Olive Garden Calamari
Crispy fried calamari with marinara and spicy ranch for dipping – about $12.29-$12.79 and 670 calories per serving.
What Is Calamari?
Price, calories, nutrition & taste
The Calamari at Olive Garden
Not every appetizer earns a permanent spot on a restaurant menu, but Olive Garden Calamari has managed to stick around for years. One bite explains why. It combines lightly breaded squid with a crisp golden coating, then pairs it with marinara and spicy ranch for a mix of savory, tangy, and creamy flavors that works surprisingly well together. This appetizer sits in the starter section of the menu and is designed for sharing, although plenty of people end up eating most of it themselves. The calamari is fried until the outside develops a satisfying crunch while the inside stays tender.
Served fresh from the fryer, it arrives hot, fragrant, and difficult to ignore. Olive Garden has offered calamari as a regular Olive Garden appetizer for many years, making it a permanent menu item rather than a seasonal promotion. Seafood lovers often order it before pasta dishes, while groups frequently choose it as a shareable starter alongside breadsticks and salad.
Quick Facts
At a glance
Price
Approx. $12.29 – $12.79
Calories
670 calories
Serving Size
1 appetizer serving
Available Since
Long-term menu item
Menu Category
Appetizer
Vegan Friendly
No
Gluten-Free
No
Available All Day
Yes
Permanent or Limited
Permanent menu item
Ingredients
What’s inside
Made Fresh
A lot of people hear the word calamari and assume it is some exotic seafood dish. In reality, it is simply squid that has been sliced into rings and pieces, coated in seasoned breading, and fried until crispy. Olive Garden serves it with two dipping sauces that change the flavour experience depending on which one you choose. The breading contributes much of the flavour. It adds salt, seasoning, and texture, while the marinara brings acidity and tomato flavour.
The spicy ranch takes the appetizer in a richer direction with creaminess and a gentle kick. Together they create a balance that keeps the dish from feeling one dimensional.
Calamari (the squid that serves as the foundation of the appetizer)
Wheat Flour Breading (creates the crispy exterior during frying)
Seasoning Blend (adds savory flavor and enhances the seafood)
Frying Oil (develops the golden texture and crunch)
Marinara Sauce (provides tomato flavor and acidity)
Spicy Ranch Sauce (adds creaminess and mild heat)
Salt and Spices (boost overall flavor and aroma)
Price
What you’ll pay
Olive Garden Calamari generally sells for about $12.29 to $12.79 depending on location. Restaurant pricing varies across the United States, so guests in larger cities may see slightly higher prices than those in smaller markets.
| Option | Approximate Price |
|---|---|
| Regular / Standalone | $12.29 – $12.79 |
| As Part of a Combo | Not commonly offered |
| In a Box or Value Meal | Not typically included |
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
| Nutrient | Amount (1 Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 670 |
| Total Fat | 42g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 300mg |
| Sodium | 1,600mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Total Sugars | 3g |
| Protein | 24g |
Calamari is not the lightest appetizer on Olive Garden’s menu, but it is far from the most indulgent. A standard serving contains 670 calories before adding dipping sauces. The marinara adds about 35 calories, while the spicy ranch contributes another 240 calories. Most of the calories come from the breading and frying process rather than the seafood itself.
What Does It Taste Like?
Flavor profile
Flavor Notes
First impressions matter, and this appetizer starts strong. The aroma hits before the plate reaches the table. You get the smell of fresh frying oil, warm breading, and marinara. Visually, it looks exactly how fried calamari should look. Golden, crisp, and piled high enough to feel substantial.
The flavor is better than many chain restaurant versions. The squid itself has a mild seafood taste rather than a strong fishy flavor. Most of what you notice comes from the seasoned coating. The marinara adds brightness and cuts through the richness, while the spicy ranch brings extra depth. Between the two sauces, the ranch tends to be the crowd favorite, though it also adds a lot more calories.
Texture is where this appetizer succeeds or fails, and thankfully Olive Garden usually gets it right. The coating cracks when you bite into it, then gives way to tender calamari underneath. Overcooked calamari can become rubbery, but the better batches stay pleasantly chewy without feeling tough. Compared with the calamari served at many casual seafood chains, Olive Garden’s version is slightly heavier on breading but often more consistent. It may not beat the best local seafood restaurant in town, yet it easily clears the low bar set by many frozen, reheated competitors.
Dietary Information
Know before you order
Contains seafood and animal-derived ingredients
Spicy ranch sauce contains dairy ingredients
Vegan
No – Contains seafood and animal-derived ingredients
Vegetarian
No – Contains squid
Gluten-Free
No – Breaded with a wheat-based coating
Dairy-Free
No – Spicy ranch sauce contains dairy ingredients
Nut-Free
Generally Yes – No nuts are listed, but cross-contact is possible
Halal
No – Not certified as Halal by Olive Garden
Kosher
No – Not certified Kosher
Low Carb / Keto
No – Breading contributes significant carbohydrates
Low Sodium
No – Contains approximately 1,600mg of sodium per serving
Customization
Make it yours
Calamari is not one of Olive Garden’s most customizable menu items, but there are still a few ways to tailor it to your preferences.
Using the Olive Garden app makes customization easier because sauce requests and special instructions can be added before checkout, especially for takeout and delivery orders.
Request extra marinara sauce.
Ask for additional spicy ranch sauce.
Order with only marinara if you prefer a lighter dipping option.Request sauce on the side for easier sharing.
Ask for extra lemon wedges if available.
Pair it with soup or salad for a more complete starter course.Some guests order an additional side of Alfredo sauce for dipping, though availability varies by location.
Share it family style with breadsticks for a larger appetizer spread.
Availability
2026 status
Yes, Calamari is still available on the Olive Garden menu in 2026. It remains one of the chain’s signature appetizers and continues to appear on menus across most U.S. locations. Unlike limited-time promotions that rotate throughout the year, this item has maintained a long-term presence. Availability can occasionally vary because seafood supply chains are less predictable than ingredients used in pasta dishes.
If your local restaurant is temporarily out of stock, checking the Olive Garden app or online ordering system is usually the fastest way to confirm availability. If calamari is unavailable, Shrimp Fritto Misto or Fried Mozzarella are the closest alternatives for diners looking for a shareable fried appetizer.
Across the United States, Calamari is one of Olive Garden’s more consistent appetizers. The portion size and preparation tend to be similar from state to state, although pricing often varies by a few dollars depending on local operating costs and regional seafood distribution expenses. A suburban location during off-peak hours often delivers the freshest experience because kitchen traffic is lower and orders move quickly. Busy urban restaurants can still produce excellent calamari, but wait times are longer during lunch and dinner rushes, and appetizers may spend more time waiting before reaching the table. For the best results, dine-in remains the strongest option because the breading stays crisp.
Takeout through the Olive Garden app works well if eaten soon after pickup. Delivery through services like DoorDash or Uber Eats is convenient, but the steam trapped inside the container can soften the coating during transit. Mid-afternoon and early evening are often ideal times to order because the kitchen is active while avoiding the busiest dinner rush periods.
Best Appetizer Alternatives
Worth comparing
Stuffed Ziti Fritta works best for someone who wants a shareable appetizer that feels substantial without reaching the extreme richness of Lasagna Fritta. Fried Mozzarella is better for serious cheese lovers, while traditional mozzarella sticks are a safer choice for people who prefer familiar flavors. Lasagna Fritta is the option for diners who fully embrace comfort food and are not worried about calories.
Seafood-based appetizer served with marinara and spicy ranch sauces
Fried Mozzarella
Golden fried mozzarella with marinara. Fried Mozzarella is the cheese lover’s answer to calamari – same crispy-fried format, same dipping sauces, but all about the cheese pull. At 860 calories it is a bit heavier, so pick your craving: seafood or cheese.
Spinach Artichoke Dip
Warm creamy dip with flatbread crisps for scooping. Spinach-Artichoke Dip is the shareable, spoonable alternative at 1,160 calories – richer and more indulgent than calamari. Choose it when the table wants something warm and communal rather than crispy finger food.
Stuffed Ziti Fritta
Crispy cheese-stuffed pasta bites with two dipping sauces. Stuffed Ziti Fritta at $8.99-$10.99 is the budget-friendlier crispy appetizer. A great pick when you want the fried-appetizer experience for less money.
Is It Worth Ordering?
Our take
Order it if you:
Enjoy seafood appetizers with a crispy texture.
Like having multiple dipping sauces.
Want a shareable starter before your entrée arrives.
Prefer something lighter than Shrimp Fritto Misto but more interesting than breadsticks.
Skip it if you:
Follow a vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free diet.
Are watching sodium intake closely.
Prefer grilled seafood over fried seafood.
Plan to order a very large entrée and do not want extra calories beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers
How many calories are in Calamari?
About 670 calories are found in one serving before dipping sauces. Adding marinara and spicy ranch increases the total calorie count, especially if you use a generous amount of ranch.
What is Calamari made of?
Calamari consists of squid that is coated in seasoned breading and fried until crispy. It is served with marinara sauce and spicy ranch for dipping.
How much does it cost?
About $12.29 to $12.79 at most locations. Prices vary by restaurant and may be higher in some cities.
Is it still available in 2026?
Yes, it remains a regular menu item in 2026. Most Olive Garden locations continue to offer it as part of the appetizer lineup.
Can I customize my order?
Yes, you can request extra sauces, sauce on the side, or other minor modifications. Availability of specific customizations may vary by location.
Craving Calamari?
Crispy, shareable, and not too heavy – a solid seafood starter that pairs well with any entrée on the table.
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