Olive Garden Appetizer Menu With Prices (2026)
Appetizer Menu
The Olive Garden Appetizer Menu features a delicious variety of Italian-inspired starters that are perfect for sharing with family and friends. From crispy fried favorites to warm, cheesy classics, each appetizer is prepared to kick off your meal with bold flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you’re dining with a group or simply want a light bite before your entrée, there’s an option to suit every craving.
Popular choices include Fried Mozzarella, Stuffed Ziti Fritta, Calamari, Toasted Ravioli, Lasagna Fritta, and Stuffed Mushrooms. Served fresh and hot, these appetizers pair perfectly with Olive Garden’s signature soups, salads, and pasta dishes. If you’re looking to make your meal even more enjoyable, starting with one of these flavorful appetizers is always a great choice.
For a complete look at all available starters, entrées, soups, salads, desserts, and beverages, explore the full Olive Garden Restaurant Menu.
Fried Mozzarella
$8.99 | Cal: 800
Stuffed Ziti Fritta
$9.49 | Cal: 500
Calamari
$12.29 | Cal: 35-670
Breadsticks (V)
$4.49 | Cal: 140
Meatballs Parmigiana
$11.49 | Cal: 1,040
Spinach-Artichoke Dip
$11.29 | Cal: 1, 160
Lasagna Fritta
$11.49 | Cal: 1,130
Shrimp Fritto Misto
$13.49 | Cal: 1,280
Breadsticks are served unlimited with any meal, which is part of why they’re the single most-ordered item on the whole menu, even though technically they’re a side rather than a standalone appetizer.
| Appetizer | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Breadsticks (V) | $4.49 | 140 |
| Fried Mozzarella | $8.99 | 800 |
| Stuffed Ziti Fritta | $9.49 | 500 |
| Toasted Ravioli | $9.79 | 590 |
| Meatballs Parmigiana | $11.49 | 1,040 |
| Spinach-Artichoke Dip | $11.29 | 1,160 |
| Lasagna Fritta | $11.49 | 1,130 |
| Calamari | $12.29 | 35–670 |
| Shrimp Fritto Misto | $13.49 | 1,280 |
Vegetarian and Vegan Appetizer Options
Not every “vegetarian-friendly” item on this menu is actually vegan, and the difference matters if you’re ordering for someone with a strict plant-based diet.
Vegetarian (contains dairy/egg, no meat): Fried Mozzarella, Spinach-Artichoke Dip, and Stuffed Ziti Fritta are all meat-free, but each relies on real cheese and egg-based breading, so they don’t work for a vegan guest.
Actually vegan: Breadsticks are the one genuine vegan pick on the appetizer menu. Despite the buttery flavor, they’re brushed with a soy-based margarine rather than real butter, which keeps them dairy-free and fully plant-based.
If you’re building a vegan starter beyond breadsticks, your best move is skipping the appetizer list entirely and asking for a small side of Minestrone soup instead — it’s vegetable-based and doesn’t rely on the fried, cheese-heavy prep that defines most of this menu.
Allergen and Gluten Guide
This is the section most Olive Garden menu pages leave out entirely, and it’s the one that matters most before you order.
Every fried appetizer on this menu contains wheat. Fried Mozzarella, Stuffed Ziti Fritta, Toasted Ravioli, Lasagna Fritta, Calamari, and Shrimp Fritto Misto are all breaded or battered, and breadsticks themselves are 100% wheat flour. There is currently no gluten-free appetizer option at Olive Garden — the Gluten-Sensitive Rotini exists on the entrée side of the menu, but that accommodation doesn’t extend to the starters.
Dairy is hiding in more places than you’d expect. Every fried item, including Calamari and Shrimp Fritto Misto, contains milk in the batter, not just the cheese-based dishes like Fried Mozzarella or Spinach-Artichoke Dip.
Shellfish allergy: Fried Mozzarella, Lasagna Fritta, Stuffed Ziti Fritta, and Toasted Ravioli are shellfish-free, making them the safer picks if Calamari or Shrimp Fritto Misto are off the table.
Cross-contact risk: Olive Garden fries most of its appetizers in shared fryer oil, so even the shellfish-free items above can pick up trace cross-contact with shrimp or calamari prepared in the same kitchen. If an allergy is severe, it’s worth telling your server before ordering rather than relying on the ingredient list alone.
Best Appetizers by Group Size
Ordering the right amount for the table avoids both an awkward reorder and a pile of cold leftovers.
Two people: One order of Breadsticks (already unlimited) plus one shareable item like Fried Mozzarella or Stuffed Ziti Fritta covers most appetites without overordering.
Four to six people: Two appetizers from different categories — say, Spinach-Artichoke Dip for the table and Calamari for variety — tend to cover a group without excess.
Larger groups or parties: Ordering three or more appetizers spanning fried, dip, and seafood categories gives everyone something to reach for, and it’s worth checking whether your location offers a catering-size appetizer platter for parties of eight or more.
What Pairs Well With Each Appetizer
Since most appetizer menu pages stop at price and calories, here’s how to actually build a starter course that works with your meal:
- Toasted Ravioli pairs naturally with a Chianti or Cabernet, since the wine’s boldness stands up to the beef filling and marinara.
- Calamari works best with a lighter white wine, like Pinot Grigio, so the wine doesn’t compete with the fried, briny flavor.
- Spinach-Artichoke Dip is rich enough that a simple side salad afterward helps balance the meal rather than adding another heavy dish.
- Fried Mozzarella pairs naturally with Zuppa Toscana if you’re doing a soup-and-appetizer combo instead of a full entrée.
How to Get a Free Appetizer at Olive Garden
Signing up for the Olive Garden eClub is the most reliable way to receive an appetizer or dessert offer, typically sent as a welcome coupon after signup. Beyond that, watch for periodic promotions tied to buying two entrées, which sometimes include a free or discounted appetizer as part of the deal. These offers rotate throughout the year, so the best approach is checking your email inbox and the Olive Garden app rather than expecting a standing, year-round deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular Olive Garden appetizer?
Breadsticks are the most-ordered item on the menu since they come unlimited with every meal, though Fried Mozzarella and Calamari are the top picks among standalone appetizers.
Are Olive Garden breadsticks vegan?
Yes. They’re made with a soy-based margarine instead of butter, which keeps them dairy-free and fully vegan.
Does Olive Garden have a gluten-free appetizer?
No. Every appetizer on the current menu contains wheat, either in the breading, batter, or the breadsticks themselves.
Which appetizers are safe for a shellfish allergy?
Fried Mozzarella, Lasagna Fritta, Stuffed Ziti Fritta, and Toasted Ravioli don’t contain shellfish, though shared fryer oil means some cross-contact risk still applies.
How much do Olive Garden appetizers cost?
Prices generally range from $4.49 for breadsticks up to $13.49 for Shrimp Fritto Misto, with most shareable appetizers falling between $9 and $12.
Can I get a free appetizer at Olive Garden?
Signing up for the Olive Garden eClub is the most consistent way to receive a free appetizer or dessert coupon, and occasional two-entrée promotions sometimes include one as well.
Olive Garden appetizers, breadsticks, fried mozzarella, allergen guide, vegan options
Conclusion
The Olive Garden Appetizer Menu is the perfect way to begin any Italian meal with delicious, shareable flavors. Whether you choose crispy Fried Mozzarella, Stuffed Ziti Fritta, Calamari, or one of the restaurant’s other popular starters, each appetizer is prepared to satisfy your cravings before the main course arrives. With generous portions and a variety of options, there’s something everyone at the table can enjoy.
Whether you’re dining with family, catching up with friends, or celebrating a special occasion, Olive Garden’s appetizers add extra flavor to the experience. Pair your favorite starter with the restaurant’s famous soups, salads, and entrées to create a complete meal that’s both comforting and memorable. Be sure to check your local Olive Garden for the latest appetizer selection and prices before your visit.
Olive Garden Customer Service
Customer Service
Contact Olive Garden through its official channels below:
Office: 1000 Darden Center Drive, Orlando, Florida, 32837
Contact Number: +1 (407) 245-4000
Official Website: olivegarden.com
Locations: View Locations
App: Download Olive Garden App
Support: Contact Support
Careers: Join Our Team