Olive Garden Catering Prices (May 2025): Menus, Packages & Pro Tips
Introduction
If you’re organizing an event and are in search of the warmness of Italian food Olive Garden catering options offer a fantastic opportunity. Let’s face it, knowing the cost of catering could be like walking through an endless maze. There’s more to it than just figures, you want quality, flexibility and an easy satisfaction. This guide will cut across the chaos, giving an in-depth analysis the Olive Garden catering prices in 2025. It also offers practical ways to maximize your budget without sacrificing taste. We’ll dive right in!
Why Olive Garden Catering? (Beyond the Breadsticks!)
Before we go over pricing, let’s tackle the big question: Why choose Olive Garden in place of other catering companies?
Consistency: The dishes they have created as their signature (think Alfredo sauce, endless breadsticks) are popular with the crowd.
Convenience: Deliveries, setting up and menus that can be customized make it easier for you to save time.
Affordable: Pricing that is competitive in comparison to conventional catering businesses.
How much will it really cost? Let’s look at it in detail.
Olive Garden Catering Prices in 2025: Full Menu Breakdown
Olive Garden offers three main catering options with each one designed for diverse budgets and event sizes. In this article, we’ll discuss the features included, pricing variations, and the people each package is best suited to.
1. “Create Your Own” Catering Package
Ideal for smaller events (10 to 20 attendees)
Price: $12.99 to $15.99 per person
Includes
1 main dish (e.g., Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Classico)
1 portion (salad breadsticks, salad, or soup)
Dessert option (Tiramisu or Chocolate Brownie Lasagna)
Example Order for 15 Guests:
| Item | Quantity | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Alfredo | 15 portions | $194.85 |
| Garden Fresh Salad | Two big 2 large | Included |
| Breadsticks | 30 pieces | Included |
| Total | $194.85 |
Pros: Flexibleness to mix and mix.
Cons: Higher per-person cost for smaller groups.
2. “Feast Together” Family-Style Package
Ideal for events of a mid-sized size (20 to 50 people)*
Price: $9.99 to $12.99 per person
Includes:
2 main dishes (e.g., Grilled Chicken Margherita and Shrimp Scampi)
2 pieces (salad plus breadsticks)
1 dessert (seasonal options available)
Cost-Saving Hack: Use pasta-based meals (like Fettuccine Alfredo) over seafood or meat in order to be on the low end of the range.
3. “Grand Italian Celebration” Package
*For large events (50+ guests)*
Price: $8.50 to $10.50 per person
Includes:
3 main dishes (meat pasta, meat, and vegetarian)
3 sides (salad, breadsticks, soup)
2 desserts plus complimentary setting service
2025 update: The new plant-based and vegetarian entree choices (e.g., Eggplant Parmigiana) included in all menus.
Olive Garden Catering Add-Ons & Hidden Fees
What’s Not Included in the Base Price?
Delivery Charges $15 to $50: (based on the distance).
Pro Tip: Order online for a 10% delivery discount.
Equipment rentals: $1.50 per serving Utensils (optional).
Staffing: $35/hour for servers to provide assistance on-site.
How Olive Garden Stacks Up Against Competitors
2025 Catering Price Comparison (Per Person)
| Caterer | Base Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Olive Garden | $8.50 to $15.99 | Entrees, sides, desserts |
| Maggiano’s | $14 to $20 | Family-style Italian dishes |
| Panera Bread | $10 to $18 | Sandwiches, salads |
| Local Italian Restaurant | $18 to $25 | Custom menus, premium ingredients |
The main takeaway: Olive Garden offers one of the lowest-cost Italian catering service, specifically for large groups.
5 Insider Tips to Slash Your Catering Bill
Book Off Peak: Get 15% off by reserving events for the weekdays.
Triple Up on Starches: The breadsticks and salad can fill up guests in a cost-effective way.
Skip Premium Proteins: Choose chicken over shrimp or steak.
Use seasonal promos to your advantage Find holiday discount offers (e.g. 20% off on orders made for Christmas by the 30th of November).
DIY Installation Optional rentals can be canceled to save up to $50.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it possible to make a reservation for gluten-free meals?
Yes! Gluten-free pastas and salads are readily available (add $2.50/person).
What’s the minimum amount to purchase?
$150 delivery (roughly 10 to 12 people).
When many days in advance do I need to order?
Ideally, 72 hours. For weddings, you must book 6 to 8 weeks prior to the date.
Conclusion: Olive Garden Catering Delivers Flavor and Value
Planning an event shouldn’t be cutting corners to save money. Olive Garden menus for catering in 2025 demonstrate that you don’t have to. Start with packages that start at $8.50 for each person and catering options for any celebration (intimate gatherings to big celebrations) will impress your guests with succulent Italian classics, without blowing your budget.
Are you ready to take the strain off catering? Make Your Olive Garden order early to get those savings, while letting the breadsticks speak for themselves. La dolce vita never tasted so affordable!