NEED TO KNOW
The internet is split on the popularity of one of Olive Garden’s most recognizable dishes — the Tour of Italy
On Reddit, a debate was sparked after a user shared a photo of the dish
Some people came out in defense of the Italian chain restaurant’s dish, while others were quick to slam it.
A debate sprang up online about one of Olive Garden’s most recognizable menu items, and people are split on whether it’s a delightful taste of Italy’s finest or something better left unordered.
On Reddit, one user posted a photo of the popular Italian chain restaurant’s Tour of Italy.
Olive Garden’s menu describes the dish as containing “three OG classics all on one plate! Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna Classico and our signature Fettuccine Alfredo – all with homemade sauces made fresh every morning.” Diners can order the bountiful plate for less than $25.
However, the photo on Reddit was not the most flattering display of Italy’s finest, and it did not match the perfectly plated image displayed on the menu.
“Guys I hear nobody ever orders this. EVER,” the Reddit user captioned the post.
They later responded to someone in the comments section, who noted that the post was sarcastic. Despite confirming that they weren’t being serious, other Redditors chimed in with conflicting opinions about the dish, sparking a fierce debate.
Shutterstock / angelina megally
Olive Garden’s Tour of Italy
Many people took issue with the plate’s appearance. Others were offended by the variety of items in the dish.
“They order it at my restaurant but presentation is so much better. This would not fly,” one user noted.
“That’s the shortest tour of Italy I’ve ever seen. More like a look-see of Italy from 10,000 ft,” someone wrote, with another referring to it as “The Temu Tour.”
Commenting on the appearance, another person opined, “Flyover of Italy… cuz if it look like that, I ain’t stopping there.”
Yet another diner referred to the menu item as the “worst plated dish OG sells.”
However, others were quick to chime in about the item’s popularity with several Olive Garden serves alleging that it was the most popular item at their restaurant.
As for why, one person explained, “It’s literally the only dish on our menu that gives you a little bit of multiple things. It’s what I always recommend.”
Another Redditor agreed, writing, “As a mom, can confirm, loved it!! I like variety. I can cook a single thing easy enough at home.”
“I worked there about a year ago and sold sooo many of these,” someone wrote. “Maybe its regional but i served a f—— of tours.”
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Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty
Stock image of Olive Garden
Some people noted that the dish evokes a sense of nostalgia: “When I was a kid and teenager this felt SOOOOO luxurious! We rarely got to eat out (5 kids going out to eat is costly) so getting all 3 choices was so exciting. Plus I was picky and all 3 were tasty for even a picky person which was rare for me. It was such a treat,” someone wrote.
“I’m glad OP clarified that this was /s as this is one of most popular dishes. Plus this dish can have tons of substitutions, which means you can order multiple times and still have variety. I also love that it is a lot of food, which means I have leftovers for a few meals,” another person wrote, noting that the photo in the post wasn’t “the best representation” as it looked “thrown together.”
Finally, one user confirmed the dish’s popularity but spoke less favorably of its flavor: “Lots of people order this. However, an Italian Nona dies every time someone rates this dish at above a three star.”
PEOPLE reached out to Olive Garden for a comment on the dish’s popularity.
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