichoke Dip

    A blend of spinach, artichokes and five cheeses served with flatbread crisps.

  • Shrimp Fritto Misto

    Over a half-pound of shrimp mixed with onions and bell peppers, hand-breaded and lightly fried. Served with marinara and spicy ranch.

  • Fried Mozzarella

    Fried mozzarella cheese, served with homemade marinara sauce.

  • Never Ending Dipping Sauces for Breadsticks

    Homemade marinara, alfredo or five cheese marinara.

  • Lunch-Sized Favorites

    Available 11-3PM Monday-Friday

  • Never Ending Soup, Salad & Breadsticks

    Your choice of unlimited homemade soup served with famous house salad and hot breadsticks.

  • Spaghetti

    With marinara or with meat sauce. **Our meat sauces include pan-seared beef and Italian sausage.

  • Fettuccine Alfredo

    Our signature alfredo made fresh in-house every morning, served over fettuccine.

  • Cheese Ravioli

    Topped with melted mozzarella and your choice of homemade marinara or meat sauce. **Our meat sauces include pan-seared beef and Italian sausage.

  • Five Cheese Ziti al Forno

    Oven baked blend of Italian cheeses, pasta and our signature homemade five cheese marinara.

  • Eggplant Parmigiana

    Hand-breaded, lightly fried and served with a side of spaghetti.

  • Spaghetti & Meatballs (2)

    With meat sauce. **Our meat sauces include pan-seared beef and Italian sausage.

  • Lasagna Classico

    Layers of pasta, Italian cheeses and our homemade meat sauce. **Our meat sauces include pan-seared beef and Italian sausage.

  • Chicken Parmigiana

    Served with a side of spaghetti.

  • Shrimp Scampi

    Lighter take on an Italian classic! Shrimp sautéed in a garlic sauce, tossed with asparagus, tomatoes and angel hair.

  • Classic Entrées

    All entrées come with our never-ending first course of soup or salad and breadsticks

  • Tour of Italy

    Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna Classico and our signature Fettuccine Alfredo. **Our meat sauces include pan-seared beef and Italian sausage.

  • Chicken Tortolloni Alfredo

    Asiago cheese-filled tortellini baked in alfredo with a blend of Italian cheeses and toasted breadcrumbs, topped with sliced grilled chicken. 1

  • Chicken & Shrimp Carbonara

    Chicken and shrimp sautéed in a creamy sauce with bacon and roasted red peppers, over spaghetti.

  • Chicken Parmigiana

    A classic with our homemade marinara and a side of spaghetti.

  • Eggplant Parmigiana

    Hand-breaded eggplant, lightly fried to order, topped with melted mozzarella and homemade marinara. Served with a side of spaghetti.

  • Lasagna Classico

    Layers of pasta, parmesan, mozzarella, pecorino romano and homemade meat sauce, prepared fresh daily. **Our meat sauces include pan-seared beef and Italian sausage.

  • Five Cheese Ziti al Forno

    Oven baked blend of Italian cheeses, pasta and our signature homemade five cheese marinara.

  • Cheese Ravioli

    Topped with melted mozzarella and your choice of homemade marinara (V) or meat sauce

  • Spaghetti & Meatballs

    Our homemade meat sauce and three hearty meatballs, served over spaghetti. **Our meat sauces include pan-seared beef and Italian sausage.

  • Spaghetti with Homemade Sauce

    Our homemade marinara served over spaghetti. **Our meat sauces include pan-seared beef and Italian sausage.

  • Stuffed Chicken Marsala

    Grilled chicken breast stuffed with Italian cheeses and sun-dried tomatoes, topped with a creamy marsala mushroom sauce. Served with mashed potatoes. 1

  • Chicken Scampi

    Chicken sautéed with fresh bell peppers and red onions in a creamy scampi sauce. Served over angel hair.

  • Shrimp Scampi

    Lighter take on an Italian classic! Shrimp sautéed in a garlic sauce, tossed with asparagus, tomatoes and angel hair.

  • Shrimp Carbonara

    Shrimp sautéed in a creamy sauce with bacon and roasted red peppers, over spaghetti

  • Ravioli Carbonara

    Cheese ravioli baked in a creamy sauce with bacon, topped with a blend of Italian cheeses

  • Grilled Chicken Margherita

    Topped with freshly chopped tomatoes, mozzarella, basil pesto and lemon garlic sauce. Served with parmesan garlic broccoli.

  • 6 oz Sirloin

    Grilled 6 oz sirloin topped with garlic herb butter. Served with a side of fettuccine alfredo.

  • Herb-Grilled Salmon

    Grilled filet topped with garlic herb butter. Served with steamed parmesan garlic broccoli.

  • Amazing Alfredos

    Made from scratch with simple ingredients like parmesan, cream, garlic & butter.

  • Chicken Alfredo

    Our signature alfredo over fettuccine. Topped with your choice of grilled chicken or crispy chicken fritta.

  • Fettuccine Alfredo

    Our signature sauce is made fresh in-house every morning, served over fettuccine.

  • Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo

    Grilled sirloin tips (6 oz) over fettuccine alfredo, tossed with gorgonzola blue cheese and spinach. Topped with sun-dried tomatoes and a balsamic drizzle.

  • Shrimp Alfredo

    Fettuccine alfredo tossed with sautéed shrimp.

  • Seafood Alfredo

    Fettuccine alfredo tossed with sautéed shrimp and scallops.

  • Create Your Own Pasta

    Our kitchen. Your creation. Pasta just the way you want it!

  • Choose Pasta
  • Choose A Sauce
  • Add A Topping

    (additional price)

  • Homemade Soups & Salad

    Soups made from scratch every day

  • Never-Ending Soup, Salad & Breadsticks

    Our famous house salad, breadsticks and your choice of homemade soup.

  • Pasta e Fagioli

    White and red beans, ground beef, tomatoes and tubetti pasta in a savory broth.

  • Zuppa Toscana

    Spicy Italian sausage, kale and potatoes in a creamy broth.

  • Minestrone

    Fresh vegetables, beans and pasta in a light tomato broth.

  • Chicken & Gnocchi

    A creamy soup made with roasted chicken, Italian dumplings and spinach.

  • Desserts

  • Tiramisu

    Creamy custard and sweet cocoa over espresso-soaked ladyfingers.

  • Black Tie Mousse Cake

    Chocolate cake, dark chocolate cheesecake and creamy custard with icing.

  • Sicilian Cheesecake

    Ricotta cheesecake with a shortbread cookie crust, topped with fresh strawberries.

  • Chocolate Lasagna

    Decadent layers of chocolate cake, creamy chocolate mousse, and a delicate layer of crushed wafers. Topped with chocolate sauce.

  • Warm Italian Doughnuts

    Known in Italy as Zeppoli, our doughnuts are made to order and tossed in vanilla sugar. Served with raspberry or chocolate sauce.

  • Strawberry Cream Cake

    Vanilla sponge cake layered with sweet vanilla cream and topped with fresh strawberries.

  • Featured Cocktails

  • Sicilian Sunset

    A refreshing mix of prickly pear lemonade, pineapple juice and New Amsterdam vodka.

  • Italian Rum Punch

    Bacardi Silver rum and amaretto mixed with strawberry-passion fruit.

  • Peach Bellini

    Originating in Italy, a refreshing mix of sparkling Italian white wine and peach purée.

  • Amaretto Sour

    The perfect sweet-and-sour combination of amaretto, a sweet Italian liqueur, and sour mix.

  • Spiked Strawberry Lemonade

    Strawberry-passion fruit lemonade with New Amsterdam vodka, fresh mint and strawberries.

  • Blue Capri

    Blue Chair Bay coconut rum with Blue Curacao and pineapple juice.

  • Sangrias

    Perfect for sharing

  • Green Apple Moscato Sangria

    Chilled moscato blended with apple purée and a splash of pineapple juice. Available in Pitcher (serves 4) and Glass.

  • Watermelon Moscato Sangria

    Chilled moscato blended with watermelon and a splash of ginger ale. Available in Pitcher (serves 4) and Glass.

  • Berry Sangria

    Red wine, fresh fruit and a splash of fruit juices. Available in Pitcher (serves 4) and Glass.

  • White

  • Moscato
  • Sweet Pink Moscato Blend
  • White Zinfandel
  • Riesling
  • Sparkling Italian Wine
  • Pinot Grigio
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Chardonnay
  • Red

  • Sweet Red Roscato
  • Pinot Noir
  • Merlot
  • Red Blend
  • Chianti Classico
  • Cabernet
  • Featured Wines by the Bottle

    Available in glass and bottle

  • Moscato, Primo Amore, Italy
  • Sweet Pink Moscato Blend, Confetti, Italy
  • Sweet Red Roscato, Rosso Dolce, Italy
  • Red Blend, Porta Vita, Italy
  • Draft Selections

    Available in 16 or 22 oz

  • Modelo Especial
  • Blue Moon
  • Bud Light
  • Bottled Beers

  • Budweiser
  • Bud Light
  • Michelob Ultra
  • Coors Light
  • Miller Lite
  • Modelo Especial
  • Corona
  • Stella Artois
  • Peroni
  • Heineken
  • Samuel Adams Lager
  • Angry Orchard Hard Cider
  • Non-Alcoholic

  • Refreshing Favorites
  • Italian Bottled Water
  • Handcrafted
  • Coffee

  • Hot Coffee
  • Hot Tea
  • Cappuccino
  • Lavazza Espresso
  • Traditional Iced Coffee
  • Vanilla Iced Coffee
  • Caramel Iced Coffee
  • Signature Margaritas

  • Italian Margarita

    Inspired by the flavors of Italy, our margarita is made with Jose Cuervo Especial Silver tequila, triple sec, and topped with amaretto, a sweet Italian liqueur.

  • Strawberry Limoncello Margarita

    A sweet strawberry margarita with Mi Campo Blanco tequila and Caravella limoncello, an Italian liqueur

  • Watermelon Margarita

    A refreshing blend of watermelon and Calirosa Rosa Blanco tequila, garnished with a salted rim.

  • Create Your Own Pasta

  • Choose Pasta
  • Choose Sauce
  • Pick one Topping
  • Entree

  • Macaroni & Cheese
  • Pepperoni Pizza
  • Cheese Pizza
  • Chicken Fingers
  • Cheese Ravioli
  • Sides

  • Grapes
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce
  • French Fries
  • Seasoned Broccoli
  • Dessert

  • Frozen Smoothie
  • See Ziosk for our complete list of full size desserts. Perfect for sharing!

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Details

  • Service options

  • Kerbside pickup
  • No-contact delivery
  • Delivery
  • Takeaway
  • Dine-in
  • Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails
  • Great coffee
  • Great dessert
  • Great tea selection
  • Great wine list
  • Serves local specialty
  • Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible car park
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Small plates
  • Spirits
  • Vegetarian options
  • Wine
  • Dining options

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Catering
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
  • Amenities

  • Bar on site
  • Toilet
  • Wi-Fi
  • Wi-Fi
  • Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cosy
  • Quiet
  • Trendy
  • Crowd

  • Family friendly
  • Groups
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Tourists
  • Transgender safe space
  • Planning

  • Usually a wait
  • Accepts reservations
  • Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Credit cards
  • Children

  • Good for kids
  • Has changing table(s)
  • High chairs
  • Kids' menu
  • Parking

  • Free of charge street parking
  • Free parking lot
  • Parking

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Photos

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Picture 1Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Picture 2Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Picture 3Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Picture 4Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Picture 5Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Picture 6Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Picture 7Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Picture 8Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Picture 9Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Picture 10

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Location

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

1250 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, OH 43240, USA

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 3784 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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