Olive Garden debuts in India: Does it live up to the hype?

My first memory of hearing about Olive Garden goes back to a Late Night with Jimmy Fallon segment featuring rapper Post Malone eating at the iconic Times Square outlet. I remember being fascinated by the endless breadsticks and free-flowing salads the restaurant was famous for – peak American pop culture. Cut to 2026, and Olive Garden has debuted in Delhi NCR, and we had to see what the hype was about.

Launched in India by Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group (GIHG), the American-Italian cult favourite begins its India journey with Aerocity, alongside plans for a phased expansion across Delhi-NCR before moving into other key cities. 

The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by an open zero-proof bar filling the space with all sorts of comforting aromas. The India menu stays largely rooted in Olive Garden’s American-Italian identity while subtly adapting itself to local preferences. And yes, the iconic never-ending soup or salad and freshly baked breadsticks are very much part of the experience, so that’s where we began.

Soon followed the Non-Vegetarian Sampler with toasted chicken ravioli, bruschetta, and parmesan-crusted wings. If comfort food is your thing, don’t skip the Fried Mozzarella or the stuffed mushrooms, both extremely cheesy in the best possible way. The free-flowing house salad offers just enough crunch to balance out the indulgence without filling you up too quickly.

For mains, the Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo delivers exactly what you’d expect from a rich, creamy pasta, while the Spicy Bomba Alfredo caters to diners who prefer a little heat. Pasta lovers are especially spoiled here, thanks to the build-your-own pasta option where the choices are endless, from sauces to toppings. Though the pasta was quite filling, skipping pizza at Olive Garden felt illegal, so we got the Mushroom Alfredo Pizza which took the cake for me. Pair it with one their signature cream sodas, and you’ve a meal of your dreams right there.

As for dessert, while the menu offers plenty of choices, the Tiramisu and Black Tie Mousse Cake are the ones worth saving room for.

Rooted in the belief that food tastes better when shared, Olive Garden has spent over four decades positioning itself as a gathering place for families and friends. And somehow, that larger-than-life, comforting dining philosophy feels perfectly suited to the Capital.

Speaking on the India launch, Ramit Bharti Mittal, Executive Chairman & Director, Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group, shares, “Launching Olive Garden in India is a natural progression of our vision to bring thoughtfully chosen, global dining icons to India to cater to the evolving consumer aspirations in the country. In deep collaboration with Darden International & Franchising, we have ensured that the brand’s hallmark hospitality, comfort-driven menu, and celebratory, family-style experience are authentically reimagined for India. This milestone marks an important step in our long-term ambition to shape the country’s premium, family-focused dining landscape.”

Address: Unit No. FB 6, Ground Floor, Worldmark 4, Asset Area LP-1B-04, Aerocity, New Delhi

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