Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Olive Garden

MKat

By MKat
in Gluten-Free Restaurants

Recommended Posts

MKat Explorer
MKat
Posted

Fogive me for posting something else so soon, but I'm finally looking into eating out gluten-free here in Ohio and saw that Olive Garden now has a gluten-free penne Pasta available. Has this been discussed before? Is it any good...and is it safe?? I've heard scary things about eating gluten-free at Olive Garden :)

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


mushroom Proficient
mushroom
Posted

Well, at least Olive Garden is the first Italian style restaurant i have heard of, touting a gluten free menu, that actually realizes that it is possible to serve gluten free pasta. That is a big leap forward. Now, if they have worked out their cc issues, this could be a GOOD thing. I would certainly go talk to them about how they prepare it.

momxyz Contributor
momxyz
Posted

my take on this is that restaurants in general are starting to smell the coffee, so to speak.

There's a local pizza place - not a chain - that had a very bold advertisement for gluten free pizza. This is the second pizza joint within 4 miles of my house that now offer gluten free pizza. We haven't tried either yet - we've been making our own at home - but this will certainly help around the holiays, for family gatherings where we have traditionally done take out.

About Olive Garden. I think the official Olive Garden cooking school is in Italy. From what I have read, the Europeans are way ahead of us in terms of awareness of gluten sensitivity. And that includes Italy! I think I read that in Italy, screening via blood tests is the norm for kids. I have read posts on this board, from travelers who have found that gluten free pasta is readily available in restaurants in Italy. So it makes sense - and smart marketing sense - that Olive Garden is now translating this knowledge and awareness into the US market.

captaincrab55 Collaborator
captaincrab55
Posted
Fogive me for posting something else so soon, but I'm finally looking into eating out gluten-free here in Ohio and saw that Olive Garden now has a gluten-free penne Pasta available. Has this been discussed before? Is it any good...and is it safe?? I've heard scary things about eating gluten-free at Olive Garden :)

Here's another choice; Open Original Shared Link

Gluten-Free Menu

Carrabba's Italian Grill, in cooperation with the Gluten Intolerance Group

nb-canada Apprentice
nb-canada
Posted
Fogive me for posting something else so soon, but I'm finally looking into eating out gluten-free here in Ohio and saw that Olive Garden now has a gluten-free penne Pasta available. Has this been discussed before? Is it any good...and is it safe?? I've heard scary things about eating gluten-free at Olive Garden :)

Hi captaincrab55

I tried the pasta at Olive Garden in Bangor Maine a couple of weeks ago and it was delicious. I did not get cc'd. The waitress was also Celiac as well as another employee so they were well informed about Celiac.

Juliebove Rising Star
Juliebove
Posted

I have not tried them but have had the gluten-free pasta at the Old Spaghetti Factory. It's good.

lovegrov Collaborator
lovegrov
Posted

Does OG talk about having gluten-free pasta anywhere on their website? I couldn't find it.

richard

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


MaryJones2 Enthusiast
MaryJones2
Posted

There is one tiny mention of it here:

Open Original Shared Link

Pennine Rigate with Marinara

Marinara sauce made with a blend of tomatoes, bell peppers, onions and Italian herbs. Served over gluten free penne pasta.

Juliebove Rising Star
Juliebove
Posted
Does OG talk about having gluten-free pasta anywhere on their website? I couldn't find it.

richard

It is on the website but I can't remember where I found it. I do remember having trouble finding it though.

Lisa Mentor
Lisa
Posted

I have seen this with my own eyes! Military Circle Olive Garden, Norfolk, Virginia

On the Gluten Free Menu:

Penne Rigate with Marinara

Marinara sauce made with a blend of tomatoes, bell peppers, onions and Italian herbs. Served over gluten free penne pasta

It was rather bla tasting to me and I grabbed the red pepper flakes, but it's a super option for those who work and have lunch meetings. Can't complain! :) Their staff still needs educating on gluten free dining.

Olive Garden has been subject to my criticism in the past, but I am pleased with this progress.

Shess0816 Apprentice
Shess0816
Posted
Fogive me for posting something else so soon, but I'm finally looking into eating out gluten-free here in Ohio and saw that Olive Garden now has a gluten-free penne Pasta available. Has this been discussed before? Is it any good...and is it safe?? I've heard scary things about eating gluten-free at Olive Garden :)

The other italian type place, too, that offers gluten free pasta is Biaggis. I have had it several times and it is AWESOME!!! The waitstaff has always been super informed there and I have never had any CC issues. Quite a few of their sauces can be put on top of the gluten free pasta, so there are several choices! The gluten free pasta is actually green, too, so you can tell for sure when they bring you your plate if they brought gluten free pasta or not!

I think Biaggi's has locations in Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Mississippi, New York, and North Carolina. If you have one close to you, it's definitely worth a try!! They just have a great gluten free menu in general!

Here's the link if you want to see the menu:

Open Original Shared Link

  • 3 weeks later...
abbysmom Rookie
abbysmom
Posted

I have a friend that works at Olive Garden and he said that the meals are frozen, they zap them in the microwave and they have strict instructions to use fresh utensils, etc., so that no cross-contamination occurs. I have eaten it 3 times with no stomach issues, but I did have a waitress look at me like I had 2 heads when I said I needed the gluten-free menu. I remembered it being under garden fare on the website. That made more sense to her, she brought me the garden fare menu and I could point it out and show her what I meant. It isn't that tasty (especially when my husband has regular pasta with marinara and it smells amazing!), but it is nice to have another resturant option to eat at. :)

jerseyangel Proficient
jerseyangel
Posted
I have a friend that works at Olive Garden and he said that the meals are frozen, they zap them in the microwave and they have strict instructions to use fresh utensils, etc., so that no cross-contamination occurs.

That's very good to know! Thanks for sharing that :D

celiac-mommy Collaborator
celiac-mommy
Posted
I have a friend that works at Olive Garden and he said that the meals are frozen, they zap them in the microwave and they have strict instructions to use fresh utensils, etc., so that no cross-contamination occurs. I have eaten it 3 times with no stomach issues, but I did have a waitress look at me like I had 2 heads when I said I needed the gluten-free menu. I remembered it being under garden fare on the website. That made more sense to her, she brought me the garden fare menu and I could point it out and show her what I meant. It isn't that tasty (especially when my husband has regular pasta with marinara and it smells amazing!), but it is nice to have another resturant option to eat at. :)

That's what they told me when I took my son there. It actually comes prepackaged with its own silverware so there is no risk of cc. It tasted good, better than OSF, but I have to complain that it was 12$ for 1 bowl of pasta--for a 4y/o. But on the other hand, it was nice to have the option for him :)

sixtytwo Apprentice
sixtytwo
Posted

Had the gluten-free pasta at OG and I agree, it is a bit blah, but surely a step in the right direction. I eat the salad, asking for the croutons to be on the side and do fine. I have to admit that the pasta was a little dry so I asked for some of their regular red sauce and that was fine too. As far as CC goes at OG, this product comes prepackaged so I imainge they just microwave it and slip it on a clean plate. Biaggi's is a wonderful restaurant, and they have a huge gluten-free menu. Their gluten-free pasta is green/spinach and so nice, and much better than what OG offers at this time. NOW if only they could come up with some interesting gluten-free bread with these Italian dinners, we would really be happy, right?

Barbara

luvs2eat Collaborator
luvs2eat
Posted

Wow, will my husband be glad to hear this! OG is one of his faves... altho he never gets pasta. He just eats bowl after bowl of the salad! The last time I was there, I had the mussels on their appetizer menu w/ no problems and it was delicious!

runningcrazy Contributor
runningcrazy
Posted
Fogive me for posting something else so soon, but I'm finally looking into eating out gluten-free here in Ohio and saw that Olive Garden now has a gluten-free penne Pasta available. Has this been discussed before? Is it any good...and is it safe?? I've heard scary things about eating gluten-free at Olive Garden :)

i had it once and it was pretty good. the waitres told us her sister has it too, so she was very helpful. they also gave me croutonless salad with my own oil and balsamic vinegar...IT WAS great!!!

  • 1 month later...
dmurth01 Newbie
dmurth01
Posted

I tried it yesterday (my first experience with gluten-free pasta) and finished the whole bowl! It was terrific...especially because I wanted to try all my family's delicious looking meals around me. But mine was really good!

Caitlin Newbie
Caitlin
Posted

I had the gluten-free penne from olive garden about a month ago and it was gross. The pasta was way overcooked and the sauce wasn't the best either. The only thing i was happy about with my meal was the delicious salad!

  • 2 weeks later...
32801Celiac Newbie
32801Celiac
Posted

I have just been diagnosed and am so excited that Olive Garden has made the decision to offer a gluten free menu. I can't wait to go try it. Thanks for the postings.

  • 1 month later...
elefky Apprentice
elefky
Posted

Here's another choice; Open Original Shared Link

Gluten-Free Menu

Carrabba's Italian Grill, in cooperation with the Gluten Intolerance Group

  • 2 weeks later...
redraider1856 Rookie
redraider1856
Posted

Maggianos is a GREAT place for gluten free Italian food. The waitress there was very nice and helpful. She told us that Maggianos redid their entire menu so all the sauces are gluten-free and they have a gluten-free pasta. I went with my family and we got family sized dishes with the gluten-free pasta. They were all amazed at how good it tasted.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. catnapt
      - catnapt posted a topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      0

      anyone here diagnosed with a PARAthyroid disorder? (NOT the thyroid) the calcium controlling glands

      learned I had a high PTH level in 2022 suspected to be due to low vit D got my vit D level up a bit but still have high PTH I am 70 yrs old (today in fact) I am looking for someone who also has hyperparathyroidism that might be caused by malabsorption
    2. catnapt
      - catnapt replied to catnapt's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      6

      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      I am on day 13 of eating gluten and have decided to have the celiac panel done tomorrow instead of Wed. (and instead of extending it a few more weeks) because I am SO incredibly sick. I have almost no appetite and am not able to consume the required daily intake of calcium to try to keep up with the loss of calcium from the high parathyroid hormone...
    3. Jmartes71
      - Jmartes71 posted a topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      0

      Curious question

      So I've been dealing with chasing the name celiac because of my body actively dealing with health issues related to celiac though not eating. Diagnosed in 1994 before foods eliminated from diet. After 25 years with former pcp I googled celiac specialist and she wasn't because of what ive been through. I wanted my results to be sent to my pcp but nothing was...
    4. Amy Barnett
      - Amy Barnett posted a topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      0

      Question

      What is the best liquid multivitamin for celiac disease?
    5. Scott Adams
      0

      Quick Gluten-Free Shrimp Stir-Fry With Crisp Vegetables

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,322
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    avery144
    Newest Member
    avery144
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • catnapt
      anyone here diagnosed with a PARAthyroid disorder? (NOT the thyroid) the calcium controlling glands

      By catnapt · Posted

      learned I had a high PTH level in 2022 suspected to be due to low vit D  got my vit D level up a bit but still have high PTH   I am 70 yrs old (today in fact) I am looking for someone who also has hyperparathyroidism that might be caused by malabsorption    
    • catnapt
      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      By catnapt · Posted

      I am on day 13 of eating gluten  and have decided to have the celiac panel done tomorrow instead of Wed. (and instead of extending it a few more weeks) because I am SO incredibly sick. I have almost no appetite and am not able to consume the required daily intake of calcium to try to keep up with the loss of calcium from the high parathyroid hormone and/or the renal calcium leak.    I have spent the past 15 years working hard to improve my health. I lost 50lbs, got off handfuls of medications, lowered my cholesterol to enviable levels, and in spite of having end stage osteoarthritis in both knees, with a good diet and keeping active I have NO pain in those joints- til now.  Almost all of my joints hurt now I feel like someone has repeatedly punched me all over my torso- even my ribs hurt- I have nausea, gas, bloating, headache, mood swings, irritability, horrid flatulence (afraid to leave the house or be in any enclosed spaces with other people- the smell would knock them off their feet) I was so sure that I wanted a firm diagnosis but now- I'm asking myself is THIS worth it? esp over the past 2 yrs I have been feeling better and better the more I adjusted my diet to exclude highly refined grains and processed foods. I didn't purposely avoid gluten, but it just happened that not eating gluten has made me feel better.   I don't know what I would have to gain by getting a definitive diagnosis. I think possibly the only advantage to a DX would be that I could insist on gluten-free foods in settings where I am unable to have access to foods of my choice (hospital, rehab, nursing home)  and maybe having a medical reason to see a dietician?   please let me know if it's reasonable to just go back to the way I was eating.  Actually I do plan to buy certified gluten-free oats as that is the only grain I consume (and really like) so there will be some minor tweaks I hope and pray that I heal quickly from any possible damage that may have been done from 13 days of eating gluten.    
    • Jmartes71
      Curious question

      By Jmartes71 · Posted

      So I've been dealing with chasing the name celiac because of my body actively dealing with health issues related to celiac though not eating. Diagnosed in 1994 before foods eliminated from diet. After 25 years with former pcp I googled celiac specialist and she wasn't because of what ive been through. I wanted my results to be sent to my pcp but nothing was sent.I have email copies.I did one zoom call with np with team member from celiac specialist in Nov 2025 and she asked me why I wanted to know why I wanted the celiac diagnosis so bad, I sad I don't, its my life and I need revalidaion because its affecting me.KB stated well it shows you are.I asked then why am I going through all this.I was labeled unruly. Its been a celiac circus and medical has caused anxiety and depression no fault to my own other than being born with bad genetics. How is it legal for medical professionals to gaslight patients that are with an ailment coming for help to be downplayed? KB put in my records that she personally spent 120min with me and I think the zoom call was discussing celiac 80 min ONE ZOOM call.SHE is responsible for not explaining to my pcp about celiac disease am I right?
    • Amy Barnett
      Question

      By Amy Barnett · Posted

      What is the best liquid multivitamin for celiac disease?
    • Jmartes71
      Alarming

      By Jmartes71 · Posted

      I've noticed with my age and menopause my smell for bread gives me severe migraines and I know this.Its alarming that there are all these fabulous bakeries, sandwich places pizza places popping up in confined areas.Just the other day I suffered a migraine after I got done with my mri when a guy with a brown paper bag walk in front of me and I smelled that fresh dough bread with tuna, I got a migraine when we got home.I hate im that sensitive. Its alarming these places are popping up in airports as well.I just saw on the news that the airport ( can't remember which  one)was going to have a fabulous smelling bakery. Not for sensitive celiacs, this can alter their health during their travel which isn't safe. More awareness really NEEDS to be promoted, so much more than just a food consumption!FYI I did write to Stanislaus to let them know my thoughts on the medical field not knowing much about celiac and how it affects one.I also did message my gi the 3 specialist names that was given on previous post on questions on celiac. I pray its not on deaf door.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.