Olive Garden in Times Square: A Family-Friendly Italian Escape

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Introduce

Introduction / Overview

In the glittering heart of Times Square, amidst the flashing billboards and bustling crowds, lies a beacon of familiar comfort: the Olive Garden Italian Restaurant. This is no ordinary location; it is the world's largest Olive Garden, a multi-level dining destination designed to serve the massive flow of tourists and families that flock to the area. While New York is famous for its independent, hole-in-the-wall eateries, this particular Olive Garden offers something different—a reliable, family-friendly, and comfortable dining experience that feels like a slice of home. It’s a place where you can escape the sensory overload of Times Square and settle in for a relaxed meal. The restaurant is a true family affair, offering a casual and cozy atmosphere, a dedicated kids’ menu, and a general vibe that welcomes everyone, including groups and LGBTQ+ and transgender guests. It's a go-to spot for those looking for a predictable and satisfying meal without the fuss of a more high-end or experimental restaurant.

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Location and Accessibility

The Olive Garden Italian Restaurant is perfectly positioned at 2 Times Sq, New York, NY 10036. This address places it right at the epicenter of the city's most famous tourist hub. The location is easily accessible from multiple subway lines and is within a short walking distance of numerous Broadway theaters, making it a popular pre-show dining spot. Given its prime location, the restaurant is well-equipped to handle large crowds and provides a spacious environment with seating available for many guests. Its accessibility features are also a major plus. The restaurant has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring that all patrons can dine comfortably. While paid street parking is available, it is often challenging to find a spot in this busy area, so public transportation is highly recommended. The sheer size of the restaurant means that even when it's full, patrons are often seated relatively quickly, which is a major advantage in such a high-traffic area.

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Services Offered

The Olive Garden in Times Square provides a comprehensive suite of services designed for maximum convenience and guest satisfaction, catering to a diverse clientele.

Dine-in and Table Service: Guests can enjoy a classic sit-down meal with full table service, a welcome respite from the fast-paced energy of Times Square.
Takeout and Delivery: For those who prefer to eat elsewhere, the restaurant offers both traditional takeout and no-contact delivery, including curbside pickup.
Catering: Olive Garden's catering services are a popular choice for large events and gatherings, offering a taste of their Italian-American classics for any occasion.
Reservations and Waitlist: Although there is often a wait, the restaurant accepts reservations, which is particularly helpful for groups or during peak dining times.
Full Bar Service: A full bar is available onsite, serving a variety of cocktails, beer, and wine, including special offerings like "Italian Rum Punch" and a "Great beer selection."
Family-Friendly Amenities: For families dining with children, the restaurant provides high chairs and has a dedicated kids' menu.
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available, making it convenient for those who need to stay connected.

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Features / Highlights

Olive Garden in Times Square is known for several key features and highlights that draw in a wide range of diners, from locals to international tourists.

Never-Ending Soup, Salad & Breadsticks: This is arguably the most famous feature. With every entrée, guests receive an unlimited first course of homemade soup or garden salad, along with warm, savory breadsticks, a tradition that has made Olive Garden a household name.
Extensive Menu: The menu offers a vast array of classic Italian-American dishes, including "Lasagna Classico," "Chicken Parmigiana," and a "Create Your Own Pasta" option, allowing for personalized meals. The menu also includes a variety of comfort foods, small plates, and vegetarian options.
Great Drink Selection: The restaurant features a great selection of drinks, including a variety of wines from Italy, signature cocktails like the "Italian Margarita," and a solid beer list, ensuring there's a perfect pairing for every meal.
Spacious and Comfortable Setting: As the largest Olive Garden in the world, the sheer size of the restaurant is a highlight. The multi-level structure provides plenty of seating and a cozy, casual atmosphere that allows for a relaxed dining experience.
Central Location: Being in Times Square is a major highlight, making it a convenient and well-known spot for anyone visiting the area.
Consistently Great Desserts: Customers often praise the dessert menu, which includes classics like "Tiramisu" and the "Black Tie Mousse Cake."

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Contact Information

To contact the Olive Garden Italian Restaurant in Times Square, you can use the following information:

Address: 2 Times Sq, New York, NY 10036
Phone: (212) 333-3254

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What is worth choosing

Choosing the Olive Garden in Times Square is a decision based on comfort, convenience, and a taste of home. While New York is full of avant-garde culinary experiences, this restaurant offers something different and equally valuable: a reliable and familiar meal in a bustling and often overwhelming environment. What truly makes it worth choosing is the combination of its "never-ending" classics and its welcoming, accommodating atmosphere. The unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks are a significant draw, providing a sense of value and abundance that is especially appealing to families and budget-conscious travelers. The menu is packed with classic, comforting dishes that are easy to love, from the rich "Chicken Alfredo" to the hearty "Lasagna Classico." The fact that it caters to a variety of needs—offering vegetarian options, a kids' menu, and accessibility features—makes it a stress-free dining option.

Despite occasional criticisms about food quality, a common theme in customer reviews is the outstanding service provided by the staff, which can make all the difference in a dining experience. The professionalism and friendliness of the waiters are consistently praised, ensuring that even if a dish isn't perfect, the overall experience is a positive one. This Olive Garden also acts as a social and community hub, being family-friendly, group-friendly, and an inclusive space for all. For a predictable, satisfying meal with an emphasis on comfort and great service, the Olive Garden in Times Square stands as a smart and reliable choice in a city of endless options.

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Menu

Appetizers
Great for sharing
Calamari
Hand-breaded and fried to order. Served with marinara and spicy ranch.
Meatballs Parmigiana
Five hearty meatballs baked in homemade marinara, topped with melted Italian cheeses and toasted breadcrumbs.
Lasagna Fritta
Parmesan breaded lasagna, served with homemade alfredo and meat sauce. **Our meat sauces include pan-seared beef and Italian sausage.
Stuffed Ziti Fritta
Crispy fried ziti filled with five melted Italian cheeses. Served with homemade marinara and alfredo.
Toasted Ravioli
Lightly fried ravioli filled with seasoned beef. Served with homemade marinara sauce.
Spinach-Artichoke Dip
A blend of spinach, artichokes and five cheeses served with flatbread crisps.
Shrimp Fritto Misto
Over a half-pound of shrimp mixed with onions and bell peppers, hand-breaded and lightly fried. Served with marinara and spicy ranch.
Fried Mozzarella
Fried mozzarella cheese, served with homemade marinara sauce.
Never Ending Dipping Sauces for Breadsticks
Homemade marinara, alfredo or five cheese marinara.

Lunch-Sized Favorites
Available 11-3PM Monday-Friday
Never Ending Soup, Salad & Breadsticks
Your choice of unlimited homemade soup served with famous house salad and hot breadsticks.
Spaghetti
With marinara or with meat sauce. **Our meat sauces include pan-seared beef and Italian sausage.
Fettuccine Alfredo
Our signature alfredo made fresh in-house every morning, served over fettuccine.
Cheese Ravioli
Topped with melted mozzarella and your choice of homemade marinara or meat sauce. **Our meat sauces include pan-seared beef and Italian sausage.
Five Cheese Ziti al Forno
Oven baked blend of Italian cheeses, pasta and our signature homemade five cheese marinara.
Eggplant Parmigiana
Hand-breaded, lightly fried and served with a side of spaghetti.
Spaghetti & Meatballs (2)
With meat sauce. **Our meat sauces include pan-seared beef and Italian sausage.
Lasagna Classico
Layers of pasta, Italian cheeses and our homemade meat sauce. **Our meat sauces include pan-seared beef and Italian sausage.
Chicken Parmigiana
Served with a side of spaghetti.
Shrimp Scampi
Lighter take on an Italian classic! Shrimp sautéed in a garlic sauce, tossed with asparagus, tomatoes and angel hair.

Classic Entrées
All entrées come with our never-ending first course of soup or salad and breadsticks
Tour of Italy
Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna Classico and our signature Fettuccine Alfredo. **Our meat sauces include pan-seared beef and Italian sausage.
Chicken Tortolloni Alfredo
Asiago cheese-filled tortellini baked in alfredo with a blend of Italian cheeses and toasted breadcrumbs, topped with sliced grilled chicken. 1
Chicken & Shrimp Carbonara
Chicken and shrimp sautéed in a creamy sauce with bacon and roasted red peppers, over spaghetti.
Chicken Parmigiana
A classic with our homemade marinara and a side of spaghetti.
Eggplant Parmigiana
Hand-breaded eggplant, lightly fried to order, topped with melted mozzarella and homemade marinara. Served with a side of spaghetti.
Lasagna Classico
Layers of pasta, parmesan, mozzarella, pecorino romano and homemade meat sauce, prepared fresh daily. **Our meat sauces include pan-seared beef and Italian sausage.
Five Cheese Ziti al Forno
Oven baked blend of Italian cheeses, pasta and our signature homemade five cheese marinara.
Cheese Ravioli
Topped with melted mozzarella and your choice of homemade marinara (V) or meat sauce
Spaghetti & Meatballs
Our homemade meat sauce and three hearty meatballs, served over spaghetti. **Our meat sauces include pan-seared beef and Italian sausage.
Spaghetti with Homemade Sauce
Our homemade marinara served over spaghetti. **Our meat sauces include pan-seared beef and Italian sausage.
Stuffed Chicken Marsala
Grilled chicken breast stuffed with Italian cheeses and sun-dried tomatoes, topped with a creamy marsala mushroom sauce. Served with mashed potatoes. 1
Chicken Scampi
Chicken sautéed with fresh bell peppers and red onions in a creamy scampi sauce. Served over angel hair.
Shrimp Scampi
Lighter take on an Italian classic! Shrimp sautéed in a garlic sauce, tossed with asparagus, tomatoes and angel hair.
Shrimp Carbonara
Shrimp sautéed in a creamy sauce with bacon and roasted red peppers, over spaghetti
Ravioli Carbonara
Cheese ravioli baked in a creamy sauce with bacon, topped with a blend of Italian cheeses
Grilled Chicken Margherita
Topped with freshly chopped tomatoes, mozzarella, basil pesto and lemon garlic sauce. Served with parmesan garlic broccoli.
6 oz Sirloin
Grilled 6 oz sirloin topped with garlic herb butter. Served with a side of fettuccine alfredo.
Herb-Grilled Salmon
Grilled filet topped with garlic herb butter. Served with steamed parmesan garlic broccoli.

Amazing Alfredos
Made from scratch with simple ingredients like parmesan, cream, garlic & butter.
Chicken Alfredo
Our signature alfredo over fettuccine. Topped with your choice of grilled chicken or crispy chicken fritta.
Fettuccine Alfredo
Our signature sauce is made fresh in-house every morning, served over fettuccine.
Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo
Grilled sirloin tips (6 oz) over fettuccine alfredo, tossed with gorgonzola blue cheese and spinach. Topped with sun-dried tomatoes and a balsamic drizzle.
Shrimp Alfredo
Fettuccine alfredo tossed with sautéed shrimp.
Seafood Alfredo
Fettuccine alfredo tossed with sautéed shrimp and scallops.

Create Your Own Pasta
Our kitchen. Your creation. Pasta just the way you want it!
Choose Pasta
Choose A Sauce
Add A Topping
(additional price)

Homemade Soups & Salad
Soups made from scratch every day
Never-Ending Soup, Salad & Breadsticks
Our famous house salad, breadsticks and your choice of homemade soup.
Pasta e Fagioli
White and red beans, ground beef, tomatoes and tubetti pasta in a savory broth.
Zuppa Toscana
Spicy Italian sausage, kale and potatoes in a creamy broth.
Minestrone
Fresh vegetables, beans and pasta in a light tomato broth.
Chicken & Gnocchi
A creamy soup made with roasted chicken, Italian dumplings and spinach.

Desserts
Tiramisu
Creamy custard and sweet cocoa over espresso-soaked ladyfingers.
Black Tie Mousse Cake
Chocolate cake, dark chocolate cheesecake and creamy custard with icing.
Sicilian Cheesecake
Ricotta cheesecake with a shortbread cookie crust, topped with fresh strawberries.
Chocolate Lasagna
Decadent layers of chocolate cake, creamy chocolate mousse, and a delicate layer of crushed wafers. Topped with chocolate sauce.
Warm Italian Doughnuts
Known in Italy as Zeppoli, our doughnuts are made to order and tossed in vanilla sugar. Served with raspberry or chocolate sauce.
Strawberry Cream Cake
Vanilla sponge cake layered with sweet vanilla cream and topped with fresh strawberries.
Pumpkin Cookie Butter Cheesecake
Layers of pumpkin and classic cheesecake with a cookie butter swirl and graham cracker cookie crust. Topped with a caramel drizzle and whipped cream.

Featured Cocktails
Sicilian Sunset
A refreshing mix of prickly pear lemonade, pineapple juice and New Amsterdam vodka.
Italian Rum Punch
Bacardi Silver rum and amaretto mixed with strawberry-passion fruit.
Peach Bellini
Originating in Italy, a refreshing mix of sparkling Italian white wine and peach purée.
Amaretto Sour
The perfect sweet-and-sour combination of amaretto, a sweet Italian liqueur, and sour mix.
Spiked Strawberry Lemonade
Strawberry-passion fruit lemonade with New Amsterdam vodka, fresh mint and strawberries.
Blue Capri
Blue Chair Bay coconut rum with Blue Curacao and pineapple juice.
Desert Pear Limonata
Lemonade, sparkling water and prickly pear.

Sangrias
Perfect for sharing
Green Apple Moscato Sangria
Chilled moscato blended with apple purée and a splash of pineapple juice. Available in Pitcher (serves 4) and Glass.
Watermelon Moscato Sangria
Chilled moscato blended with watermelon and a splash of ginger ale. Available in Pitcher (serves 4) and Glass.
Berry Sangria
Red wine, fresh fruit and a splash of fruit juices. Available in Pitcher (serves 4) and Glass.

White
Moscato
Sweet Pink Moscato Blend
White Zinfandel
Riesling
Sparkling Italian Wine
Pinot Grigio
Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay

Red
Sweet Red Roscato
Pinot Noir
Merlot
Red Blend
Chianti Classico
Cabernet

Featured Wines by the Bottle
Available in glass and bottle
Moscato, Primo Amore, Italy
Sweet Pink Moscato Blend, Confetti, Italy
Sweet Red Roscato, Rosso Dolce, Italy
Red Blend, Porta Vita, Italy

Draft Selections
Available in 16 or 22 oz
Modelo Especial
Blue Moon
Bud Light

Bottled Beers
Budweiser
Bud Light
Michelob Ultra
Coors Light
Miller Lite
Modelo Especial
Corona
Stella Artois
Peroni
Heineken
Samuel Adams Lager
Angry Orchard Hard Cider

Non-Alcoholic
Refreshing Favorites
Italian Bottled Water
Handcrafted
Mango-Passion Fruit Iced Tea

Coffee
Hot Coffee
Hot Tea
Cappuccino
Lavazza Espresso
Traditional Iced Coffee
Vanilla Iced Coffee
Caramel Iced Coffee

Signature Margaritas
Italian Margarita
Inspired by the flavors of Italy, our margarita is made with Jose Cuervo Especial Silver tequila, triple sec, and topped with amaretto, a sweet Italian liqueur.
Strawberry Limoncello Margarita
A sweet strawberry margarita with Mi Campo Blanco tequila and Caravella limoncello, an Italian liqueur
Watermelon Margarita
A refreshing blend of watermelon and Calirosa Rosa Blanco tequila, garnished with a salted rim.

Create Your Own Pasta
Choose Pasta
Choose Sauce
Pick one Topping

Entree
Macaroni & Cheese
Pepperoni Pizza
Cheese Pizza
Chicken Fingers
Cheese Ravioli

Sides
Grapes
Mashed Potatoes
Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce
French Fries
Seasoned Broccoli

Dessert
Frozen Smoothie
See Ziosk for our complete list of full size desserts. Perfect for sharing!

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Details

Service options
Curbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Great dessert
Great wine list
Serves local specialty

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Hard liquor
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safespace

Planning
Usually a wait
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
Has changing table(s)
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Paid street parking
Parking

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Photos

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Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Location

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

New York New York County New York Times Square

2 Times Sq, New York, NY 10036, USA

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Reviews

An average rating of ★4.1 from 7456 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Olive Garden used to be one of my favorite restaurants—great food, great ambiance—but it’s definitely going downhill, or maybe it was just this specific location (Downtown Manhattan).The place is huge, clearly designed to handle large crowds since it’s in the heart of a major tourist area. Although the restaurant was full, we were seated immediately, which was impressive.We ordered the shrimp fettuccine Alfredo, which was surprisingly bland—no flavor, not even salt. The lasagna tasted like a store-bought frozen meal: dry on the inside and drowned in a thick sauce that didn’t complement it well.The main course came with a large shared salad and some breadsticks, both at no extra cost. When we asked for olive oil and butter, the staff brought them right away, again free of charge—which was appreciated.I also ordered a beer and a margarita; my friend found the margarita overly sweet and hard to enjoy.The highlight of the visit was definitely the service. Our waiter Anthony was outstanding—friendly, knowledgeable, and very attentive. All the other staff were pleasant and professional too.⸻Overall:Great service, but unfortunately, the food didn’t meet expectations. Hoping it was just an off day for this location.
August 07 · Lis Tho
First and last time at Olive Garden. The food was pretty good, but the service needs serious work. When we arrived up the escalator we didn’t immediately realise the hostess desk was a sharp left and left again, and the attitude of this particular staff member appeared to annoyance based on her facial expression, rather than understanding of the confusion. This set the tone for the entire meal. Our waiter was friendly but not attentive, he delivered our starters but we had no cutlery, and it took five minutes to get anyone’s attention to resolve the matter. It could have been solved quicker if staff were not continuously on their phones or chatting to each other. One staff member was on their phone 50 minutes out of the hour, they were in my line of sight and it was hard to ignore the unprofessionalism. Then, when our food did arrive, one of the orders was incorrect, but it was resolved quickly. Finally, when our bill came, I was asked directly what % tip I would be giving, when I said 20%, the particular staff member rolled his eyes, as I assume he wanted more. This place needs a serious management and staff overhaul, it should be the flagship store and be setting that standard. Service charge should be for good service, not whatever this was.
September 15 · weetboy123
My daughter and I had dinner at the Olive Garden tonight while were visiting Time Square for a business trip! It is so overwhelming walking around you sometimes can't find anywhere to eat except Pizza! We walked around Time Square for bit shopping till we stumbled upon the entrance of the Olive Garden. It is right behind the bleachers of Time Square - you can miss it so be on the lookout. There are signs everywhere.We ordered the Chicken Parm for me and the chicken tenders and friends for my daughter and 2 cokes! Obviously we had to have the salad and breadsticks. We also ordered a quick appetizer "Mozzarella Sticks"The service was great, but this place is huge!!! You see people eating down stairs and then you go up an escalator 3 stories and on each level people are eating and drinking. This place is huge! Great views!! The service was good, but they were so busy we only saw our waiter 3 maybe 4 times and had to ask for a refill and ask when needed something. Not bad, but I found myself trying to look around to make sure I didn't miss him.Hey its like the saying goes when you dine at Olive Garden your family.. LOL
July 16 · Patrick Kelly
This was suggested by my daughter on her research on Google. We were disappointed at all. The service is outstanding, and the server named Abby was extremely friendly and help us with great options. We tried few different types of pasta along with salad and soup. The food was super tasty.We all were very happy and satisfied. Must visit place for Italian delicacies.
May 22 · Kamruddin Chougale
Enjoyed the unlimited pasta and had a wonderful experience. Our server, Sophia, was attentive and provided excellent service. The atmosphere was cozy, clean, and welcoming. I will definitely return.
August 29 · Tp P