Dining out is a great way to enjoy life, as we can indulge in culinary delights, relax, and interact with others. But it can dent your wallet if you are not careful. Fortunately, however, you can enjoy your favorite restaurants guilt-free with clever moves. Here, we’ll explore eleven ways to savor your dining experience without breaking the bank.

Consider going out to lunch instead of dinner. The lunch menu frequently offers the same dishes as the dinner menu but at a slightly lower price and in smaller portions.

Also, many restaurants offer prix fixe menus or lunch specials, which are less expensive than their dinner offerings. You can savor the same mouth-watering cuisine for a significantly lower price.

Hence, having lunch at your preferred restaurant instead of dinner can offer a fine dining experience without the evening meal price tag.

Before you head out to eat, look through websites like Groupon, LivingSocial, and Restaurant.com for dining coupons and special offers at your favorite restaurants.

Also, subscribe to restaurant newsletters and reward schemes to access special offers and discounts, like buy-one get-one free or a 10 % discount. Saving even a few dollars can add up over time, so it is worth the effort.

During off-peak hours, many restaurants offer Happy Hour discounts or early bird specials on food and beverages. Plan to dine out during these hours to save money while enjoying the same delectable meals and relaxing atmosphere. It is a clever way to enjoy haute cuisine without paying for it.

Alcohol, juice, and soda are the beverages that can quickly increase your dining bill, so order water, which is usually free at restaurants. You can add a few slices of lemon to make a crisp, refreshing drink that will help enhance the flavors in your food and cleanse your palette. By ordering water instead of beverages, especially alcohol, you can save a good amount.

Dining at Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB) restaurants can drastically lower your bill as you will not have to pay the marked-up prices for drinks.

However, while indulging in your preferred wine or beer that goes well with the food, call ahead and find out their policy regarding corkage fees.

Many restaurants serve generous portions that are often too much for one person to finish. You can enjoy a whole dining experience by sharing meals with dining companions or ordering small plates to sample several dishes without overspending. Furthermore, it frequently leaves space for a shared dessert later on.

If you are dining with a companion, splitting a single entree is probably the most economical way to order food. Inform the waiter that you would like to divide the meal, and they will probably do so in the kitchen before putting it on two plates. Additionally, they occasionally top off each plate with a little bit of the side dishes. In light of this, ask the restaurant if there is a shared entree fee before splitting a meal. Although it is at the bottom of the menu, it is advisable to double-check with your waiter.

Many restaurants offer large portions of salads and appetizers. Don’t be scared to select something you like from the “starters” menu because these can be just as filling as the main course. Usually, these costs are significantly less than those of entrees. To make this a complete meal, add a small house salad. Choose a starter with protein to ensure that the appetizer fills you up rather than leaving you hungry.

If you cannot finish the food, box up leftovers to take home. It is always a good idea as you will prevent food waste and save money. Moreover, you can have a delicious lunch the following day and enjoy two elegant meals out of one, as many dishes tend to taste better the following day!

You may want to indulge in the dessert cart, but you should resist the temptation. Desserts at many restaurants can be pricey enough to surprise you when your bill arrives. Dessert can wait until you get home. By extending the evening and saving money, you can eat essentially the same store-bought (or even homemade) cake and ice cream for half the price you would pay at a restaurant.

Both diners and restaurants benefit from loyalty programs. Joining up allows you to accrue points for freebies, coupons, special offers, or discounts on every meal. Enrol in these programs at places you frequent to save money on your meals and even get birthday or anniversary treats.

Be cautious of additional costs that can surreptitiously inflate your dining bill, such as side dishes, gratuities, and service fees. Pay attention to what you are ordering and decide if the extras are worth the extra money. Sometimes, the best way to cut costs when eating out is to stick to the basics.

Dining out does not have to be a budget-busting experience. A little planning and creativity can help you enjoy delicious meals without overspending. By implementing these money-saving ideas, you will savor the flavors of your meal and the satisfaction of knowing you are dining out smartly. Bon appétit and happy saving!