The best times to visit Olive Garden to avoid large crowds and enjoy a more relaxed dining experience typically include: Weekday afternoons: Just after the lunch rush, around 2 PM to 4 PM, before the dinner crowd begins. Late evenings: On weekdays, visiting an hour before closing can be quieter, though service may be quicker as the kitchen prepares to close. Early Weekdays for Lunch: Mondays through Thursdays right when lunch starts, around 11 AM, can be less busy compared to weekends.