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How to save money when dining out in Melbourne and Victoria
Follow these practical, money-saving tips to enjoy dining out at restaurants, cafés and bars throughout Victoria without breaking your budget.
You don't need a lot of money to have a good time when out and about in Melbourne, with plenty of free or cheap things to do across the city (not to mention throughout Victoria). And when it comes to eating out there are plenty of ways to save money too.
Whether you're going for a celebratory dinner, a casual lunch, or just a quick drink with friends, dining at restaurants, cafés and bars need not break your budget.
Here are some easy, practical ways you can save money while dining out at venues across Melbourne and Victoria.
RACV Members can explore dining deals at participating restaurants, cafés and venues via the RACV App.
1. Plan where to eat before you go out
Just as planning your grocery shop can save money, planning where you're going to eat can also help you stay on budget.
Look up restaurants online before heading out – if you have a few venues in mind, compare them on pricing as well as on any special deals or discounts they're running. Reviewing menus beforehand makes it easier to set a budget and stick to it, as well as help work out if there are any surcharges (e.g. for weekends or public holidays) that you should account for.
2. Use dining discounts and member offers
Lots of restaurants and cafés offer dining discounts through apps and websites, including through the RACV App. Depending on the venue, RACV Members can access discounts of up to 25 per cent off their bill or even buy-one-get-one-free deals*. To access these offers, download the RACV App and use the 'Near me' tool to search for nearby dining offers.
RACV Members can also use the RACV App to find the cheapest fuel near you and access discounts on a range of home and leisure purchases.
Using discounts, like those available on the RACV App, can help you lower the cost of dining in venues near you.
3. Consider dining at lunch instead of dinner
If you can be flexible with timing, dining out at lunch can sometimes be cheaper than at dinner. Even within the same venue there can be price differences between menu items depending on whether it's a lunch or dinner sitting.
If you're considering a set menu (which may be better value than ordering the same number of dishes separately) these can also be cheaper for lunchtime bookings.
4. Share dishes and order strategically
Portion sizes at restaurants can be larger than you might make yourself at home. Asking the venue staff how large the portions are and if you can share a meal can be a good way to split the cost of dining out.
Other ways you can save money when ordering include opting to share entrees, choosing tap water instead of bottled drinks, and splitting a desert between yourselves.
It can also help to start with the minimum number of dishes you think you'll want, remembering that you can always order more if still hungry.
Sharing a few dishes between people can help split the costs when dining out.
5. Skip delivery and order direct
One of the easiest ways to save money when ordering takeaway is simply to pick it up yourself, with delivery fees sometimes adding a hefty chunk onto your total bill.
Also consider ordering takeaway direct from the restaurant instead of through a third-app or website, as menu items can be cheaper when ordering directly.
6. Consider using discounted gift cards
Of course, sometimes delivery is just too convenient to pass up. In those cases, you can still potentially save on your bill by purchasing through a gift card bought at a discounted price.
For example, RACV Members can save on e-gift cards for major delivery services like Uber Eats and DoorDash. Purchase your e-gift card at a discount, use it to order your dinner and voila – you've effectively saved on the cost of your food delivery.
Taking advantage of happy hours or off-peak times may help shave dollars off your bill when eating out.
7. Take advantage of happy hours or slow periods
It's common for restaurants and bars to offer discounts during typically slower service periods as a way to entice customers.
Early bird or happy hour specials are a good example of this, where diners can get cheaper food or drinks by dining at certain times. Some restaurants offer discounts on certain days as well, usually earlier in the week when there typically are fewer customers.
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*Discount applies to total dining bill, up to a maximum of $25 unless otherwise specified. Only one discount voucher can be redeemed per dining bill. Each voucher can be redeemed only once per day. Not valid on public holidays, Valentine’s, Mother’s or Father’s Days. View terms and conditions.
