I'm not usually impressed with Olive Garden. I honestly don't ever actually think to myself "I want to go to Olive Garden today". That could be either because I don't rank Italian as one of my favorite food categories, or because Olive Garden itself just doesn't appeal to me. This one is getting my review solely because it's closest to home and where I go anytime I'm invited by one of the several people I know that love it.
Now, I've been here several times. Don't get me wrong, the food isn't bad it's just average. On my most recent trip I ordered the mussels app as my meal and planned to dip the endless breadsticks in the broth. They were made well and I'm sure exactly as they were meant but I just didn't like them. The tomato-based broth was too acidic for me. Their pastas are good enough - it's hard to get pasta wrong I think, especially when it's what you're known for. The seafood based dishes are never up to my standards. I'd prefer to get my seafood elsewhere. And, last but certainly not least, the dislike that will get me killed by any Olive Garden fan: I don't like the breadsticks. Nope, not in the least. They're warm and that's about it. They're too salty and too soft without that extra "crunch" along the outside crust. I seriously think they could improve them with a crispier crust. All of my friends may now commence beating me up! haha
For service here I've never been disappointed. They really go the extra mile to make sure you enjoy yourself and feel as if you're having a classy Italian restaurant experience. The banter with the waitstaff is always friendly and you're made to feel welcome here. Now if only they can get their flavors down to match the service quality I think they could rank up with my favorite Italian place: Macaroni Grill.