A YouGov report from October 2023 found that 37% of American diners reported eating out less often than a year earlier, citing high menu prices and a desire to save money. Only 8% said they were dining out more. Experts suggest several strategies to reduce restaurant costs.
Determining Dining Purpose
Kimberly Palmer, a personal finance expert at NerdWallet, recommends evaluating the primary reason for dining out—whether for socializing or trying a new restaurant—to match expectations with spending.
Setting a Restaurant Budget
Financial counselor Lindsay Plumb advises separating dining-out funds from grocery money, designating a discretionary "spend-with-joy" budget. Utilizing restaurant loyalty programs can further stretch this budget.
Pre-Menu Review
Registered dietitian Amy Lawson suggests reviewing menus in advance to plan meals, avoiding impulsive, high-cost orders driven by hunger.
Immediate Portion Control
Lawson also recommends boxing half the meal immediately. According to ReFED, 25% of restaurant customers always or often leave food, indicating oversized portions. This practice reduces overeating, waste, and provides a second meal.
Alternative Dining Options
Palmer suggests ordering catering trays from local restaurants to host gatherings, combining socializing with lower per-person costs. Some diners also partially cook at home and supplement with takeout items.
Takeout Pickup Savings
LendingTree found that delivery orders cost nearly 80% more than pickup in top U.S. metro areas. Picking up orders avoids these extra costs.