Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Reservations & Waitlist
Olive Garden uses an Online Wait List instead of traditional reservations. Add your name from your phone before you arrive, see real-time wait estimates, and get a text message when your table is ready. No more standing around in the lobby. Check hours of operation before visiting, or skip the wait entirely with To Go and delivery. For large groups, consider private dining.
Important
Olive Garden does NOT take traditional reservations
Instead of reservations, Olive Garden uses a waitlist system. You join the queue (online, via app, or by phone) and are seated in order. This is different from a guaranteed reservation time.
How the Online Waitlist Works
Join the queue in under 60 seconds
Open the App or Website
Go to olivegarden.com or open the Olive Garden mobile app. Navigate to the "Join Waitlist" or "Wait List" section.
Select Your Location
Find your nearest Olive Garden restaurant. You can search by zip code, city, or use your current location.
Enter Party Size & Info
Select the number of guests in your party and provide your name and phone number for text notifications.
Get Notified When Ready
You'll see an estimated wait time immediately. Receive a text message when your table is ready no need to wait inside.
Why Use the Online Waitlist?
See Real-Time Wait Times
Check how long the wait is at your preferred location before you even leave home.
Text Notifications
Get a text message when your table is ready. Wait in your car, nearby stores, or wherever you prefer.
Join From Anywhere
Add your name to the list from home, work, or on the road. Arrive when your estimated time approaches.
No Account Required
You can join the waitlist without creating an account. Just your name, phone number, and party size.
Typical Wait Times by Day
Peak times are general industry patterns for casual-dining restaurants. We don't publish specific minute estimates because real wait times vary too much by location use the live waitlist on the Olive Garden app for your actual estimate.
| Day | Lunch Rush | Dinner Rush | Typical Wait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday–Thursday | ~12:00–1:00 PM | ~6:00–7:30 PM | Shortest lower demand most weekdays |
| Friday | ~12:00–1:30 PM | ~6:00–8:30 PM | Longer weekend evening crowd |
| Saturday | ~12:00–2:00 PM | ~5:30–8:30 PM | Longest at dinner peaks |
| Sunday | ~12:00–2:00 PM | ~5:00–7:30 PM | Heavy at lunch family dining |
| Major Holidays | All day | All day | Longest of the year (Mother's Day, Valentine's, Easter) |
Pro Tips to Minimize Your Wait
Make the Most of Your Visit
Joining the online waitlist gives you time to plan your order and take advantage of current offers before you even sit down.
Browse the Menu
Study the full menu with prices and calorie info while you wait. Know exactly what you want before your server arrives.
Full menu →Check Today’s Deals
See if Buy One Take One, lunch specials, or other promotions are running. Combine with eClub offers for max savings.
Current deals →Don’t Want to Wait?
Long waitlist? Order To Go for curbside pickup at the same prices no wait, no delivery fee. Or try delivery.
To Go options →Plan a Large Party
Groups of 8+ should call ahead. Our private dining guide covers event types, booking steps, and menu planning.
Private dining →Reservations & Waitlist FAQs
Does Olive Garden take reservations?▼
No. Olive Garden does not accept traditional reservations. Instead, they offer an Online Wait List that allows you to join the queue before arriving at the restaurant. This system lets you see estimated wait times and receive text alerts when your table is ready.
How do I join the Olive Garden waitlist?▼
You can join through the Olive Garden mobile app (iOS/Android), the website at olivegarden.com, or by calling your local restaurant directly for call-ahead seating. On the app or website, select your location, enter your party size and phone number, and you'll be added to the list instantly.
Can I join the waitlist before I arrive?▼
Yes that's the main benefit. You can add your name to the waitlist from anywhere. Check the estimated wait time, then time your drive so you arrive when your table is nearly ready. You'll receive a text notification when it's time to be seated.
How long is the typical wait at Olive Garden?▼
Wait times vary significantly by location, day of week, and time of day. Weekday lunches and late evenings tend to have the shortest waits; Friday and Saturday dinners and major holidays (especially Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, and Easter) tend to have the longest. Olive Garden's online waitlist on the OG app shows your specific restaurant's current estimated wait use that for the actual number, not a generic estimate.
What is Olive Garden call-ahead seating?▼
Call-ahead seating is the phone equivalent of the online waitlist. Call your local Olive Garden, tell them your party size and estimated arrival time, and they'll add you to the wait list. When you arrive, check in with the host. It doesn't guarantee an immediate table but reduces your wait.
Can I make a reservation for a large party?▼
For parties of 8 or more, Olive Garden recommends calling the restaurant directly. While they don't take traditional reservations, they can often accommodate large groups with advance notice. Some locations have private dining areas for parties of 15+.
What happens if I miss my table notification?▼
If you don't check in within about 15 minutes of your notification, you may be removed from the waitlist. If this happens, you can rejoin the waitlist (either online or by speaking with the host) and be added back to the queue.
Does the waitlist work for To Go orders?▼
No. The waitlist is for dine-in guests only. For To Go or delivery orders, use the ordering section of the app or website instead. Those orders have their own estimated ready times.