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10 ways to save money when eating out in the UK

By the EZ Menus team. Published .

Eating out has got noticeably more expensive. These habits help you keep enjoying meals out while spending less.

Before you go

  1. Check the menu and prices first. Knowing what a meal costs before you sit down stops the "we're here now" overspend. That's the reason EZ Menus exists.
  2. Eat earlier. Many restaurants have early-evening or set lunch menus that are much cheaper than ordering from the main menu.
  3. Use the restaurant's own app or loyalty scheme. Chains often give free items, birthday rewards or app-only deals.
  4. Compare collection with delivery. Delivery apps can charge higher menu prices plus fees. Collecting the same order is often noticeably cheaper.

At the table

  1. Drink tap water. Restaurants in England and Wales that serve alcohol must provide free tap water to customers on request. In Scotland it's free in licensed premises too.
  2. Share starters and sides. Portions are often large enough for two.
  3. Check the bill for service charges. If a discretionary service charge is already added, you don't need to tip again. Our bill split calculator handles both cases.
  4. Ask about portions. Lunch-size or small portions of mains are sometimes available even if they're not on the menu.

Bigger savings

  1. Look out for kids-eat-free offers at family chains, often during school holidays.
  2. Set a monthly eating-out budget. It sounds simple, but deciding in advance makes each choice easier.

Eating out should still be a treat. The aim isn't to spend nothing, but to make sure what you spend goes on the meals you actually enjoy.