Olive Garden Appetizers Menu 2026 — Prices & Tips
Do Olive Garden appetizers worth ordering? Yes — especially if you know what to get. Beyond the famous unlimited breadsticks, Olive Garden has a solid starter menu packed with crowd favorites like Calamari, Stuffed Mushrooms, and Lasagna Fritta that regulars swear by before every meal.
Olive Garden Appetizers Menu With Prices (2026)
Fried Mozzarella
$10.29 | Cal: 800
Stuffed Ziti Fritta
$10.49 | Cal: 500
Dipping Sauces Includes Breadsticks (V)
$5.49 | Cal: 140 - 440
Calamari
$13.49 | Cal: 670
MeatBalls Parmigiana
$12.29 | Cal: 1,040
Spinach Artichoke Dip
$11.99 | Cal: 1,160
Lasagna Fritta
$12.29 | Cal: 1,130
Shrimp Fritto Misto
$14.49 | Cal: 1,280
Toasted Ravioli
$10.79 | Cal: 650
Breadsticks (V)
$4.99 | Cal: 140
🍝 Explore More:
Olive Garden Full Menu 2026: Browse the complete menu from appetizers to drinks — all in one easy guide.
Olive Garden Lunch Menu: See Every combo, price, and special in one place.
Olive Garden Family Meals: Big Food, Better Value
Olive Garden Desserts Menu: Don’t leave without checking which desserts are worth saving room for.
🍽️ Olive Garden Appetizers
| Appetizer | Price | What It Is | Why People Love It | Best Paired With | Order If You… |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥖 Olive Garden Breadsticks | Free with meal | Warm, buttery, soft baked bread sticks — unlimited with every dine-in order | They never get old. Soft inside, slightly crisp outside, perfectly salted every single time | Marinara or Alfredo dipping sauce on the side | Are literally any human being at the table |
| 🦑 Olive Garden Calamari | ~$13.49 | Lightly breaded fried squid rings served with marinara and spicy ranch | Tender, not rubbery — the most ordered appetizer on the menu for a reason | A glass of Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon | Want the safest, most crowd-pleasing starter |
| 🍄 Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms | ~$12.99 | Large mushrooms filled with clams, breadcrumbs, romano cheese and Italian herbs, baked golden | Rich, savory, and more filling than they look — regulars reorder these every visit | House salad to balance the richness | Want something hearty but not fried |
| 🧀 Olive Garden Fried Mozzarella | ~$10.29 | Thick mozzarella slices, lightly breaded and fried, served with marinara | The cheese pull is real. Simple, reliable, and always satisfying — kids go crazy for these | Marinara dipping sauce — do not skip it | Are with kids or just want something familiar and easy |
| 🍝 Olive Garden Lasagna Fritta | ~$12.29 | Fried pasta rolls stuffed with beef and Italian sausage, topped with Parmesan cream and meat sauce | The most unique item on the starter menu — crispy outside, rich and saucy inside | A lighter entrée like grilled salmon or chicken | Want something bold and different |
| 🥬 Olive Garden Spinach Artichoke Dip | ~$11.99 | Warm, creamy spinach and artichoke dip served with crispy flatbread | Perfect for groups — vegetarian-friendly, shareable, and disappears fast | Extra breadsticks for dipping | Are with a group or have mixed dietary preferences |
🏆 Most Popular: Calamari — ordered at nearly every table.
💰Best Value: Breadsticks — unlimited and always free.
🌟 Most Unique: Lasagna Fritta — nothing else like it on the menu.
👨👩👧 Best for Groups: Spinach Artichoke Dip — made for sharing
🧄 Olive Garden Dipping Sauces for Appetizers
The dipping sauces at Olive Garden are underrated and worth knowing about before you order. Here is what you can ask for:
| Sauce | Pairs Best With |
|---|---|
| Marinara | Fried Mozzarella, Calamari, Breadsticks |
| Spicy Ranch | Calamari, Shrimp Fritto Misto |
| Alfredo Sauce | Breadsticks, Lasagna Fritta |
| Parmesan Cream Sauce | Stuffed Mushrooms, Lasagna Fritta |
| Chocolate & Raspberry | Zeppole (dessert crossover) |
💡 Most locations will bring extra dipping sauce at no charge. Just ask your server — they almost always say yes.
Low Calorie Appetizers at Olive Garden
Looking for healthy appetizers at olive garden? Your best bets are:
- Stuffed Mushrooms: lowest calorie hot starter on the menu at around 410 calories
- Minestrone Soup: technically a soup but works as a starter, very low calorie
- House Salad: with light dressing, one of the smartest low calorie starts to any Olive Garden meal
Olive Garden Appetizer Menu FAQ's
Are Olive Garden breadsticks really unlimited?
Yes — completely free and unlimited with any dine-in entrée order. Just ask your server for more and they will never say no. Not included with appetizer-only orders.
What is the most popular appetizer at Olive Garden?
Calamari — by a wide margin. It is the first thing regulars order and the most consistently praised starter in customer reviews across the U.S.
What is the cheapest appetizer at Olive Garden?
Fried Mozzarella at around $10.29 is the most affordable paid starter. And of course breadsticks are always free with your meal.
Are Olive Garden appetizers good for sharing?
Every single one of them. All starters are designed for the table — order one or two and split them before your entrée arrives.
Does Olive Garden have gluten free appetizers?
Most fried starters contain gluten. Your safest options are the House Salad without croutons or Minestrone Soup. Always confirm with your server before ordering.
Does Olive Garden have vegan appetizers?
Options are very limited. House Salad with oil and vinegar and Minestrone Soup are your best bets. Always ask your server to confirm ingredients.
Can I order Olive Garden appetizers for pickup or delivery?
Yes. Add them directly through OliveGarden.com or the app when placing a To Go order. Calamari and Stuffed Mushrooms travel the best.
Does Olive Garden have happy hour deals on appetizers?
Not nationwide — but some locations run bar specials during off-peak hours. Check the Olive Garden app or join their eClub for the latest deals and coupons.
How many calories are in Olive Garden appetizers?
Ranges from around 140 calories per breadstick to 680 calories for Lasagna Fritta. Stuffed Mushrooms are the lightest hot starter at around 410 calories.
What dipping sauces can I get with appetizers?
Marinara, Alfredo, Spicy Ranch, and Parmesan Cream are the main ones. Most locations give extra sauce for free — just ask your server.
Conclusion
Olive Garden appetizers menu is small but well-chosen. Every item on it earns its place. Start with Calamari or Stuffed Mushrooms for a classic experience. Go for Lasagna Fritta if you want something truly unique. And never — ever — skip the breadsticks. 🥖