Olive Garden is described as one of the largest Italian-themed chain restaurants in the US that’s been around for decades. A quick Google search will tell you there are 900+ Olive Garden restaurants globally and 8 of these are in Canada (and only 1 in British Columbia, which happens to be in Langley). Lucky me it’s a stone’s throw away from my place.

Only after 3 years of living in Langley did I decide to check it out – there always seemed to be a line outside and as a mom to an energetic toddler, I get turned off by that. However, it shouldn’t be a deterrent to try out the Italian-American dishes that have made this chain successful. They have an efficient booking system – while you’re still at home, go to their website, put in the time you want to go, you’ll get an estimate on the waiting time and finally a text to let you know it’s your turn.

The restaurant interior attempts at a Tuscan feel with fake verandas and limestone walls yet somehow successfully gives a cozy ambiance. But I was really excited for the food and the whole reason why we were there. Luckily their operations is streamlined. The hosts and the servers knew their roles and we were seated in our booth across the bar in 15 minutes including wait time.

For our drinks, we got their amaretto sour and strawberry bellini. Highly enjoyed the amaretto sour and its refreshing flavours over the bellini.

For mains, we chose one of their bestsellers – shrimp scampi and chicken Alfredo. We didn’t feel like being reasonable people that day so we got our meals in full entree size (under $27) when we could’ve gotten them on lunch special (under $17). We were there just before 3pm. The entrees come with their unlimited house salad, soup and breadsticks. Salad was sooo good.

Food is heavy, filling, and we got to take leftovers home to enjoy the next day. A family-oriented restaurant that makes familiar and comforting flavours, I’m sure it’ll remain as one of the “good reasons to drive to Langley” (along with Nordstrom Rack) for those who don’t live in the area.

Olive Garden is located at the RioCan strip mall with address 20080 Langley Bypass, Langley, BC V3A 9J7.