Olive Garden Appetizers Menu with Prices & Calories 2026
The Olive Garden appetizers menu is where every great Italian dining experience begins. From the fan-favorite Stuffed Mushrooms packed with seasoned breadcrumbs to the crispy Calamari served with marinara or spicy ranch, there is a starter to satisfy every craving. Whether you are sharing plates across the table before your entrée arrives or looking for a lighter start alongside the unlimited breadsticks and soup, the Olive Garden appetizers lineup covers every preference and every group size.
This complete 2026 guide covers every item on the Olive Garden appetizers menu with prices, full calorie counts, complete nutrition details, the best options for sharing, allergen information, and honest recommendations to help you choose the right starter before you order.
Olive Garden Appetizers Menu with Prices 2026
Olive Garden appetizers start at $4.49 and go up to $13.49 depending on the item. Every appetizer is prepared fresh when you order and designed for sharing across the table, though several work equally well as individual starters.
Breadsticks (V)
Price: $4.49
Calamari
Price: $12.29
Fried Mozzarella
Price: $8.99
Lasagna Fritta
Price: $11.49
Meatballs Parmigiana
Price: $11.49
Shrimp Fritto Misto
Price: $13.49
Spinach-Artichoke Dip
Price: $11.29
Stuffed Ziti Fritta
Price: $9.49
Olive Garden Appetizers Calories - Complete Guide
Appetizer
Calories
Best For
Breadsticks
140
Light snacking
Calamari
570
Classic Italian starter
Meatballs Parmigiana
710
Hearty sharing
Fried Mozzarella
830
Group sharing
Lasagna Fritta
920
Signature group starter
Spinach-Artichoke Dip
890
Large group sharing
Stuffed Ziti Fritta
960
Large group sharing
Shrimp Fritto Misto
1,280
Moderate sharing
Best Olive Garden Appetizers for Sharing
The Olive Garden appetizers menu is built around sharing, every item is portioned and priced for groups rather than individual starters. Here is the best option for every group size:
For 2 people:
Stuffed Mushrooms at $11.49 and 440 calories is the ideal two-person starter. Light enough to leave room for entrées, flavorful enough to feel like a proper beginning to the meal.
For 3 to 4 people:
Lasagna Fritta at $13.49 is the signature sharing choice for this group size. The Stuffed Ziti Fritta is an equally strong alternative if the group prefers something cheesier and richer.
For 5 or more people:
Order two appetizers – one fried option like Calamari or Fried Mozzarella and one dip-based option like Spinach-Artichoke Dip. This covers two different flavor profiles and different eating styles within a larger group.
For mixed groups with dietary preferences:
Stuffed Mushrooms are vegetarian-friendly. Toasted Ravioli can accommodate customers who prefer not to eat seafood or meat. Meatballs Parmigiana works for meat-forward diners.
Olive Garden Appetizers Gluten Free Options
For customers with gluten sensitivities, the Olive Garden appetizers menu has limited options since most starters involve breaded or fried components that contain wheat. Because recipes and preparation methods may change by location, it is always best to check with your local restaurant when you have specific dietary requirements.
The Spinach-Artichoke Dip is the most gluten-sensitive-friendly appetizer option, the dip itself does not contain wheat but the flatbread chips served alongside it do. Requesting the dip without chips and asking for breadsticks as a substitute side is one way to adapt this for gluten-sensitive customers who still want a shared starter experience.
Always inform your server of any gluten sensitivity so they can confirm current preparation methods and ingredient details at your specific location.
What Comes with Olive Garden Appetizers
Every Olive Garden appetizer comes with its appropriate dipping sauce already included at no extra charge. Calamari comes with your choice of marinara or spicy ranch. Lasagna Fritta comes with both Alfredo and marinara. Stuffed Ziti Fritta comes with both Alfredo and marinara. Toasted Ravioli comes with marinara.
Breadsticks come with a garlic butter brush already applied, additional dipping sauces including marinara and Alfredo are available for purchase separately at $4.49 for a regular serving or $7.49 for a large serving per the Olive Garden menu.
FAQs
What appetizers does Olive Garden have?
Olive Garden appetizers include Stuffed Mushrooms, Calamari, Lasagna Fritta, Fried Mozzarella, Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Stuffed Ziti Fritta, Meatballs Parmigiana, Toasted Ravioli, and Breadsticks. Seasonal limited-time starters are also available throughout the year.
How much are Olive Garden appetizers?
Olive Garden appetizers start at $4.49 and go up to $13.49 depending on the item. Breadsticks are the most affordable at $4.49 for a regular serving. The Lasagna Fritta at $13.49 is the most expensive standard appetizer.
How many calories are in Olive Garden appetizers?
The caloric value of appetizers ranges between 400 and 900 calories for each order. The average is around 519 calories per serving. Lighter options like Stuffed Mushrooms are on the lower end while fried items like Lasagna Fritta are more calorie-dense.
What is the most popular Olive Garden appetizer?
The most popular Olive Garden appetizers are the Stuffed Mushrooms, Calamari, and the Lasagna Fritta. The Lasagna Fritta is the most uniquely Olive Garden item, a fried lasagna starter not available at any other major restaurant chain.
Are Olive Garden breadsticks free?
Breadsticks are included unlimited with every dine-in meal at Olive Garden. To order additional breadsticks for takeout or delivery, they are available at $4.49 for a regular serving with 4 breadsticks or $7.49 for a large serving with 8 breadsticks.
Does Olive Garden have gluten-free appetizers?
Most Olive Garden appetizers contain wheat due to breading and frying. The Spinach-Artichoke Dip is the most gluten-sensitive-friendly option when ordered without the flatbread chips. Always confirm with your server before ordering if you have gluten sensitivity.
Can I order Olive Garden appetizers for takeout?
Yes. All Olive Garden appetizers are available for takeout through the Olive Garden app, website, or by calling your nearest location. Note that fried items like Calamari and Lasagna Fritta are best enjoyed fresh immediately after preparation.
Final Thoughts
The Olive Garden appetizers menu delivers genuine Italian-inspired starters that set the right tone for everything that follows – from the uniquely Olive Garden Lasagna Fritta that no competitor has ever successfully replicated to the lighter Stuffed Mushrooms that prove a great starter does not have to be heavy. Olive Garden appetizers start at $4.49 making this one of the most accessible appetizer lineups in casual Italian dining.
Whichever starter you choose, the unlimited breadsticks arriving alongside it make every appetizer order feel like even greater value. For the best experience order early, share generously, and let the appetizer course set the pace for an unhurried Italian meal the way it was meant to be enjoyed.
Important Notice:
OliveGarden-MenuPrices.com is an independent informational website. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with Olive Garden® or Darden Restaurants, Inc. If you need assistance with restaurant reservations, online ordering, gift cards, customer support, or any official services, please contact Olive Garden through its official website.
Website link: https://olivegarden.com/