How to Save Money When Eating Out in the UK

1. Take Advantage of Restaurant Deals and Vouchers

Many restaurants offer discounts, vouchers, and promotions to attract customers.

Where to Find Restaurant Discounts:

• Tastecard – Offers 2-for-1 meals or 50% off at thousands of UK restaurants.
• Gourmet Society – Similar to Tastecard, providing discounts at a range of eateries.
• Meerkat Meals – Get 2-for-1 on starters, mains, and desserts at many UK chains by purchasing a qualifying insurance policy through Compare the Market.
• Voucher Websites – Check VoucherCodes, HotUKDeals, and MoneySavingExpert for restaurant discounts.

How Much Can You Save?

• Tastecard and Meerkat Meals often provide 50% savings on your total bill.
• Vouchers can give up to 30% off or free drinks/desserts.

2. Eat Out During Off-Peak Times

Many restaurants have special offers during quieter periods.

Best Times to Find Deals:

• Weekday Lunches – Many places have discounted set menus.
• Early Bird Specials – Some restaurants offer cheaper meals if you dine before 6 pm.
• Happy Hours – Many pubs and bars have discounted food and drinks at certain times.

3. Choose Set Menus and Meal Deals

Opting for a set menu rather than ordering à la carte can save a lot of money.

Best Places for Meal Deals:

• Chains like Zizzi, Prezzo, and Bella Italia – Often have fixed-price menus.
• Wagamama & Nando’s – Meal bundles that offer better value than individual items.
• Michelin-starred restaurants – Many offer affordable set menus at lunch.

4. Use Cashback and Reward Schemes

Many restaurants and food apps offer cashback or reward points.

Best Cashback Apps for Eating Out:

• TopCashback & Quidco – Earn cashback when booking restaurants online.
• Loyalty Apps (McDonald’s, Greggs, Costa, etc.) – Earn points for free food.
• American Express & Tesco Clubcard – Some credit cards offer extra cashback on dining out.

5. Bring Your Own Drinks

Drinks can significantly increase your bill, but some restaurants allow BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle).

How to Save on Drinks:

• Look for BYOB Restaurants – Some allow you to bring your own wine with a small corkage fee.
• Check for Meal + Drink Deals – Some places include a free drink with a meal.
• Stick to Tap Water – Most restaurants must provide free tap water on request.

6. Look for Student, NHS, and Workplace Discounts

Certain groups can benefit from exclusive discounts when eating out.

Who Can Get Discounts?

• Students – UNiDAYS, Student Beans, and NUS Extra offer discounts on food.
• NHS & Emergency Services – Blue Light Card provides discounts at many restaurants.
• Company Perks – Some employers provide discounts at popular chains.

7. Share Your Meal or Order Smaller Portions

Portion sizes can often be large, so splitting a meal can save money.

Tips for Smaller Portions:

• Order a Starter as a Main – Many starters are filling enough for a meal.
• Share a Large Meal – Some restaurants allow splitting without extra charges.
• Opt for Tapas or Small Plates – Cheaper and allows you to try different dishes.

8. Take Advantage of All-You-Can-Eat Buffets

Buffets can offer excellent value if you want a variety of food at a fixed price.

Best Buffet Chains in the UK:

• COSMO & Za Za Bazaar – International buffet-style dining.
• Toby Carvery – Unlimited vegetables and trimmings with a roast dinner.
• Pizza Hut Buffet – Unlimited pizza, pasta, and salad at lunchtime.

9. Use Restaurant Apps and Sign Up for Newsletters

Many restaurant chains offer exclusive discounts via their apps or newsletters.

Best Restaurant Apps for Deals:

• McDonald’s App – Weekly food discounts.
• KFC Rewards – Free food after multiple visits.
• Pizza Express & Domino’s – Exclusive online discounts.

10. Look for Local & Independent Restaurant Offers

Independent restaurants often have special promotions, especially midweek.

How to Find Local Deals:

• Check Google Reviews & Facebook Pages – Many list weekly promotions.
• Join Local Community Groups – Residents often share the best deals.
• Visit the Restaurant’s Website – Some have loyalty discounts or promotions.

Conclusion

Eating out in the UK doesn’t have to be expensive if you know where to find the best deals. By using vouchers, cashback apps, set menus, and discount schemes, you can enjoy restaurant meals without overspending. Whether you love fine dining, takeaways, or casual eats, these money-saving tips will help you dine out for less.