I'ld like to think that the calorie counts are fairly accurate by I also try to base it on what the item is. I'ld say a sandwhich is pretty safe if the dressing is on the side. They might give you some extra cheese but they're probably not going to accidentally give you double meet or 2 buns. (Though I did get a sandwhich one with 2 buns. It was interesting.) Now if it's something where the majority of the calories are in a sauce or oil something I think there's a really good chance that they're not back there in the kitchen with a measuring spoon but a lot of meat and bread comes into the kitchen preportioned.
I think the biggest risk of restaurant nutritional information is the items they list out. A sandwich will be listed at 600 calories but will be served with chips and a pickle and have no info on those. The guide shows the fajitas at 800 but the small print says that's without tortilla, cheese, sour cream, rice beans etc. Sometimes that info's available and sometimes they never give it to you. That's honestly one of the things I like about Olive Garden. I emailed their rep to ask if the dishes include things like the bread for the dips and the pasta served with the chicken parmisean and they said absolutely. If it comes on the plate it's been included. May not be accurrate but at least it's something.
