15 Overpriced Restaurant Dishes You’re Better Off Making at Home

Eating out is a treat, but some restaurant dishes have steep price tags that might not be worth the splurge. While certain items may look enticing on the menu, many are marked much higher than their actual value. 

From simple appetizers to fancy entrees, knowing which dishes are overpriced can help you make smarter choices when dining out. Here are many restaurant dishes that are often not worth the price and why you might want to skip them.

Guacamole and Chips

Guacamole and chips are delicious but often come at an unreasonable price at restaurants. With just a few avocados, a dash of lime, and some salt, you could make a similar version at home for a fraction of the cost. 

Despite its simplicity, restaurants charge a premium for this appetizer, especially when served tableside. The portion size can also be relatively small, leaving you wanting more. Making guacamole at home can save money and disappointment for those on a budget.

Truffle Fries

Truffle fries sound fancy, but often, they’re just regular fries with a drizzle of truffle oil. Real truffles are rare and expensive, but most restaurants use synthetic truffle oil to mimic the flavor. While these fries might smell appealing, the actual taste difference is often minor. 

Truffle fries can be priced two to three times higher than regular fries, making them costly. If you’re craving fries, ordering the standard option can be just as satisfying without the extra markup.

Bruschetta

Bruschetta is a simple Italian appetizer from toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and sometimes mozzarella. Despite its simplicity, restaurants can charge quite a bit for this basic dish. 

The ingredients are inexpensive and can easily be prepared at home. However, considering the ease of preparation, the markup on this dish is significant. For the same price, you could probably make a much larger portion at home with fresher ingredients.

Artisanal Salad

Artisanal or specialty salads are often loaded with unique ingredients but come with a hefty price tag. While ingredients like nuts, cheese, or seasonal fruits may add flavor, they don’t always justify the high cost. Making a similar salad at home is usually much cheaper, allowing you to add as many toppings as you want. 

Many restaurants charge extra for small portions of these ingredients, increasing the overall price of the dish. If you want to save money, consider skipping the artisanal salad and making one yourself.

Flatbread Pizzas

Flatbread pizzas are often marketed as a gourmet alternative to regular pizza but are rarely worth the price. They’re usually smaller than traditional pizzas and topped with fewer ingredients, yet they can cost just as much, if not more. 

The dough and toppings are often inexpensive—so the markup can be significant. Additionally, flatbreads can lack the satisfying depth and flavor of a regular pizza. A full-sized pie might give you better value if you’re in the mood for pizza.

Lobster Mac and Cheese

Lobster mac and cheese combines two favorites, but the price is often inflated. A small portion of lobster added to a basic mac and cheese recipe doesn’t justify the high cost, especially since lobster is often sparse in these dishes. 

Most of the flavor comes from the cheese and pasta, so you’re not necessarily getting a strong lobster taste. While it sounds indulgent, this dish may leave you feeling short-changed. Sticking to regular mac and cheese can offer a similar taste experience for a fraction of the price.

Fancy Tacos

Gourmet or upscale tacos might include unique ingredients or fancy presentations, but they’re usually overpriced for what they offer. Tacos are traditionally an affordable street food, so paying $10 or more for one or two tacos can feel excessive. 

Many ingredients are inexpensive, yet restaurants mark them up significantly for the novelty. You could order a more filling dish with greater variety for a similar price. If you love tacos, consider finding a local taco spot with better value.

Filet Mignon

Filet mignon is a premium cut of beef, but the price tag can be steep at restaurants. While it’s known for its tenderness, it lacks the bold flavor of other, less expensive cuts. Restaurants often add markups to filet mignon, making it one of the priciest items on the menu. 

If you’re craving steak, opting for a ribeye or sirloin can provide a more flavorful experience at a lower cost. Cooking filet mignon at home can also save a significant amount.

Fried Calamari

Fried calamari is a popular appetizer but is often overpriced for a small serving. The main ingredient, squid, is relatively inexpensive, so the high price mainly covers the restaurant’s overhead. The portions can be small, especially with a simple dipping sauce. 

Making fried calamari at home is easy and more affordable, offering a similar experience without the high markup. If you’re looking for an appetizer, there are often better options for the same price.

Charcuterie Boards

Charcuterie boards with meats, cheeses, and crackers are visually appealing but tend to be heavily marked up. Most ingredients, like sliced meats and cheeses, are affordable and available at any grocery store. 

Restaurants charge a premium for the presentation, even though the portion sizes can be modest. Assembling a charcuterie board at home allows you to choose your favorite items and save money. If you’re entertaining, a homemade board can be just as impressive.

Avocado Toast

Avocado toast has become a trendy menu item, often carrying a surprisingly high price tag. Although avocados are relatively affordable, restaurants charge a premium for this simple dish. 

Many places add minimal extras, like a sprinkle of herbs or a drizzle of oil, but the cost doesn’t justify these minor additions. Making avocado toast at home is easy, quick, and far more affordable. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly breakfast, this one is better to make yourself.

Soup of the Day

Soup of the day is a standard starter, but it’s often overpriced for what you get. Many soups are made with essential ingredients like vegetables and broth, yet restaurants charge much more than the cost of the ingredients. 

Portion sizes are often small, and the soup may be premade, impacting freshness. Buying or making a similar soup at home is far cheaper and allows you to control the ingredients. If you’re looking for value, soup may not be the best choice on the menu.

Vegetable Sides

Vegetable sides like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts often attract high markups, even though they’re inexpensive to prepare. Restaurants might add simple seasonings or sauces, but the cost is rarely justified. 

The portion sizes are usually small, leaving you paying a lot for a little. Vegetables are easy to cook at home, making dining out an unnecessary expense. Ordering a full entree with included sides may be a better value.

Ice Cream Sundae

Ice cream sundaes are a classic dessert but are often overpriced at restaurants. Most sundaes are made with a few scoops of ice cream, some syrup, and a few toppings — all inexpensive ingredients. 

Despite this, many restaurants charge a premium, making it expensive to end a meal. Buying a pint of ice cream and toppings at the store can give you the same experience at home. If you’re craving something sweet, there are usually more unique desserts worth trying.

Seafood Pasta

Seafood pasta combines pasta with ingredients like shrimp, scallops, or lobster, but it often comes at a high price. The seafood portions can be small, and the pasta itself is inexpensive, so the markup feels steep. 

Many seafood pastas rely heavily on sauce for flavor, making the dish feel less special. Cooking a similar pasta at home with fresh seafood is usually much cheaper and allows for more generous portions. If you’re craving pasta, you might be better off with a simpler dish.

15 Most Annoying Habits of American Tourists When Dining Abroad

Traveling abroad is an exciting adventure, and dining in new places is a big part of the experience. However, some common behaviors by American tourists can frustrate locals and affect the dining experience. 

15 Most Annoying Habits of American Tourists When Dining Abroad

15 Places Where You’re Expected to Tip—But You Really Don’t Have To

Tipping has become a widespread practice in many industries, with the expectation that you’ll leave a little extra for good service. However, not every situation truly warrants a tip, even if you feel pressured to give one. 

15 Places Where You’re Expected to Tip—But You Really Don’t Have To