Olive Garden has a casual “dressy casual” dress code for all restaurants across 900+ US locations.
Known for welcoming families and everyday diners to its Italian-American chain, Olive Garden is open daily for lunch and dinner and provides endless breadsticks, pasta and salads for guests.
Founded in 1982, Olive Garden offers bottomless soup, salad and breadsticks, classics like lasagna, and Never Ending Pasta Bowl specials in spacious, family-oriented spaces.
Jeans and neat casual attire are standard but there is no need to overdress for the approachable vibe you’ll find at Olive Garden.
Olive Garden Dress Code Overview
Casual yet neat! Aim for comfortable, presentable clothes avoiding extremes like beachwear – just like at sister brand Ruth’s Chris.
There is no strict enforcement, but management prefers tidy outfits to match the sit-down atmosphere and collared shirts or blouses elevate without formality.
What To Wear
- Tops: Polos, button-downs, blouses or nice tees, skip tank tops.
- Bottoms: Jeans (no rips), slacks, skirts or capris.
- Outerwear: Cardigans or light jackets for AC.
- Style tips: Neutral tones and simple accessories blend with the warm decor.
Footwear Rules
Closed-toe shoes like loafers, flats or dressy sandals are preferred, while flip-flops or gym slides discouraged but rarely enforced.
Key Rules
- No shorts, offensive graphics, vulgar tees, or hats indoors unless for medical or religious reasons
- Kids in neat casuals welcome.
Olive Garden Staff & Server Uniform Clothing
Olive Garden staff originally wore black uniforms, setting a polished tone guests can echo casually.
The brand is moving to a white button shirt, dark jeans and a provided apron for all serving staff across all locations.
Olive Garden Booking Information & Reservations
No reservations are needed for most bookings but parties of 9+ need call ahead or enquire via olivegarden.com or the app for waitlist.
Peak times at weekends can mean a wait of 20-45 minutes, similar to fellow Darden Restaurant brand LongHorn Steakhouse.
Olive Garden Dress Code FAQs
Are jeans allowed at Olive Garden?
Yes, nice jeans pair well with collared shirts.
Can I wear trainers?
Clean, non-athletic ones yes or opt for loafers or flats.
Shorts or tank tops?
Avoid these as they are too casual for the dressy casual policy.
Hats indoors?
Generally no, unless for specific reasons.