Numerous movies, series, and even skits from social media all talk about the well-loved restaurant Olive Garden. Aside from the unlimited breadsticks and family-friendly experience, many Filipinos know little about the restaurant and its flavor profile. That changes on September 12, Monday, as the first Olive Garden opens in the Philippines.
The restaurant brought all of its signature menu classics, including chicken alfredo, lasagna, and chicken parmigiana, for Filipino diners to try. Each dish, from the appetizer to the entree to the dessert, boasts American-Italian flavors. Their world-famous breadsticks also grace every table and come with a dipping sauce with three flavors, alfredo, marinara, and five cheese, that customers can choose.
Since Olive Garden has a familiar style that encourages people to share good food and company, many of their dishes are for sharing. One of the restaurant’s appetizers, lasagna fritta, is among the menu items that diners can share with their group.
In the meantime, diners can enjoy entrees, like the chicken and shrimp carbonara, shrimp scampi, and more, with Never-Ending soup or house salad.
For dessert, diners can taste Italy with the restaurant’s warm Italian doughnuts, also known as Zeppoli, that come with a thick chocolate sauce. It also offers cheesecakes to satisfy sweet tooth.
Besides food, Olive Garden also offers a variety of refreshing drinks and cocktails to quench their guests’ thirst. Many of its drinks are combinations of different flavors that make diners feel they’re lounging in the Italian countryside. It also has a bar area to cater to solo drinkers who want to enjoy a drink quietly.
The Bistro Group, one of the Philippines’ most progressive restaurant chains, is responsible for bringing Olive Garden to the local restaurant scene. Jean Paul Manuud, The Bistro Group President, shared that Olive Garden and The Bistro Group share the same values and dining philosophy.
“We are excited to partner with The Bistro Group in expanding Olive Garden by opening its first restaurant in the Philippines. We know that the Bistro Group’s deep experience in the restaurant industry will help us successfully serve our guests in the Philippines,” said Bradley Smith, Senior Vice President of Franchising at Darden Restaurants.
Olive Garden is the largest American-Italian restaurant chain in the United States, where it operates more than 900 restaurants and employs more than 96,000 people.
The newly-opened restaurant in the Philippines occupies 382 sq.m. with a seating capacity of 300 and an al fresco dining area. It has a rustic ambiance adding to the diners’ experience as they navigate Olive Garden’s hearty menu. A stone passageway welcomes guests to interiors accentuated with warm elements, olive green accents, earthy tones, and natural textures reminiscent of the Italian countryside.
Filipino food enthusiasts can now satisfy their cravings for the popular American-Italian restaurant they hear so much from pop culture. With its casual dining experience and well-loved food, Olive Garden poses to be the next culinary destination.
Visit Olive Garden on the second floor of the Entertainment Mall at SM Mall Of Asia.