Olive Garden Hours Guide: Regular, Holiday & Peak Times (Updated in 2025)

Planning a visit to Olive Garden means knowing when you can enjoy their delicious Italian dishes. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner or a quick lunch, understanding Olive Garden hours helps you make the most of your dining experience.

You’ll find that Olive Garden’s opening and closing times vary by location and day, so checking the exact hours before you go saves you from any surprises. In this article, you’ll get clear details on their regular hours, holiday schedules, and even happy hour times to help you plan your visit perfectly.

Olive Garden Hours Overview

Knowing Olive Garden hours keeps your visit smooth and efficient. This section details typical timings and location-specific variations so you can plan accordingly.

Typical Opening and Closing Times

Olive Garden usually opens at 11:00 AM daily. Most locations close between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Weekend hours might extend, often staying open until 11:00 PM. Lunch service generally runs from opening until 3:00 PM, followed by dinner hours.

Variations by Location

Hours vary based on city, state, and local regulations. Urban locations often stay open later than suburban or rural sites. Some restaurants close earlier on Sundays or certain weekdays. Checking the specific Olive Garden location online or calling ahead confirms exact hours before your visit.

Special Holiday Hours

Special holiday hours at Olive Garden differ from regular operating times to accommodate increased customer flow or observance of certain holidays. Knowing these variations helps you plan visits without unexpected closures or limited service.

Major Holidays Affecting Hours

Olive Garden usually adjusts its hours on major holidays including:

• Thanksgiving Day: Most locations close earlier or remain closed to allow staff to observe the holiday.
• Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Limited hours or full closure apply at many restaurants.
• New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day: Hours may shift, with some locations opening later or closing earlier.
• Easter Sunday: Many Olive Garden restaurants operate with reduced hours.
• Independence Day and Memorial Day: Opening hours might extend to accommodate holiday diners.

How to Check Holiday Schedules

• Visiting the official Olive Garden website and selecting your local restaurant.
• Using the Olive Garden mobile app for real-time updates.
• Calling the specific Olive Garden location directly to confirm holiday hours.
• Checking third-party platforms like Google Maps, which often display updated holiday hours for each location.

How to Find Accurate Olive Garden Hours

Knowing Olive Garden’s precise hours depends on using reliable sources. You can confirm current times before planning your visit.

Using the Official Website

Visit Olive Garden’s official website to find updated hours for any location. The site displays opening and closing times, holiday schedules, and special notices. Enter your city or zip code in the location search for exact hours. The website reflects changes promptly, ensuring accuracy.

Checking Through Third-Party Apps

Use apps like Google Maps, Yelp, or Apple Maps to verify Olive Garden hours near you. These platforms provide user-submitted updates and official restaurant information. Check recent reviews or photos posted to confirm if hours have changed. Third-party apps offer convenience but cross-reference with the official website when possible for the best accuracy.

Tips for Visiting Olive Garden During Peak Hours

Understanding how to navigate Olive Garden during busy times improves your dining experience. Use these tips to avoid long waits and secure your preferred seating.

Best Times to Avoid Crowds

Arrive early during weekdays, between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM, to skip lunch rushes. Choose mid-afternoon slots, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, when traffic declines before dinner service. Visit on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, as these days usually see fewer guests. Avoid weekends after 6:00 PM, especially Fridays and Saturdays, when crowds peak. If you plan to dine on holidays or special occasions, check for extended hours or increased demand to plan accordingly.

Making Reservations

Use Olive Garden’s official website or mobile app to book a table ahead of time, as many locations accept reservations for dinner hours. Call your local restaurant directly if online booking is unavailable or to confirm special accommodations. Reserve at least 24 hours in advance during weekends or holidays to guarantee seating. Arrive on time for your reservation to minimize wait times. Remember that some busy locations might have limited reservation slots, so securing your spot early helps avoid disappointment.

Conclusion

Knowing Olive Garden’s hours helps you plan your visit without any hassle. Checking your local restaurant’s schedule ensures you won’t miss out on your favorite dishes or face unexpected closures.

By using official resources and apps, you’ll always have the most accurate information at your fingertips. This way you can enjoy a seamless dining experience whether it’s a casual lunch, a family dinner, or a special holiday celebration.

Taking a few moments to confirm hours and make reservations can save you time and avoid frustration, letting you focus on what really matters—delicious Italian food and great company.