Cost of Eating Out Getting Too High? Try These Alternatives
It’s no secret that the cost of eating out has soared in recent years. What was once an occasional treat has become an increasingly expensive habit, putting a noticeable dent in household budgets. Whether you’re dining solo, planning a romantic evening, or feeding a hungry family, the rising prices at restaurants and cafés can feel overwhelming. Add in the hidden extras—service charges, tipping expectations, parking fees—and suddenly that quick bite turns into a serious splurge.
Cutting back doesn’t have to mean cutting out all the joy of great food and shared meals. With a little creativity and planning, you can still enjoy delicious, satisfying experiences without stepping foot in a restaurant.
We explore fun, practical, and wallet-friendly alternatives that bring the joy of eating out right into your home and community.
The True Cost of Eating Out
Let’s break it down. A standard meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can easily exceed $30–45, especially when drinks, starters, or desserts are involved. Add in service charges, transport, and even a babysitter, and you might be looking at the equivalent of a week’s worth of groceries in a single evening.
While the occasional treat is certainly worth it, making eating out a regular affair can quietly but quickly erode your monthly budget. And it’s not just the financial cost—dining out often comes with long waits, noisy environments, and rushed service that can leave you feeling more drained than delighted.
By recognising the true price tag attached to eating out, it becomes easier to reframe what a “special meal” can look like one that doesn’t need to happen outside your own home. Here is a rough estimate of the costs involved compared to dining in.
Eating Out vs. Home Dining
(Based on a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant)
| Cost Factor | Dining Out | Eating at Home | Savings |
| Main Meal | $30–$45 | $10–$15 | $20–$30 |
| Drinks | $10–$15 (2 glasses wine/soda) | $3–$5 (full bottle or homemade drinks) | $7–$10 |
| Appetizer/Dessert | $12–$18 | $4–$8 (made at home) | $8–$10 |
| Service Charge/Tip | $4–$7 (15–20%) | $0 | $4–$7 |
| Transportation | $6–$20 (gas, rideshare, parking) | $0 (your kitchen is steps away!) | $6–$20 |
| Babysitter | $12–$25 (if needed) | $0 | $12–$25 |
| Time | 1.5–2 hours (travel, waiting, dining) | 30–45 mins (cooking & eating) | 1+ hour |
| Stress Level | High (noise, crowd, rushed service) | Low (relaxed, at your own pace) | Priceless! |
What Are The Alternatives?
1. Embrace Home Cooking Without the Hassle
Cooking at home doesn’t have to mean elaborate, time-consuming recipes or piles of dishes. It can be simple, efficient, and even something to look forward to. One of the best ways to reduce stress around home meals is to plan ahead. Creating a weeknight meal plan with a handful of go-to recipes—think stir-fries, tray bakes, pasta dishes and soups—saves decision fatigue and minimises last-minute takeout temptations.
Batch cooking is another game-changer. Spend a Sunday afternoon prepping a few big-batch meals like chilli, curry, or stew, and freeze individual portions for quick, nourishing dinners on busy days.
2. Switch It Up A Notch with Themed Nights
For a little extra joy during the week, introduce themed nights. Meatless Monday, Taco Tuesdays, One-Pot Wednesdays, Throwback Thursdays (childhood favourites), Pasta or Fish Fridays, or DIY Pizza Saturdays turn dinner into an event the whole household can look forward to.
These recurring traditions don’t just make cooking fun—they also give structure to your week, provide variety, and encourage everyone to get involved. With a bit of organisation, home cooking becomes less of a chore and more of a comforting, grounding ritual. You can find some recommendations in our Weekly Meal Ideas: Hassle Free Themed Nights below:
| Day | Theme | Quick Meal Suggestions | Tips |
| Monday | Meat-Free Monday | Veggie stir-fry, lentil curry, roasted vegetable pasta | Use pre-chopped veg or frozen mixes for faster prep |
| Tuesday | Taco Tuesday | DIY tacos with beef, beans, or tofu; corn, salsa & avocado | Set out toppings for a build-your-own taco night |
| Wednesday | One-Pot Wednesday | Chicken casserole, veggie stew, sausage hotpot | Use a slow cooker or instant pot for minimal washing up |
| Thursday | Tray Bake Thursday | Baked salmon & veg, roasted gnocchi, herby chicken & potatoes | Toss everything on a tray, season, bake—it’s that simple |
| Friday | Pasta Friday | Pesto pasta, spaghetti carbonara, mac & cheese | Add a side salad and crusty bread to make it feel more like a treat |
| Saturday | DIY Pizza Night | Homemade or store-bought bases, toppings galore | Get the family involved and have fun with toppings |
| Sunday | Slow & Simple Sunday | Roast dinner, baked lasagne, hearty soup | Cook a big meal and save leftovers for Monday |
3. Recreate the Restaurant Experience at Home
Just because you’re not going out doesn’t mean you can’t bring a little restaurant magic into your home. A big part of what makes eating out enjoyable is the atmosphere—something you can absolutely recreate with a few thoughtful touches. Light some candles, play your favourite playlist in the background, and take a moment to set the table nicely. Even using cloth napkins and plating food with care can elevate the experience from everyday to extraordinary.
4. Cooking as a Family
Cooking together can also become a beautiful shared activity. Whether you’re a couple preparing a date night dinner or a family getting hands-on with homemade dumplings or sushi rolls, cooking becomes part of the fun. You might even try making one new recipe a week—perhaps inspired by a different culture or cuisine. From Thai curry to Moroccan tagines, there’s a whole world to explore from your kitchen. Add a themed drink or mocktail, and you’ve got yourself a budget-friendly global night out—without the travel costs. Take inspiration from our Global Family Cooking Night: Restaurant Alternatives below:
| Meal Idea | Easy-to-Prepare Options | Tips for Making It Fun |
| Build-Your-Own Burger | Buns, patties (beef/veggie/chicken), assorted toppings | Set up a “burger bar” with quirky toppings (pineapple, fried eggs, avocado); vote for the most creative combo! Remember to stick a fries in the air fryer. |
| Thai Green Curry | Store-bought curry paste, coconut milk, veggies, protein | Serve with rice noodles or jasmine rice; garnish with lime and basil. Use chopsticks! |
| Moroccan Tagine | Slow-cooked chicken/veg with apricots, almonds, spices | Cook in a Dutch oven (or tagine if you have one!); serve with couscous and mint tea. |
| Homemade Dumplings | Pre-made wrappers + ground meat/veggie filling | Set up a “dumpling station” with different fillings; have a folding competition |
| DIY Sushi Rolls | Nori sheets, sushi rice, cucumber, avocado, smoked salmon | Let everyone customise their rolls; serve with soy sauce and wasabi for dipping |
| Taco Night | Tortillas, seasoned meat/beans, cheese, salsa, guacamole | Lay out toppings buffet-style; let everyone build their own tacos |
| Japanese Ramen Bowl | Instant ramen (upgraded!) + soft-boiled eggs, nori, pork | Customise toppings (corn, bamboo shoots); slurping encouraged! |
| Italian Gnocchi Night | Store-bought gnocchi + pesto/tomato sauce | Shape homemade gnocchi (potato + flour) for extra fun. Tip: Roll them on forks for ridges! |
| Mexican Fajita Bar | Sizzling peppers/onions, grilled meat, tortillas | Serve on a sizzling platter (or skillet) for drama. Play: Mariachi music! |
| Indian Butter Chicken | Pre-made sauce + chicken, basmati rice, naan | Garnish with cilantro; pair with mango lassi (yogurt drink). |
| Greek Meze Platter | Hummus, olives, pita, tzatziki, grilled halloumi | Eat with hands! Activity: Guess the country from the flavours. |
5. Host Potlucks and Dinner Parties
Sometimes, food tastes better when it’s shared. If you love the social aspect of dining out, try hosting potlucks or casual dinner parties at home. It’s a brilliant way to catch up with friends without the pressure of cooking everything yourself or footing a large bill. Everyone brings a dish (homemade or store-bought—no judgment!), and you get to enjoy a variety of flavours and recipes in a relaxed, cosy setting.
Want to make it extra special? Give your evening a fun theme: Mediterranean mezze, comfort food classics, or curries only. For smaller gatherings, consider rotating dinner parties where each household takes a turn hosting. It’s a lovely way to keep in touch with your social circle, create lasting memories, and share the cost and effort of a good meal. And unlike in a restaurant, you can linger for hours without anyone hinting it’s time to pay the bill.
5. Explore Meal Subscription Boxes (Wisely)
Meal subscription boxes offer a convenient middle ground between cooking from scratch and the ease of takeaway. While not always the cheapest option, they can be more affordable than eating out regularly—and a great way to break out of a cooking rut. These services provide pre-measured ingredients and step-by-step recipes, helping you try new dishes without a massive shopping list.
There are plenty of options out there now (see list below), from family-friendly choices to gourmet offerings and even plant-based or health-focused plans. Look out for introductory discounts, referral credits, or flexible plans that let you skip weeks. Some people even share a subscription with a friend or neighbour to split costs and portions. Used wisely, meal kits can reduce food waste, improve your cooking confidence, and keep things interesting without straying too far from your budget. Plus, it removes the hassle of shopping for ingredients and decision fatigue we talked about earlier.
Meal Subscription Box Comparisons
| Service | Best For | Key Features | Try If You… |
| HelloFresh | Families/Beginners | Most popular; balanced meals, easy recipes | Want reliable, crowd-pleasing meals |
| Blue Apron | Gourmet cooking | Chef-designed recipes, premium ingredients | Enjoy cooking but want new challenges |
| EveryPlate | Budget-conscious | Simple recipes, fewer ingredients | Need affordability without sacrifice |
| Green Chef | Organic/Plant-based | Certified organic; keto/paleo/vegan options | Prioritize organic or special diets |
| Home Chef | Customization | Choose proteins/sides; oven-ready options | Hate chopping/prep (15-min meals!) |
| Dinnerly | Minimalist cooking | Cheapest option; digital-only recipes | Prefer simplicity and low cost |
| Marley Spoon | Global flavors | Martha Stewart recipes; bold flavors | Crave adventurous meals |
| Sunbasket | Health-focused | Organic, lean proteins, quick meals | Want dietitian-approved meals |
6. Go on a Food Adventure—Without the Price Tag
Craving a little food adventure? You don’t have to spend big at a fancy restaurant to discover new flavours and experiences. Start by exploring your local street food stalls or food trucks—these often serve up authentic, flavour-packed dishes at a fraction of the price you’d pay in a sit-down restaurant. From loaded bao buns to gourmet grilled cheese, the options are exciting, affordable and often locally run.
Another great option is a visit to your local farmers’ market. Pick up some fresh produce, artisan bread, or a handmade cheese or two, and turn it into a picnic or a build-your-own lunch at home. You’ll not only support local makers but also enjoy something that feels a little more special than the usual supermarket fare.
If you’re after the café experience, why not limit yourself to just coffee and dessert? Meeting a friend for tea and cake instead of a full brunch can still give you that out-of-home treat without draining your wallet. It’s about enjoying the best parts of the experience, in moderation, and making it work for you.
7. Explore Budget-Friendly Takeout Strategies
If the thought of cooking really doesn’t appeal some nights, takeout can still be part of your routine—as long as it’s done smartly. One easy trick is to order strategically: split large portions between two people or add an extra side or rice at home to stretch a single dish further. Many takeout meals are generous enough to become two servings with a little creativity.
It also pays to make the most of offers, loyalty schemes, and discount codes. Food and delivery apps often have promotions, especially for first-time users or off-peak orders. Signing up for your favourite takeaway spot’s newsletter or loyalty programme can get you early access to deals or even a free dish after a few visits.
And here’s a quick win—pick up your food instead of choosing delivery. It may not sound like much, but you’ll often save on delivery fees, service charges, and tips. For local spots nearby, a short walk or drive is well worth it for the savings.
8. Make It Special
When you reframe eating at home as a joy rather than a backup plan, everything shifts. Instead of falling into a routine of rushed meals and half-hearted dinners, start to build your own collection of favourites—those tried-and-true recipes that bring comfort, satisfaction, and even a bit of pride. These can become the backbone of your week, giving structure and familiarity without monotony.
Invest in quality ingredients where it counts: a really good olive oil, fresh herbs, or a special spice blend can take a simple meal to new heights. Presentation matters too—whether it’s serving meals in nice bowls, garnishing with a sprig of parsley, or using a favourite plate just because. Small touches can turn a Tuesday dinner into something that feels worth sitting down for.
Finally, keep your inspiration fresh. Start a digital recipe folder or scrapbook, filled with screenshots, magazine cut-outs, or handwritten notes of meals you’ve loved. Over time, it becomes a treasure trove of ideas that make eating at home not just economical—but something you genuinely look forward to.
Bonus: Teach Kids About Money & Cooking
If you have children, involving them in meal planning and preparation is one of the most rewarding things you can do—not just for your budget, but for their future. Teaching kids how to cook, shop smart, and understand the value of money gives them real-world life skills that will serve them for years to come. Let them help choose meals for the week, create a shopping list, or assist with basic tasks in the kitchen like measuring, mixing, or setting the table.
Not only does this encourage healthy eating habits, but it also builds confidence and creativity. You might be surprised by how much children enjoy helping out when they feel included. You can even turn it into a fun family challenge—can we feed the family for under 10 today? These small lessons, delivered through shared experiences, are far more memorable (and impactful) than any lecture about saving money.
Make it Meaningful and Enjoyable
As the cost of eating out continues to rise, it’s more important than ever to find meaningful, enjoyable alternatives that nourish both body and soul. Whether it’s through home-cooked favourites, themed dinners, shared potlucks, or clever takeout strategies, you don’t have to give up good food—or the joy that comes with it—to stay within budget.
Eating well at home isn’t just about saving money—it’s about reclaiming mealtime as a source of comfort, connection, and creativity. With a little planning and inspiration, your kitchen can become your favourite place to dine. So why not start tonight? Light a candle, try something new, and remember: some of life’s best meals don’t come with a bill at the end.
