I'm a raving fan of the OG restaurant in Capitola because the food and service are consistently first-rate. I come a few times a month for work lunches and it's always a great experience. Big kudos to the long-time GM Lisa Chiorello for achieving this consistent excellence! Today was an above and beyond moment: I was seated next to a table of 8 senior citizens. They asked the server Bella to split the bill 8 ways, and Bella didn't blink. She acted like it was the easiest thing to do (I know from prior serving jobs, it isn't!). The seniors were having a difficult time figuring out which meal was theirs, and who was paying with card and who was paying with cash. It was quite the scene! Bella had to spend a lot of time with them. She was so kind and patient.... it was a heart-warming thing to witness. And she never missed a beat serving her other tables, including mine. I just wanted to acknowledge Bella's kind and caring actions in a world that sadly is not like that a lot of the time. Thanks Bella for making me smile and the seniors' lunch enjoyable. You are a compassionate and considerate person that every company would be lucky to employ. read more

Ordered chicken Alfredo, and it came out strangely fast, in less than 8 or so minutes. The chicken was extremely rubbery and inedible. It was super gross to feel in one's mouth, and pasta was lukewarm... it makes me wonder if it was "prepared" in advance and just served soon after. Server was nice and did handle the issue promptly with the manager (hence not 1 star). Overall though; this experience just wasn't good. Tried Olive Garden for the first time in over a decade, and was very unfortunately disappointed by it. Probably avoid Olive Garden and try an actual Italian restaurant. read more

Our serve Chloe was absolutely fantastic and attentive, she made the experience super fun and constantly kept bringing us more endless soup bowls. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Fantastic service and great ambiance (:[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant - Cheese Ravioli - Italian Near Me - Capitola, California

Disappointing Sunday Lunch Experience A few friends and I decided to grab Sunday lunch at Olive Garden, expecting a relaxed and enjoyable meal. Unfortunately, that wasn't the experience we had. When we arrived, the host was polite and seated us right away. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant was mostly empty--only a few tables were occupied, along with one larger party.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]We didn't think much of it and took a moment to admire the beautiful Christmas decorations.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] After sitting for quite some time, we realized no server had come by. We weren't offered water, menus, or even a quick acknowledgment. During this time, we noticed the host seat two additional parties of two after us. Those tables were quickly given water and beverages, and staff were actively checking in on them. I eventually went back to the host to let them know we hadn't seen a server at all since being seated. Even after that, more time passed with no follow-up or attention. At that point, we were frustrated and decided to leave. As we walked out, the host simply watched us go--no apology, no attempt to assist, and no questions asked. On our way out, we also noticed several staff members gathered in a back area chatting, laughing, and smiling, while customers remained unattended. The takeaway here is simple: don't judge a book by its cover, and treat all customers equally. If servers are busy, someone should still come by to acknowledge guests--even just to offer water or let them know help is on the way. I absolutely support having a positive and social work environment, but customer service should always come first. Sadly, this experience left us feeling overlooked and unwelcome. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]I'm truly impressed at this locations ambiance. We were totally amazed by the interior design of this location.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Our server Mishelle was extraordinarily exceptional, she was efficient and accommodating with personality plus. The service was like being in a 5 star restaurant. We ordered Chicken Alfredo, Shrimp Alfredo, Minestrone, Pasta e Fagioli , Chicken & Gnocchi Soup's. The food was served pipping hot with lots of flavor. Hats off to the Cooks. read more

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Chicken Marsala- 5/5 (delicious) House salad- 5/5 (great) Alfredo fettuccine- 5/5 (amazing) Chocolate lasagna- 2/5 (too sweet) read more

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Yet another Olive Garden, I can honestly say that Olive Garden has a strong hold on me! It's an all time favorite and you can never go wrong! I have been to this location before and it's always a great experience. It's directly off the freeway next to the capitols mall, so it's convenient location. The hostess instantly greeted me and seated us immediately! Our waitress was Alicia, she was nice and had a great sense of humor. She brought everything that we ordered out quickly! She was very attentive, got our drinks refilled with no questions asked. I ordered the Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo it was good! Came out hot, it's NOT something that I would eat regularly cause it has a lot of calories and carbs, but today was one of those days for me where I wanted to indulge, I thoroughly enjoyed my meal - thank you read more

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant - Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo - Italian Near Me - Capitola, California

Alberto was our server, he was amazing!! I came here with my two friends 4/14 and got the chicken Alfredo.. SO GOOD. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Loved the music playing and the vibes.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] THANK YOU ALBERTO!! read more

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant - Chicken Alfredo - Italian Near Me - Capitola, California

Small portions of spaghetti an meatballs. My wife picked up two orders of spaghetti with meatballs and a fettuccine alfredo to go. The spaghetti portions were very small and with very little sauce. It looked like the cook cooked one order and split it into two containers. The spaghetti barely covered the bottom of the containers and had maybe a single scoop of sauce on top. I haven't had this issue in the past, but for $21, I expect a decent portion of spaghetti, as cheap as it is to make... read more

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant - spaghetti with Spaghetti & Meatballs (2) orders - Italian Near Me - Capitola, California

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Very first time going to Olive Garden. Went with two friends from work. It was actually really good! Mine was the grilled chicken Margherita with pesto, roasted tomatoes and garlic, lemon broccoli and the minestrone soup. And dang!!!! Those breadsticks were awesome with the salad We also shared Tiramisu, that was heaven! Not bad lol! read more

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!!!!!Updating my Review!!!!!! Zero Stars Went for dinner tonight. Had a terrible experince. My waitress was terrible rude barely made eye contact with me. Served me the worst salad I've ever seen in my whole entire life when the party next to me had the most amazing salads I've ever seen. Felt very unfair and just plain rude manager gave a terrible half A** sorry I will not be coming back zero stars tonight guys do better read more

Great food and service at a reasonable price! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Love the Italian music and food.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We have patronized this restaurant numerous times and have never had inferior service. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Ambiance is wonderful[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Also very clean restaurant and bathrooms.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Well we go here because my kid loves it and yes we know it's all microwaved food the so called chef told me that all they to is reheat ok but like I said my kid loves it so we go, [[HIGHLIGHT]]we went last week about 5 other families there the lady older who greeted us asked if it was ok we sat at the high table and chairs I said no we would like a booth then she sat us at a table every open booth was open don't know why we couldn't sit in one but it seemed like the only ones who were allowed to sit in them were caucasians this pissed me off but like I said my kid wants to eat here![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] So we ordered our water was very nice even other employees I assume the greater the Middle Aged white female with glasses was the manager on duty I ran out to get my sweatshirt as she sat us under the AC when I walked back in she gave me an eye roll rude felt like asking her do you discriminate because I have tattoos or because I'm native and Spanish!? But I kept my mouth shut as kids were around. I suggest you have a talk with her before I go on every platform to inform my town of her behavior I read the sign it's said Olive Garden not Trump racist supporter Garden her behavior is not professional at all as we we're leaving my co worker walked in with her family a was sat at a booth and treated and greeted with smiles not what we got! read more

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant - My very small 15.99 meal - Italian Near Me - Capitola, California

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Blake was an absolute legend server. I came in right after the ER, as one does. The soup was flowing and the bread sticks kept coming. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The vibe of the restaurant was ideal for mid day on a Wednesday.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Holy shit don't even get me started on my dearly beloved olive garden. Everytime i eat here i get a stomach ache from how much fucking food i shovel down my gullet. its just so good that i cant stop eating. also, i always ask the server to choose my soup, and they always drop some absolute bangers. This time she gave me the chicken gnocchi soup and my god was it everything ive ever wanted. service was amazing, and it truly made my day after a big ass ram truck almost hit me and my friend just before dinner in the parking lot. read more

I love Olive Garden everyone is so nice and the food is wonderful! Wait was minimal service was optimal [[HIGHLIGHT]]VERY clean from the walls to the floors[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Stopped by for dinner on a Sunday night, tried joining the waitlist online but it stayed there wasn't a wait. When we arrived, there was was a 10-15min wait. We ended up waiting about ten minutes before we were seated. Service was good, we got our food fairly fast and everything was very good! I got their chicken Alfredo and the bread was delicious! It was my first time at this location and I was not disappointed! There is plenty of parking and we were able to pay with with the tablet available at the table instead of waiting for our server! read more

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We just happened to stop in while out traveling. This was abbbsolutely the most wonderful stop. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Aside from being squeaky clean, quiet, we had the best server.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Her name begins with an I -UC Davis. read more

Madison has been an incredible waitress, she was attentive throughout our whole experience. She was always checking on us seeing if we wanted more soup, salad, breadsticks, and pasta! Super sweet and kind. She deserves a raise! read more

Had great service and food loved service by "Hassan" "Leo" "Madison" Everyone else is cool too but they are the one who served me. read more

Food is overly salty, The salad is great. We were a bit disappointed in seeing our waiter run around while several other employees were standing around oblivious to customers needing attention. We waited quite a while for our food to be served. No bread sticks available, waiter had to run back to kitchen and put bread sticks in oven etc. Why are so many employees standing around. Overall it's ok for a quick lunch but again food is so salty.. read more

Thank you Mo for great service and dining experience! actual nice service is so hard to come by these days and it was so refreshing to have such a great waitress. food was mid but 5 stars all around cause of Mo!!!!! olive garden take care of her! read more

I came to Olive Garden to celebrate my husband's birthday and we had a really good time. Food was very good and fresh. I was very comfortable with our server Kylie, she was kind and helpful. Place was clean and nice. I do recommend this place to everyone when you come by Capitola Ca read more

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Capitola, California

My Dad is in a wheelchair so as I opened the door to push him through I am met with the hostess staring at me. Instead of coming and helping me or even offering. It happened three times. If it wasn't for the food and service that was excellent. We never would come back. read more

Great service attitude excellent. Serving size plenty food was better than expected. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Atmosphere very peaceful.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

I hadn't been in there for awhile I know why. I ordered the ziti, soup. The soup was good. The bread sticks were again stale. They were hard as a rock. Not the first time. The service was okay. The only thing is when I got my order in was stacked 6ft tall. How unprofessional. By the time I got home it tipped over. I can't believe they couldn't put it in two bags. Another thing I noticed it was a plastic bad. Big no no in Santa Cruz. What happened to those now brown bags with the handles on them. They have been around long enough to know these things. Won't go back. I am Italian. I as fortunate to have my Italian grandmother cook for me until she passed when I was 16. This place isn't that great. [[HIGHLIGHT]]You could tell there was no one in there.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I loved Restorante Italiano. They were great but sadly closed. Lillians isnt good either. read more

Much better than expected from the chain restaurant (and compared to many other locations). [[HIGHLIGHT]]This location is renovated with new decors and lights -makes it look quite modern.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Dishes were good and service was attentive. I had seasonal steak Alfredo. Meat quality surprised me! read more

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Incredible and kind service very yummy and food came so quick Ty :) Shout out Katy!! Ordered carbonara ravioli and the new shrimp thing so yum. read more

Probably the best Olive garden we had had. Food was amazing. My oldest kept saying how perfect and delicious the lasagna was. They didn't bring out kid meal first as promised, but took it off the bill. read more

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant - Fried Mozzarella - Italian Near Me - Capitola, California

We were being served by a young girl that was not very professional or friendly, she made us feel unwelcome. The manager (blonde short hair) passed by and I asked if we could get another waitress and she looked at us in a rude manner and raised her voice as to have other customers hear and said why what did she do? I let her know she was rude and unprofessional and she insisted on being louder and said I really don't think so but I guess I'll serve you. Manager was very unprofessional and rude so I see why the employees feel entitled to treat customers in such way. Haven't been back since. read more

Gabby is wonderful!!! Thank you so much Aryan and Gabby!! Best service ever! They made sure we were taken care of even when they were closing. read more

The food here was great and the server, Chris was very helpful!! He checked in regularly and was very speedy with the service! [[HIGHLIGHT]]On top of this the food was really good and the restaurant was very clean and inviting.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]This is the nicest Olive Garden location I have been to thus far.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Would recommend!!!! read more

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant - Our lovely meal! - Italian Near Me - Capitola, California

Sitting at a table for close to 25 minutes as we speak, was not even offered a drink as we wait. We often come here when we are in town and never had we waited for this long, especially when there are employees just standing around. The biggest thing insult was when a person sat next to us and the same waiter tend to her quickly than she did was us. Drinks and food was delivered quickly when she sat down compared to when we were sit down. read more

Absolute garbage! Can't believe this place is still in business. The only saving grace was the service and on our last visit it was terrible. avoid this chain b.s. like the plague. Nothing can fix it except about a 90% reduction the salt and processed sh@t they use. And it's not cheap! Expensive for ultra processed tasting garbage. read more

All I needed when I wasn't feeling well. I just wanted some zuppa toscana soup and garlic breadsticks when I felt down and yucky after being sick. And as always, olive garden didn't disappoint. I wish that the spinach dip I ordered had better bread crisps with it, they were a bit over cooked, but other than that, it was pretty good. Def my go-to stop for pick up when I'm not feeling well. read more

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant - Zuppa Toscana, breadsticks, and Spinach-Artichoke Dip - Italian Near Me - Capitola, California

I love their breadsticks and the salad is surprisingly good. Not too bad price-wise either. Will be coming back.

While visiting Aptos, this was the closest Olive Garden to our resort area. It was the best decision we made by stopping here. My husband and I along our 3 children were so happy with everything from food to the service!! Right off the bat, we got greeted and seated right away! Our server which unfortunately I forgot her name :( was soooooooo nice, she was very attentive to our needs and constantly checking in to see how everything was and more. It's hard to find a genuine and nice person working in customer service and so glad we got her as our server. Thank you young lady for making our dinner a wonderful memory during our Family Trip to Aptos California. I highly recommend this location! I would say best time to go is between 4-6 before the dinner rush. read more

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Capitola, California

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This is the best olive garden that I have ever gone to. The food was amazing and the staff were great. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant had a great ambiance.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I would definitely recommend this location. read more

First time visiting this restaurant since it opened almost 5 years sgo and we were pleasantly surprised. It was completely different than when it was a Marie calendars. When you first walk in you see a really nice appointed bar area and the ambieance of a comfortable, well decorated restaurant with splattering of Italian accents but nothing is overdone. There are cubbie areas and also larger open dining areas. The food was better than what I expected for a chain restaurant and we were not disappointed with their all -you- can -eat salad and bread sticks! I don't know why we waited so long to try this restaurant, but will definitely now make it one of our go to places. Aptos local read more

I haven't been to Olive Garden in a few years and I heard about long wait times at the Capitola location so I've been putting off a visit. My bf and I went to Target around 3pm on a weekday and we got hungry at 4pm so we finally decided to go to Olive Garden. At 4pm, it wasn't super crowded but there was a decently sized crowd there already. The early dinner deal is super affordable: $8.99 with unlimited breadsticks and soup or salad, as well as an entree. I picked the lasagna classico, which wasn't phenomenal but definitely decently good- just wish it was hotter! It was a smaller portion but for $8.99, it's definitely worth it. My boyfriend got the cheese ravioli and he had around 8 pieces in his dish. He really likes it. We both got the gnocchi soup. My boyfriend thought the gnocchi wasn't cooked well and it was way too small. There would only be like 1-2 gnocchi pieces each time our soup was refreshed. 3 breadsticks were given each time, and they were salty & oily. They were delicious. Overall, service was attentive. Water, soup, and breadsticks were refreshed consistently. I would definitely be back for some decently priced pasta sometime, especially for the early dinner deal! (3.5/5) read more

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