Olive Garden offers six main appetizers on their current menu, all priced between $11.79 and $13.79. Whether you’re starting your meal before a big entree like Chicken Alfredo or sharing some starters with friends, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a detailed look at every option, including which ones are actually worth ordering and which ones you might want to skip.
Keep in mind that every dine-in entree already includes unlimited breadsticks and soup or salad, so appetizers are truly optional. They’re best for groups, special occasions, or when you want to try something different before your main course.
Tube-shaped ziti pasta stuffed with five Italian cheeses (the same blend used in the Five Cheese Ziti al Forno entree), then lightly breaded and fried to crispy perfection. Served with a warm marinara dipping sauce. This is one of the most popular appetizers and for good reason — it’s like a fancy mozzarella stick crossed with stuffed pasta. The exterior is crunchy while the inside is gooey and cheesy. Great for sharing with 2-3 people.
Classic fried mozzarella sticks — golden-brown breaded exterior with gooey, stretchy mozzarella inside, served with marinara sauce. You know exactly what you’re getting, and that’s the appeal. It’s a familiar comfort appetizer that everyone at the table will enjoy. The breading is seasoned with Italian herbs, giving it a slight edge over generic mozzarella sticks at other restaurants.
Italian risotto formed into small, round bites, breaded and fried until golden, served with marinara dipping sauce. These are the most affordable appetizer on the menu and arguably the most interesting. The risotto inside is creamy and slightly cheesy, while the exterior is delightfully crispy. If you’ve never had arancini (Italian fried risotto balls), this is Olive Garden’s take on the classic Italian street food.
Seasoned, crispy pasta chips loaded with Alfredo sauce, meat sauce, and Italian cheeses. This is the highest-calorie appetizer at 850 calories and is the most filling. It’s essentially Olive Garden’s version of nachos but with pasta chips instead of tortilla chips. Great for sharing with a group — the combination of Alfredo and meat sauce with crispy chips is surprisingly addictive. It’s also the messiest appetizer to eat, so plan accordingly.
Lightly fried shrimp tossed in a garlic butter sauce — the most premium appetizer option and also the lowest in calories at 580. If you love the Shrimp Scampi entree, this is a great way to get that garlic butter shrimp flavor as a starter. The shrimp are cooked perfectly — crispy coating with tender, juicy shrimp inside. The garlic butter sauce ties everything together. This is the appetizer to order if you want quality over quantity.
Creamy, warm spinach and artichoke dip served with both breadsticks and pasta chips for dipping. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works for every dietary preference (vegetarian-friendly) and is perfect for sharing. The dip is rich and cheesy with visible pieces of spinach and artichoke throughout. Having two dipping options (breadsticks and pasta chips) gives you variety in texture — the breadsticks are soft and the chips are crunchy.
Sign up for the Olive Garden eClub (it’s free) and you’ll receive a coupon for a free appetizer or dessert with any adult entree purchase. This means you can try any appetizer on this list at no extra cost with your first visit. The eClub also sends occasional deals and a birthday treat. It’s a no-brainer for anyone who dines at Olive Garden even once. Pair your free appetizer with the Darden Rewards program for maximum savings.
All appetizers are available at every Olive Garden location for dine-in, to-go, and delivery. Find your nearest Olive Garden on our interactive map. For the full menu with all entrees, soups, and desserts, see our complete 2026 price list.