Yeah yeah we all know Olive Garden is a chain restaurant, mediocre in the eyes of many. Mostly Americanized Italian fare but you know what, I've never had a bad experience here and in reality, several of their dishes tastes better than some of the places that claim they offer "authentic" Italian cuisine. It's cheaper and definitely blows Buca de beppo out of the water.
Their menu is extensive and they have a lot to offer from appetizers to desserts. For starters we always like to order their Sampler Italiano ($10.79) you pick 3 from a medley of apps. Calamari, stuffed mushrooms, mozzarella sticks are among our favorites. Then they offer you either soup or salad and of course their famous breadsticks. I always get the Zuppa Toscana, it's nothing special but it's not horrible either.
Not really a big fan of their pastas but I do like their chicken dishes. Among the ones I favor are the Garlic Rosemary chicken ($12.49) and most recently the Chicken Piccata ($16.99). It's very well balanced and all the flavors blend harmoniously. The main reason I like coming here though is their dessert, particularly Zeppoli (Italian donuts) $6.99 they are soooo addicting! I especially like to get it with both the raspberry and chocolate dipping sauces. Ugh so bad yet so good!
This is the closest one to us therefore our go to place when the mood strikes. Service is always pleasant, though sometimes untimely and the wait can be a bit of a hassle at times. Even though it's nothing fancy or even close to being authentic, this place always satiates. Overall, a favorable experience.