Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

- 2 Times Sq, New York, NY 10036

In the bustling, high-energy environment of Times Square, where lights and billboards vie for your attention, Olive Garden Italian Restaurant offers a familiar and comforting dining experience. Situated at 2 Times Sq, this location stands out as a large, welcoming space designed to accommodate the thousands of visitors and locals who frequent this iconic neighborhood. While New York City is home to countless independent eateries, Olive Garden provides a reliable and recognizable option, a brand many people know and trust for a consistent and family-friendly meal. The ambiance is casual and cozy, creating a relaxed atmosphere that is a welcome contrast to the frantic pace of the streets outside. The restaurant is popular for both lunch and dinner, drawing a diverse crowd of families, groups, and solo diners looking for a satisfying Italian-American meal.

Olive Garden is best known for its generous portions and its signature "never-ending" first course of soup or salad and breadsticks. This feature, a major highlight for many, is a staple that sets the tone for a hearty and filling meal. The menu is expansive, offering a wide variety of classic dishes, from appetizers perfect for sharing, like the Lasagna Fritta and Calamari, to an array of pasta creations. The "Create Your Own Pasta" option gives guests a chance to customize their meal to their exact liking, while the "Classic Entrées" section features beloved favorites such as Chicken Parmigiana and the iconic Tour of Italy. Beyond the food, the restaurant also boasts a great beer and wine list, as well as a selection of signature cocktails, catering to a range of tastes. The staff is consistently praised for being friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, which, as noted by customer reviews, can make a good meal a great experience.

Located at 2 Times Sq, New York, NY 10036, Olive Garden's location is one of its most defining features. Situated right in the heart of Times Square, it is easily accessible from multiple public transportation lines. The Times Square-42 St subway station is a major hub, serving the N, Q, R, W, 1, 2, 3, 7, and S lines, all of which are just a short walk away. This makes the restaurant incredibly convenient for tourists staying in nearby hotels and for New Yorkers traveling from other boroughs. For those who choose to drive, paid street parking is available, as are numerous paid parking garages, although finding a spot can be challenging in this busy area. Given the high foot traffic, public transit is often the most convenient option.

The restaurant is committed to accessibility, ensuring all guests can dine comfortably. It features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating. This commitment makes it a good option for families and individuals with mobility challenges. The immense size of the restaurant is designed to handle the large crowds of Times Square, and while there is often a wait, the seating process is efficient. The central location in the theater district also makes it a popular spot for a pre- or post-show meal, adding to its appeal for a variety of guests.

Olive Garden offers a variety of services to accommodate the diverse needs of its customers in a high-volume environment. The services include:

• Curbside pickup: A convenient option for guests who wish to pick up their order without leaving their vehicle.
• No-contact delivery & Delivery: Get your favorite Italian-American dishes delivered right to your door.
• Takeout: Place an order for pickup and enjoy your meal elsewhere.
• Dine-in: The classic full-service dining experience within the restaurant's comfortable interior.
• Catering: The restaurant provides catering services, making it a viable option for larger gatherings and events.
• Table service: All dining guests are attended to by a dedicated and friendly staff.

These service options ensure that guests can enjoy Olive Garden's food on their terms, whether they're in a hurry or want to relax and stay for a while.

Olive Garden's Times Square location is notable for several features and highlights that set it apart and contribute to its popularity. These attributes make it a dependable choice for many visitors. The key features and highlights include:

• Highlights: The restaurant is praised for its fast service, which is a significant plus in a busy area. It boasts a great beer selection, a well-rounded wine list, and a variety of cocktails. The desserts are also a highlight, as is the availability of local specialty dishes.
• Popular for: It is a top choice for lunch and dinner, as well as for solo diners.
• Accessibility: The establishment is fully wheelchair accessible, with an accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating, making it an inclusive venue.
• Offerings: The menu includes a full bar with beer, cocktails, wine, and hard liquor. There are also options for quick bites, small plates, comfort food, and vegetarian dishes.
• Dining options: The restaurant serves brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert, and also provides catering services and a variety of seating options.
• Amenities: There is a bar on-site, a restroom, and Wi-Fi for guests.
• Atmosphere: The environment is casual, cozy, and trendy, creating a relaxed vibe.
• Crowd: The restaurant is family-friendly, welcoming to groups and tourists, and is identified as an LGBTQ+ and transgender safe space.
• Planning: While the restaurant usually has a wait, its size and efficient service often mitigate long delays. It accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
• Children: It is very good for kids, offering a kids' menu, high chairs, and a changing table.
• Parking: Paid street parking is available, which is a key consideration for those driving.

These highlights ensure a comprehensive and convenient dining experience, particularly for families and tourists seeking a known quantity in a new city.

For reservations or any other inquiries, you can contact Olive Garden Italian Restaurant using the following information:

• Address: 2 Times Sq, New York, NY 10036, USA
• Phone: (212) 333-3254

It is important to note that while the restaurant does not typically take reservations in the traditional sense, they do manage a waitlist, which is often in effect due to the high volume of customers, so planning ahead is a good idea.

Choosing Olive Garden in Times Square is a worthwhile decision for several key reasons, especially from the perspective of a visitor or a New Yorker with specific needs. First and foremost, its reputation for consistent, familiar comfort food is a major draw. For those overwhelmed by the sheer number of dining options in New York, a brand like Olive Garden offers a sense of predictability and security. As a customer review noted, a visit can provide a meal that is "very filling and delicious," a simple but effective promise. The "never-ending" soup, salad, and breadsticks are a major selling point, offering exceptional value and a satisfying start to any meal.

The restaurant’s accommodating nature is another significant reason to choose it. It is an ideal spot for families, thanks to a dedicated kids' menu, high chairs, and even a changing table. The friendly and professional service, as highlighted by multiple positive reviews, can elevate the entire dining experience. A good waiter can make all the difference, and the staff at this location is consistently praised for their attentiveness. The restaurant’s immense size is also a benefit, as it is designed to handle large groups and busy times, which is a rare find in a city with many small, crowded establishments. While some dishes may not be considered gourmet, the menu offers a wide variety of choices, from traditional pasta to grilled entrées, ensuring there is something for every palate. Ultimately, Olive Garden provides a comfortable, convenient, and reliable dining experience in one of the world's busiest and most exciting locations, making it a solid choice for a casual meal in the heart of the city.

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

2 Times Sq, New York, NY 10036, USA