Buzz
The Never Ending Pasta Bowl at Olive Garden was once hailed as the best deal in chain restaurants. Priced at $10.99 for an all-you-can-eat pasta feast, it was so generous that the restaurant removed it from the menu in 2019, citing its 'negative impact' on profits. But now, it’s back at $13.99, nearly 30% more than before. Is it still worth it? According to The Takeout, it is—especially for regular patrons.
The new version of the deal operates much like the old one: for $13.99, diners choose their pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, angel hair, or rigatoni) and sauce (alfredo, marinara, meat sauce, creamy mushroom, or five cheese marinara). Adding protein like meatballs, Italian sausage, or fried chicken strips will cost an additional $4.99 per serving. Once the plate is empty, customers can request more until they’re full. The meal also includes soup or salad and endless breadsticks, a beloved staple of the Olive Garden menu.
When compared to other menu items at Olive Garden, the Never Ending Pasta Bowl is a bargain. Most entrees at the chain cost $3 to $9 more than this all-you-can-eat deal, and those prices are for just one serving. Olive Garden's Create Your Own Pasta is priced similarly, but it only includes a single serving of pasta, even though it comes with unlimited soup or salad.
The portions of the Never Ending Pasta Bowl are smaller compared to other pasta dishes at Olive Garden, and they've even been reduced from previous years. However, if you're strategic with your pacing, it still provides great value for the price.
If you’re accustomed to freshly made pasta from your local Italian eatery, the Olive Garden deal might not seem like much. But for loyal customers of the chain, it’s a solid choice—especially if you arrive hungry. Here are some more interesting facts about the Italian-inspired restaurant that you might not know.
