New resto: Olive Garden opens 2nd branch in Makati

January 9, 2023 - 6:36 PM
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Photos of Olive Garden's second branch in Glorietta 3 Mall in Makati City (Released, Interaksyon/Catalina Ricci Madarang)

More Filipinos can now try out Olive Garden‘s unlimited delicious salad and soup, and its well-loved bread sticks.

Olive Garden, an Italian-themed restaurant, earned its reputation overseas for its Never-Ending garden-fresh salad and flavorful soups. Its second store is now open at the Glorietta 3 Mall in Makati City.

Olive Garden Philippines promoted its new store on Instagram on opening day, January 9. Customers can dine in here from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Bistro Group, the collective behind long-running international brands Italianni’s and TGI Fridays, introduced the American-based Italian dining concept to the local market.

Olive Garden opened its first branch at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City last on September 12.

It occupies 382 square meters of space and can seat up to 300 people with multiple types of table settings.

READ: What’s on the menu: Dishes to try at Olive Garden’s 1st Philippine branch 

Its second home, on the other hand, is a bit smaller with a 113 capacity-seating.

It is also tucked away in a quieter, cozier area on the third floor of the mall. Moreover, it is also surrounded by other casual dining restaurants, all of which are under the Bistro Group.

What stayed the same is Olive Garden’s signature design of multiple types of table settings.

Here are photos of the different dine-in settings for solo diners, families and couples.

Similar to the maiden branch, Glorietta’s Olive Garden also emanates a rustic vibe throughout its interiors. The design has warm, earthy tones, olive-green accents and natural textures to emanate the feeling of an Italian countryside.

Here are photos of the place that are focused on its interiors:

Moreover, the American chain’s menu also retains here for Makati diners to enjoy.

The classic entrees include Chicken Alfredo, Lasagna, and Chicken Parmigiana.

A must-try for sharing is the Tour of Italy comprising Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna Classico and Fettucino Alfredo.

An Olive Garden menu will not be complete without its signature, best-selling breadsticks, homemade soups and salads.

Here are photos of some of the drinks that customers can try—the Hibiscus Butterfly Pea Tea and the Purple-White drink.

Olive Garden’s Hibiscus Butterfly Pea Tea (Interaksyon/Catalina Ricci Madarang)
Olive Garden’s Purple-White drink (Interaksyon/Catalina Ricci Madarang)

The place also has cocktails for a different type of dining experience. These include Italian Margarita, Peach Bellini, Hibiscus-Oh!, Olive Gin on the Rocks and Blossoming Vodka.

Greg Balogh, Darden Regional Operations director, in a statement said that the warm welcome they received from Filipinos encouraged them to open another branch in Metro Manila.

“We are excited to open our 2nd branch in the Philippines in a span of 3 months, on the heels of the success of our maiden store at the Mall of Asia.  We are very pleased about the enthusiastic welcome that Filipinos accorded Olive Garden and we look forward to expanding the brand in more locations soon,” Balogh said.

RELATED: Bistro Group to open more stores of int’l food brands in Philippines in 2023 

Darden Restaurants, Inc. is the company behind Olive Garden.

Bistro Group’s President Jean Paul Manuud, meanwhile, expressed optimism on what the future holds for the restaurant’s group partnership with Darden.

“What we have with Darden Restaurants, Inc., the company behind Olive Garden, is a collaboration that’s been very positive from the start.  We are happy to be working with them on building the brand and growing the business locally,” Manuud said.