I love dining out and exploring different cuisines, but some menu items have steep markups that can leave you feeling short-changed. Knowing which dishes to avoid allows you to savour your dining experience without overspending. Here’s a look at the most overpriced restaurant items—and smarter alternatives to consider.
Tips for Ordering Food at a Restaurant
1. Order Items that are unique to the restaurant: Choose dishes that are signature or house specials. These are often where chefs put the most effort and creativity. Avoid ordering something you could easily make at home (like basic pasta or a plain salad).
2. Servers Recommendations: While great servers often suggest popular favorites, some recommendations may be influenced by dishes with higher profit margins.
Profit margins: Some dishes, like pasta, are often recommended because they have higher profit margins. Pasta is relatively inexpensive to make, but it can be marked up significantly at restaurants. Serving large portions of pasta or other similarly cost-effective dishes helps restaurants maximize their profits.
Menu Incentives: In some cases, servers are encouraged or incentivized to recommend specific items that are either overstocked or newly introduced, even if they aren’t necessarily the best options for you. This can sometimes skew their recommendations toward dishes that benefit the restaurant rather than your personal preferences.
3. Look for high-qulaity ingrediants: Recommend ordering dishes with premium or fresh ingredients that you would not buy yourself, such as truffle, fresh seafood or specific cuts of meats.
4. Overpriced Side Dishes: Sides are often overpriced, sometimes adding sauteed mushrooms, stir-fried veggies, Brussel sprouts, rice or side salads are marked up.
5. Do your research: Check out good reviews or food apps like yelp. You can also check out social media for restaurant pics and videos. This is a better resource to get a sense of the food portions and restaurant vibe.
Also, look up the restaurant location on google to see where its located to get a sense of the type of restaurant.
6. Fixed Menus: Fixed menus are often designed to maximize profits for the restaurant. They may include lower-cost dishes like pasta, risotto, or soups but charge a premium by presenting them as part of a “special experience.
Tips for Ordering Appetizers
Choose dishes that deliver exceptional value
While bread-based starters like garlic bread, bruschetta, or flatbreads can be tasty, they may not always be the best choice unless they feature unique toppings or house-made spreads that truly stand out. Similarly, dips like hummus, guacamole, or queso can be enjoyable, but simpler versions may not always offer the best value unless they bring something special.
Choose Dishes Worth the Restaurant Experience
Appetizers that require more preparation or use premium ingredients are usually worth the price. For example:
- Handmade dumplings or spring rolls.
- Seafood apps like oysters, crab cakes, or seared scallops.
Individual
Small portions can feel like a rip-off. Look for apps that are either substantial enough to share or satisfying.
Skip the Filler:
Avoid apps that rely heavily on cheap ingredients (like lettuce, chips, or bread) with minimal protein or unique flavors.
Share strategically:
Ordering one or two apps to split with your group can give everyone a taste without breaking the bank.
Look for Value:
Some apps, like soups or salads, can be surprisingly filling and cost-effective. Just make sure they offer more than generic greens or broth.
Choose Your Appetizers Wisely: Tips for Getting the Best Value
Nacho’s are not always the best choice
Nachos can be a fun and shareable appetizer, but it’s worth considering their value since they’re made with simple, low-cost ingredients. While the generous portion size can make them seem like a great deal, the markup at restaurants is often significant. Here’s a closer look:
- Cheap Base Ingredients
- Tortilla chips are inexpensive, and the toppings—like shredded cheese, beans, salsa, and sour cream—are simple, everyday ingredients.
- Minimal Effort to Prepare
- Making nachos involves layering and heating, not exactly labor-intensive compared to other dishes.
- Volume Doesn’t Equal Value
- The generous portions may seem like a great deal, but they often consist mostly of chips with a light scattering of toppings.
When Nachos Might Be Worth It
- Unique or Premium Ingredients
- Look for nachos that feature creative or high-quality toppings, such as:
- Smoked brisket, pulled pork, or duck confit.
- House-made queso or specialty cheeses.
- Unique additions like pickled vegetables, chipotle crema, or truffle oil.
- Look for nachos that feature creative or high-quality toppings, such as:
- Homemade Chips
- If the restaurant makes its own tortilla chips fresh in-house, it can elevate the dish significantly.
- Special Sharing Experience
- Nachos can be a good option for sharing with a group, especially in a casual setting like a sports bar or pub.
For better value, consider choosing a smaller appetizer or a shareable platter with more variety. If you’re a nacho fan, making them at home is often a more budget-friendly and satisfying option, allowing you to customize them just the way you like
Guacamole and Chips- Worth the hype?
- Simple, Fresh Ingredients: Guacamole is made with budget-friendly staples like avocados, lime, onion, cilantro, and salt—even when avocado prices fluctuate.
- Quick & Easy to Make: With minimal prep and no cooking required, guacamole comes together in just minutes.
- Better Value at Home: While restaurants often charge $10–$15 for a small portion, making it yourself costs much less and allows for custom flavors and freshness.
When its worth it:
- Authenticity: If you’re at a high-quality Mexican restaurant, the guacamole may be made fresh to order with authentic flavors or table-side preparation, which can elevate the experience.
- Unique Add-Ins: Guac featuring unique ingredients like pomegranate seeds, roasted garlic, or chipotle might justify the price for the novelty.
- Generous Portions: If the serving size is large and the chips are freshly made, it might feel like better value.
When to Skip It
This might not be the best option for chain restaurants or places that use store-bought chips or pre-made guacamole. Worth trying at authentic restaurants, and often they are provided free as part of the service.
Are Dips Worth Ordering? A Saucy Debate!
Why is it overpriced:
- Basic Recipes: Many dips like hummus, queso, or spinach-artichoke are simple to prepare with low-cost ingredients.
- Portion Control: Restaurants often serve dips in small ramekins, leaving you wanting more while charging premium prices.
When It’s Worth It
- Unique or Elaborate Recipes: Dips with complex flavors or rare ingredients, like smoked trout dip, whipped ricotta with honey, or roasted eggplant baba ganoush, might be worth trying.
- House-Made Bread or Chips: If the dip is paired with fresh, in-house-made bread, crackers, or chips, it can feel like a more elevated offering.
When to Skip It
If it’s a basic dish lacking distinctive flavors or presentation, it might not be worth ordering.
Sushi Rolls Beyond Sushi Spots: Are They Worth the Splurge?
Sushi rolls at these places tend to be smaller or less filling compared to what you’d get at an authentic sushi restaurant.
Markups on a Trendy Item: Non-sushi restaurants often add sushi to their menu as a trendy item, charging a premium without necessarily offering the same quality or expertise.
Lack of Freshness :Sushi-grade fish requires specific sourcing and handling. Non-sushi restaurants may not have the same standards for freshness or proper preparation.
Simplistic Rolls: Many places offer basic rolls (California, spicy tuna, etc.) that are relatively cheap to make but are priced much higher than their worth.
Portion Size: Sushi rolls at these places tend to be smaller or less filling compared to what you’d get at an authentic sushi restaurant.
When to Skip Sushi Rolls:
- Basic Offerings: Rolls like California, spicy tuna, or Philadelphia rolls can be found at nearly any sushi restaurant for a better price and quality.
- Low-Quality Ingredients: If the fish doesn’t taste fresh or the rice is dry and flavorless, you’re not getting your money’s worth.
- Limited Options: Non-sushi restaurants often only offer a handful of rolls, which limits variety and creativity.
When it Might Be Worth It:
- Unique Fusion Rolls
- If the restaurant offers creative, high-quality fusion rolls with unique ingredients or flavors (e.g., truffle oil, crispy tempura, or exotic sauces), it could be worth trying for the novelty.
- Special Occasions
- In some high-end restaurants with excellent chefs, sushi rolls can be part of a well-curated menu. Just make sure the price and quality align.
If you’re craving sushi, save your money and go to a dedicated sushi restaurant. You’ll typically find:
- A wider selection of rolls and nigiri.
- Better quality fish and preparation.
- More value for your dollar, especially if the sushi spot offers combos or lunch specials.
Ceviche: Fresh, Flavorful, and Worth the Price?
- Small Portions: Ceviche is often served as a starter or tapa, so it may not be filling on its own unless paired with other dishes.
- Effortless Preparation: Ceviche is made by marinating seafood in citrus, which is a simple process compared to more labor-intensive dishes.
- Ingredient Cost vs. Price: While seafood can be pricey, the other ingredients like lime juice, onions, and herbs are affordable, making the markup on ceviche more noticeable.
When to Skip Ceviche
- Tiny Portions with a Big Price Tag:
- If it’s served in a martini glass or as a minimalist plate with just a few bites, it’s probably not worth it unless it’s part of a tasting menu.
- Basic Preparations:
- Ceviches with just lime, red onion, and cilantro can feel underwhelming for the price, especially if they don’t feature premium seafood.
- As a Main Dish:
- Ceviche is rarely satisfying unless paired with something hearty like tostadas, plantains, or rice.
When Ceviche Might Be Worth it
- Premium Seafood:
- If the dish features high-quality ingredients like diver scallops, ahi tuna, or lobster, it might justify the price.
- Unique Flavors:
- Some ceviches include exotic ingredients like passion fruit, coconut milk, or Peruvian ají peppers, which elevate the experience.
- Generous Portion Size:
- If it’s served with a side of chips, crispy plantains, or as part of a platter, you’ll likely feel you’re getting more value.
If you’re craving ceviche but want more substance, try ordering it in places where it’s served with heartier sides (like a Peruvian restaurant offering ceviche with leche de tigre and yuca fries).
There is no cooking required here, and the portions often are not very large. While it might not be something you always would make at home I found this to be overpriced and not very filling.
Why Charcuterie May Not Always Offer the Best Value
- Portion Sizes
- Charcuterie boards at restaurants can sometimes come with small portions of meats, cheeses, and accompaniments, often priced at a premium. If the portion size doesn’t match the cost, you might end up feeling unsatisfied.
- Premium Markup on Common Ingredients
- While the individual items (cheeses, cured meats, olives, etc.) are delicious, they’re often not expensive to source. However, restaurants mark them up significantly, especially when served in the form of a curated board with a fancy presentation.
- Simplicity of Ingredients
- Many restaurants use common ingredients like prosciutto, salami, and cheddar, which aren’t necessarily unique or costly, yet they charge a lot for the “experience” of enjoying them on a wooden board.
When Charcuterie Is Worth it
- High-Quality or Specialty Meats & Cheeses
- Look for a charcuterie board that offers unique or hard-to-find cheeses and artisanal cured meats that you wouldn’t typically find in grocery stores. This can justify the cost.
- Large or Generous Portions
- If the board is big enough to share comfortably with your group and features a variety of meats, cheeses, nuts, and fruits, it might be worth the price.
- House-Made Accompaniments
- If the restaurant offers homemade accompaniments like jams, pickles, or breads, that can add a unique flair that makes the charcuterie more worthwhile.
When to Skip Charcuterie
- Basic Offerings at High Prices
- If the charcuterie board features standard meats and cheeses at a high price, it may not be worth it, especially if it doesn’t feel substantial enough to fill you up or be shared.
- Overly Small or Underwhelming Portions
- If the portions are tiny, and the board feels more like an afterthought than a well-curated spread, you’re likely overpaying for the experience.
Charcuterie can be a fun and flavorful way to start a meal, but if you’re dining on a budget, check the portion size and ingredients before committing. It’s a great shareable option, but not always the best value for a solo meal.
Are you a fan of charcuterie when dining out? If so, do you prefer a classic mix of meats and cheeses, or do you enjoy boards with unique ingredients like truffle honey or exotic meats?
Gyoza: A Tasty Treat, But Is It Worth the Price?
- Simple Ingredients
- Gyoza typically consists of ground meat (usually pork or chicken), vegetables, and seasonings wrapped in thin dough. These ingredients are inexpensive, so you’re often paying more for the preparation and presentation rather than the ingredients themselves.
- Small Portion Sizes
- Gyoza is usually served in small portions (typically around 4-6 pieces), and sometimes, the price can feel steep for what you’re getting, especially if the dumplings are small or thin-skinned.
- Basic Preparation
- The preparation of gyoza is relatively simple—often pan-fried or steamed. When it’s being sold at a high price, you’re paying for the restaurant’s markup rather than the complexity of the dish.
When Gyoza is worth it
- House-Made or Specialty Dumplings
- If the gyoza are made from scratch or feature unique fillings (e.g., lobster, truffle, or other premium ingredients), they might be worth the price. Look for places that take the time to prepare them with a special twist or if the restaurant specializes in it.
- Generous Portions
- If the portion size is larger than usual or the dumplings are generously filled, it could be a good value. Some restaurants serve gyoza as an appetizer for sharing, which can make it more worthwhile.
- Distinctive Dipping Sauces
- If the gyoza comes with a house-made dipping sauce or offers a creative twist on a classic, it may add value to the dish and enhance the experience.
When to Skip Gyoza
- Overly Priced for Standard Dumplings
- If the gyoza are very basic (i.e., simple pork and vegetable filling) and served in small portions, they’re often not worth the price at many restaurants. You could easily make a similar dish at home for a fraction of the cost.
- Small, Thin-Skinned Dumplings
- If the gyoza are too small or the dough is too thin, you might end up paying a premium for something that isn’t very filling. When the dumplings aren’t hearty enough, you could end up still feeling hungry after the meal.
Gyoza can be a fun and flavorful addition to your meal, but be mindful of the price versus portion size. If you’re craving dumplings and don’t mind paying a little extra for a specialty or house-made version, go for it! Do you have a favorite type of gyoza (pork, veggie, shrimp)? Some spots even offer creative fillings like kimchi or miso that can be a real treat!
If you’re on a budget, skip the basic, overpriced options. You can make gyozas at home and they taste just as good.
Do you have a favorite type of gyoza (pork, veggie, shrimp)? Some spots even offer creative fillings like kimchi or miso that can be a real treat!
Bottled Water or Sparkling Soda- Is it Worth Ordering?
Why its overpriced?
- High Markups: A bottle of water or sparkling soda often costs $5–$10 in restaurants, even though it’s a fraction of that in stores.
- Refill Fees: In some cases, refills aren’t free, so you might be paying for multiple bottles without realizing it.
- Ask for Tap Water: In most places, tap water is free and perfectly safe to drink. If you prefer sparkling water, consider investing in a SodaStream at home for the same experience at a fraction of the cost.
Craft Cocktails: Worth the Hype or Just Pricey Pours?
Why they can be overpriced
- Huge Markup: A $15–$20 cocktail usually costs only $2–$3 in ingredients, with the rest going toward labor, glassware, and garnishes.
- Simple Drinks Are Easy to DIY: Drinks like gin and tonic, vodka soda, or a screwdriver don’t justify the premium price since they’re so simple to make.
When to Splurge on Cocktails
- Complex or Unique Drinks
- Look for cocktails with intricate recipes, house-made syrups, infused liquors, or premium ingredients that would be hard to recreate at home.
- Signature Cocktails
- Some restaurants or bars have signature drinks crafted to pair with their menu or reflect the chef’s creativity. These can be worth trying for the experience.
- Exceptional Presentation
- Cocktails that come with theatrical elements (e.g., smoke, edible flowers, unique glassware) can add an element of fun and be worth the splurge for a special occasion.
When to Save
- Some cocktails are mostly ice, making them feel less worth the price.
- Happy Hour Deals: Take advantage of discounted drinks during happy hour to enjoy premium cocktails without the hefty price tag.
- Stick to the Basics: If you prefer simple drinks, consider ordering beer, wine, or mocktails instead, which tend to have lower markups.
- Skip the Ice-Filled Options: Some cocktails are mostly ice, making them feel less worth the price.
Key Takeaways
- Save Your Splurge for the Unique: Skip the bottled water or basic cocktails you can easily make at home. Instead, go for drinks that are creative, hard to replicate, or have a memorable presentation.
- Timing Matters: Happy hour is your best friend when it comes to trying cocktails at a reasonable price.
- Enjoy in Moderation: If you’re dining out on a budget, limiting your drinks to one special cocktail or opting for tap water can make a big difference.
When to Order Pasta?
- Fresh, Handmade Pasta
- Look for restaurants that make their pasta in-house. Handmade pasta has a different texture, taste, and quality compared to boxed pasta, making it worth the splurge.
- Unique Flavors or Ingredients
- Opt for pastas with ingredients you wouldn’t usually use at home, like:
- Squid ink pasta for its briny, oceanic flavor.
- Wild mushrooms, truffle oil, or black garlic for earthy, elevated flavors.
- Seafood-heavy dishes like lobster ravioli or clams in linguine, where the protein justifies the cost.
- Opt for pastas with ingredients you wouldn’t usually use at home, like:
- Long-Cooked Sauces
- Pastas like ragù, Bolognese, or short rib pappardelle are great picks because these sauces take hours to make and develop deep flavors you probably wouldn’t replicate at home.
- High-Quality Meat or Cheese
- Dishes featuring premium meats (like Wagyu beef or lamb) or imported cheeses (like Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano Reggiano) offer value because of the quality ingredients.
When to skip pasta?
Basic spaghetti or penne served as a side dish can feel overpriced. Opt for something more unique instead.
- Plain, Creamy Sauces: Dishes like fettuccine Alfredo or simple marinara are comforting but rarely justify a $25+ price tag since they’re inexpensive to make.
- Side Pasta: Basic spaghetti or penne served as a side dish can feel overpriced. Opt for something more unique instead.
Which Salads are worth it?
Salads are often seen as a fresh and delicious healthy option when dining out, but they don’t always offer the best value, especially as not much cooking is required. They often cost as much as a main and something that can be made easily at home.
Overpriced For Basic Ingredients
Many restaurant salads consist of simple greens, a few toppings, and a basic dressing—yet they often come with a hefty price tag. The cost of ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and croutons is relatively low, meaning you might be paying significantly more than what the salad is worth. Avoid salads that rely mostly on iceberg lettuce, shredded carrots, and pre-made dressings. If the main ingredients are cheap and basic, you’re likely overpaying for something you could easily make at home.
Light on the Protein and Premium Ingredients
Unless you’re ordering a well-balanced, protein-rich salad, many restaurant versions can be light on satisfying ingredients like grilled chicken, shrimp, nuts, or cheese. Without enough protein or heartier elements, a salad can leave you feeling hungry soon after your meal.
Easy and Affordable to Make at Home
One of the biggest reasons to skip restaurant salads is how simple they are to recreate at home. With fresh ingredients, homemade dressings, and the ability to customize toppings, you can build a flavorful, satisfying salad for a fraction of the price—without the markup.
When they are worth ordering
Steak salad: a good steak salad is a good option, you will get a generous portion of well-seasoned steak cooked to your liking. The richness of the steak makes this more filling than an average salad. A good steak salad is often paired with peppery arugula or romaine, with a bold dressing ( feta, blue cheese or sweet caramelized onions) and topped with some cheese and crispy toppings.
Nicoise Salad: This is a classic French salad with tuna, olives, potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, green beans and a zesty dressing.
Desserts That Might Be Better Enjoyed at Home
Cheesecake while always a good choice, can sometimes not be worth ordering. Often, they are pre-made or mass-produced, which means it might not have the rich, creamy texture you expect. It can also be overpriced for something that’s not freshly made. Cannolis are definitely one of those desserts that are often better when bought at a specialty cafe or Italian bakery rather than ordered at a restaurant.
When it comes to dining out, it’s important to be selective about what you order to ensure you’re getting the best experience for your money. It can be tempting to choose classic dishes like nachos, cheesecake, or salad, sometimes, these items are better left to specialty places that focus on perfecting them.
The key to dining out is knowing when to skip certain menu items that can elevate your dining experience. At Heavenly Table, we’re all about discovering the best culinary experiences, and that includes knowing when to avoid overhyped dishes. By choosing carefully and seeking out the right dishes that truly shine, you can turn any meal into something memorable.
