Specials

Olive Garden Buy One Take One – How It Works, Price & Menu (2026)

What Is Buy One Take One?

The Buy One Take One is one of Olive Garden’s most popular limited-time promotions and arguably one of the best deals in all of casual dining. The concept is simple: you dine in and enjoy one entree at the restaurant (with unlimited soup/salad and breadsticks), then choose a second entree to take home — all for one combined price starting at just $15.99.

Yes, you read that right — two full entrees for $15.99. The take-home entree comes packaged and ready to refrigerate, with reheating instructions. It’s essentially getting tomorrow’s dinner for free, and it’s the reason this promotion drives massive traffic to Olive Garden whenever it runs.

How It Works

  1. Order any entree from the Buy One Take One promotion menu (not all menu items are included)
  2. Eat your first entree at the restaurant — includes unlimited soup or salad and breadsticks
  3. Choose a second entree from the promotion menu to take home
  4. The take-home entree comes in a sealed container with reheating instructions
  5. Pay one price for both entrees — starting at $15.99

What’s on the Buy One Take One Menu?

The promotion typically includes a curated selection of entrees (not the full dinner menu). Common options include:

Is It a Good Deal?

It’s an extraordinary deal. Consider what you’re getting: two full entrees, unlimited soup/salad, and unlimited breadsticks — starting at $15.99. Even during non-promotion periods, a single Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is $17.49. With Buy One Take One, you’re getting two entrees for less than the price of one regular entree. The math is unbeatable.

Tips for Maximizing the Deal

  • Choose different entrees: Get variety by ordering one dish to eat now and a different one to take home
  • Stack with coupons: Check the eClub for additional coupons that may work alongside the promotion
  • Reheat properly: The take-home entree tastes best reheated in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, not the microwave
  • Go early in the promotion: Popular items can sell out toward the end of the promotion period

When Is It Available?

The Buy One Take One promotion runs several times per year for limited periods — typically 4-6 weeks at a time. It’s seasonal and not available year-round. To stay informed, sign up for the Olive Garden eClub or Darden Rewards to receive email notifications when it launches. Also check out the Never Ending Pasta Bowl for another incredible seasonal deal.

Find It Near You

When available, the Buy One Take One promotion is offered at all Olive Garden locations. Use our location finder to find the nearest restaurant. For regular pricing, see our complete 2026 menu guide.