Eating out is one of our favourite things to do as a family. However, with the cost of living crisis that we are in at the moment, we, along with everyone else, have had to make some changes to how we do this. With that in mind, this article offers tips and suggestions on how to save money when eating out as a family. Gone are the days of everyone ordering from the main menu and limitless drinks. Instead, we carefully plan where we are going to go, when we eat out, and what we’re going to eat, and that goes for the whole family.

Feeding a family of four, which is made up of two adults and two children aged 10 and 12, is tricky even at home, but we are also at that stage where both kids have outgrown the menu choices at some family restaurants, opting instead to want to choose something from the main menu, rather than the children’s menu. This can add up as we can’t always take advantage of the cheaper kids’ meal deals etc.

Disclaimer: I have been compensated to write this article. I have written it from my own perspective; however, it does contain mentions and links to external resources that I approve.

Best ideas to save money when eating out as a family of four

Saving money when eating out as a family can be challenging, but with some planning and smart choices, you can make it more affordable. Here are some tips to help you save money when dining out as a family:

  1. Set a budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend before heading out. This will help you make conscious choices and avoid overspending.
  2. Look for deals and discounts: Check online platforms, mobile apps, or local newspapers for coupons, deals, or promotional offers at restaurants in your area. Many establishments offer special discounts for families or specific days of the week. We are based near Leeds so I usually look for Leeds restaurant offers.
  3. Share meals: Instead of ordering separate meals for each family member, consider sharing larger portions or ordering appetizers and sides to share. This not only reduces costs but also helps control portion sizes. This is useful, especially with food like Pizza.
  4. Skip the beverages: Beverages at restaurants can be quite expensive. Opt for tap water instead of ordering sodas, juices, or other beverages. It’s a healthier and more economical choice. We usually allow the kids to order one drink when we arrive, and then it’s tap water after that. This also helps make sure that they don’t fill up on juice before the food arrives so they actually eat their food, and there is less wastage.
  5. Choose lunch or early bird specials: Many restaurants offer discounted lunch menus or early bird specials, usually during non-peak hours. Take advantage of these offers to save money on your family meals. This one is key! You’ll find you can save quite a bit when eating out as a family by avoiding peak hours.
  6. Avoid ordering extras: Be mindful of additional add-ons that can quickly increase your bill, such as appetizers, desserts, or premium toppings. Stick to the essentials and focus on the main course. As I said, it’s a bit of a struggle now to get the girls to order from the kid’s menu so if they want to order dessert, then we compromise that they need to order off the kid’s menu as the kid’s meal deals often include dessert.
  7. Choose reasonably priced restaurants: Look for restaurants that offer affordable options or have kid-friendly menus. It’s not necessary to dine at fancy, expensive establishments to have a good meal together as a family. We also find that family-friendly restaurants are more conducive to enjoying the dining out experience as a family, especially when the kids were younger. I could never relax in the ‘nicer’ establishments when we would take the kids when they were younger. In family restaurants, everyone understands that kids are kids, and they are loud and spill their juice and no one judges you. It’s a much more enjoyable and less stressful experience.
  8. Plan ahead: If you know you’ll be eating out, consider adjusting your meals for the rest of the day. For example, have a lighter breakfast and a simple snack to compensate for the restaurant meal. When we eat out I usually plan for two meals that day, a later breakfast and then a late lunch/early dinner.
  9. Bring your own snacks: If young kids tend to get hungry between meals, pack some snacks from home. This will help curb their appetite and reduce the temptation to order additional items. Avoid sugary snacks that make them hyperactive or thirsty, as the whole experience won’t go as planned.
  10. Opt for takeout or delivery: Sometimes, eating out doesn’t necessarily mean dining in a restaurant. Ordering takeout or delivery can be a more affordable option, especially if you’re able to find deals or discounts from specific establishments. We love the free tastecard app – you can get amazing deals on there for eating out and getting takeaways, and sometimes a pizza at home on a Friday night is the perfect way to start your weekend!

Remember, the goal is to balance enjoying a meal as a family and being mindful of your budget. By incorporating these tips, you can make eating out more cost-effective without sacrificing quality time with your loved ones.