Let’s be upfront: Olive Garden doesn’t have an official secret menu like In-N-Out or Starbucks. What they do have is an incredibly flexible kitchen that will accommodate almost any reasonable customization request. Over the years, regulars and Olive Garden employees have discovered combinations that taste amazing but aren’t listed anywhere on the standard menu.
These “secret” items are really about knowing what to ask for. Every item below has been verified as orderable at most Olive Garden locations — though some modifications may depend on the specific restaurant and how busy they are.
The Tour of Italy ($24.79) gives you Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna Classico, and Fettuccine Alfredo on one plate. The hack: order the Create Your Own Pasta ($16.99) with Fettuccine Alfredo, then add chicken ($5). You get 80% of the Tour of Italy experience for $21.99 — saving $3. Ask for a side of marinara (free) to replicate the Chicken Parm sauce.
Order a side of Alfredo sauce ($2.49) with your unlimited breadsticks. Dip the warm breadsticks into the creamy Alfredo for an appetizer that rivals any paid starter on the menu. Some locations will even warm the sauce for you.
During the Never Ending Pasta Bowl promotion, you can add unlimited toppings including meat sauce, Italian sausage, and meatballs. The secret: each refill can have a different sauce and topping combination. Start with Alfredo + Chicken, then switch to Meat Sauce + Meatballs for round two.
Olive Garden serves smaller “lunch portions” of many entrees for $12.99–$15.99 during lunch (11 AM–3 PM). The hack: some locations will honor lunch pricing until 4 PM, especially on slower days. Always ask — the worst they can say is no.
Order the Stuffed Ziti Fritta and ask for it served with both Alfredo and marinara on the side, plus a side of the five-cheese marinara. Use the fried ziti as “chips” and the sauces as dips. Total cost: $12.49 for the appetizer + $2.49 for extra sauce.
Sign up for the Olive Garden eClub and you’ll receive a free dessert on your birthday — no purchase required at some locations. The Tiramisu ($9.79 value) or Chocolate Brownie Lasagna ($9.79) are the best picks.
The Create Your Own Pasta builder only lets you pick one sauce online, but in-restaurant you can ask for mixed sauces at no extra charge:
Two people can eat a full date night dinner for under $30: order the Unlimited Soup, Salad & Breadsticks ($11.99 each during lunch, $13.99 at dinner). You get multiple courses, unlimited refills, and a leisurely dining experience. Add two waters and the bill is $28–$30 before tip.
Olive Garden’s kids menu offers entrees at $7.99–$8.99 that include a drink and a side. When ordering online for pickup, there are no age restrictions on kids meals. This is perfect for lighter appetites or budget-conscious diners.
Order a dinner entree like Chicken Alfredo ($26.49) and ask for a to-go box halfway through. Olive Garden portions are huge — most entrees easily split into two meals. That $26.49 dinner becomes two $13.25 meals, each including soup/salad and breadsticks (take extras home — they reheat beautifully at 375°F for 5 minutes).
A few limitations to be aware of:
Browse the complete 2026 menu to plan your custom order, or find your nearest Olive Garden to try these hacks tonight.