Olive Garden vs Carrabba’s

The Olive Garden vs. Carrabba’s comparison – or debate, if you’re an ardent fan of either one – is a battle for the bigger slice of the pie in a lucrative market. As such, the two chains are seemingly always on the lookout for newer and better ways to attract consumers, even to the point of dramatic menu revisions.

The chains have introduced creative menus, too, such as small plates and small portions, lighter fare, and specialty items that can be mixed and matched for customization.  There have also been more gluten-free selections, craft beers and artisan wines, and mini-desserts.  While Carrabba’s has fewer locations – more than 240 nationally – than Olive Garden with its more than 800 restaurants, it’s definitely giving a good fight on other fronts.

Comparison of the Italian-American Cuisine

Both Olive Garden and Carrabba’s offer Italian-American cuisine albeit with different interpretations.  While Olive Garden’s dishes are created by chefs, many of the dishes at Carrabba’s are based on the original recipes created by the mother and sister of the founder. There’s then a homemade quality to the dishes at Carrabba’s without sacrificing on the restaurant quality appreciated by its ardent fans.

Olive Garden fans say that the unlimited breadsticks, soups and salads for a fixed price are among the reasons for their continued patronage of the chain, in addition to the larger portions. Carrabba’s, on the other hand, is the go-to place if you’re looking for delicious Italian bread with oil and herbs, as well as for excellent manicotti.

Many customers also like the Tuscan trio combo, a combination of extra past side, added salad topping, or small plate for an added price. The cucina mia option for dinner adds pasta with sauce and topping along with the soup, salad, and breadsticks for a reasonable price.  Both are available at most Olive Garden restaurants.

The Olive Garden menu can be complicated and, thus, confusing for most first-timers so much so that waiters have to explain the combos and deals. The wide range of appetizers, entrées, and desserts, among other items, on the menu has an upside – customers can throw a veritable Italian-American feast for their family, friends, and colleagues by calling its catering services.  The dishes include parmesan fritters, arancini, and Chicken Toscana.

The Carrabba’s menu also has a wide range of dishes and desserts but it isn’t as complicated as its competition’s menu, mainly thanks to the efficient categorization. The Chicken Bryan, one of its bestselling item, consists of an 8-ounce grilled chicken breast with sundried tomatoes, goat cheese, and a basil lemon butter sauce.

The menu also features delicious prosciutto-wrapped pork tenderloin medallions, rigatoni Martino, and shrimp and scallop linguine alla vodka, as well as the great grilled Tuscan skewers. Even customers without a sweet tooth will love the smooth and sexy vanilla bean panna cotta.

Comparison of Atmosphere and Everything Else

When it comes to overall atmosphere in the restaurants, we have to say that Olive Garden has a slight edge over Carrabba’s.  The Olive Garden’s restaurants have bright interiors characterized by strategic lighting, colorful décor, and relatively quiet vibe. The Carrabba’s restaurants are less bright with a slightly higher noise level, partly because of the open kitchen layout.

The staff members at most Olive Garden restaurants are also friendlier than expected although those at Carrabba’s are also friendly. As soon as you walk into an Olive Garden location, for example, you will be greeted by the staff and shown to your table. You will appreciate the warm and welcoming vibe, too.

In the end, most of the Olive Garden vs. Carrabba’s comparisons will result in one conclusion: Both chains are nearly equal in terms of food quality, customer service, and overall ambiance with each chain having its own strengths and weaknesses.  Your personal preferences and experiences will largely influence your final choice – or better yet, you can be a regular patron of both chains!