12 Ways To Save Money When Eating Out

For many of us, myself included dining out is how we like to socialise with friends or family. I must admit I do eat out a lot, however I have recently cut back and now try not to eat out too often these days. Dining out often can be expensive, however it doesn't need to be with a few strategic choices you can keep the cost under control.

Here are 12 ways to save money when eating out.

1. Eat lunch instead of dinner

We all know that lunch meals are typically less expensive than dinner at restaurants especially as many offer a light lunch menu or discounted prices so eating lunch instead of dinner is a great way to save money while eating out at restaurants. I rarely eat out in the evenings, mainly because I don't have a babysitter but also because it tends to be cheaper at lunch time and I don't feel like I need to order a starter or dessert.

2. Don't get sucked into ordering side orders

More often than not your waitress will ask you whether you'd like to order any side orders with your meals or upgrades on your chips for example. These are up-selling techniques which many restaurants use to increase profit. Working the hospitality industry myself I am a custom to this skill and will offer side orders when taking orders out of habit. 9 times out of 10 the customer will take up the offer and have a side of chips or garlic bread with their meal. Think back to the last few times you've eaten out, how often did you get sucked into ordering a side dish but you either didn't really want it or you could have been satisfied without it? Next time you eat out, remind yourself that you won't order any additional side orders to save on money! 

3. Drink water

Instead of spending money on drinks as for a jug of tap water instead. Water is free and will keep the cost of your meal out down. If you're offered still or sparkling water insist that you want tap water, you are allowed to order it even if restaurants don't offer it. You could save up to £15 on drinks as the average person will order 2-3 drinks during an evening meal which could include wine and cocktails. 

4. Look for coupons/offers

Keep an eye out in newspapers, magazines, cereal boxes, Facebook and also coupon websites online for money off vouchers, discount codes and special offers such as "2 meals for £10" or "Buy one meal and get a dessert free at Nandos". There are coupons and offers practically everywhere so if you can get money off your meal before even taking other money saving tips into consideration it's a win win situation. Don't forget to cut them out or print them off before dining out. 

5. Kids eat free options

Many restaurants especially child friendly eateries offer "kids eat free" options during specific times, for example kids eat free before 6pm Mon-Fri when ordering an adults meal. If you have two or more children this can work out extremely well if you have two adults ordering a main course. 

6. Order sharing options

Instead of everyone ordering a starter at £6-10 each why not order a platter to share, garlic bread or a bread tin. There are also many sharing options for main meals too which can work out a lot cheaper than buying individual meals. It's a great option if you really want to eat out but don't want to spend a lot. 

7. Think about what you order

Before you order think over your order so you don't end up ordering too much. I always used to order far too much and would end up wasting it which meant I was wasting money. Now when I go out, I will make sure I take my time when looking over the menu instead of rushing and will also think to myself do I really need to order a starter, main course as well as a side of garlic bread as I'll most likely not eat it all and just order a main course instead. 

8. Have a snack before you go out to eat

By eating a light snack half an hour or so before you eat out you won't be as hungry and tempted to order more than you can stomach. I tend to eat a snack bar or a packet of crisps before going out to curb my hunger and find that I'm not as hungry so won't order too much.

9. Use apps to find deals

Many restaurants such as Pizza express, Nandos all offer discount codes online through apps so it's always worth checking what offers they have on that day before going out to eat. Most places will accept a code via your smartphone if you have one which means you don't need to print them off. It's worth downloading apps such as Myvouchercode and Vouchercloud.

10. Opt for a takeaway

Unless you've been invited out for a meal with friends or are booking a table for a special occasion such as an anniversary or birthday meal decide if you really want to eat out or could you stay in for the evening and order a takeaway? This way you feel as if you're still treating yourself but instead of spending £80 you could save £60 by ordering a takeout for as little as £20!

11. Skip dessert

An easy way to save money off your bill when eating out is to skip dessert, although this may be harder for some if you always order a dessert. Perhaps you could skip a starter instead if you really do want a dessert. 

12. Take home leftovers

If you can't manage to finish your meal or are feeling rather full stop eating and ask to take home the left overs. That way you can have it for lunch the next day. Many places will give you a pizza box or a container to take anything with you. If you don't want to ask, you could always bring your own with you instead.

Oh and don't forget to sign up to restaurant newsletters as they'll often send your vouchers and their latest deals especially for your birthday! 

How do you save money when eating out at restaurants? I'd love to hear your tips! 

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