Family dining out expenses have been on the rise in popular restaurant chains like Nando’s and Pizza Express over the past five years. Some menu items have seen price hikes exceeding 100% between February 2021 and February 2026.

The increase in food prices, up by 38.6% during this period, is attributed to several factors such as escalating energy costs, higher wages, and supply chain expenses. The current economic challenges have also led to a decline in the number of Britons dining out.

Restaurants are grappling with higher minimum wages, increased national insurance contributions, and business rates. Experts suggest that many prominent restaurant chains have been consistently raising prices to boost profits, affecting consumers significantly.

For instance, a family of four dining at a London restaurant may spend over £75 on regular mains and drinks, with the bill exceeding £90 for larger portions. Despite the cost challenges, restaurants like Nando’s and Pizza Express aim to maintain customer value by absorbing some of these additional costs.

In response to the rising expenses, other restaurant representatives, such as Wagamama, emphasize offering accessible options like set lunch menus and special deals to provide value to customers. Families ordering meals like chicken katsu curry in London could face a bill of around £73 before adding extras.

To cope with the soaring restaurant prices, consumers are encouraged to utilize loyalty apps, seek midweek promotions, share dishes, avoid extras, and check voucher platforms before dining out. Additionally, opting for quick midweek meals and shopping at budget-friendly supermarkets can help manage escalating food expenses effectively.