City dining can be expensive, but eating like a foodie does not have to drain your wallet. With a little strategy, you can enjoy curated tasting menus, chef-driven experiences, and must-try dishes without the high-end bill. Whether you dine in or order delivery, using cashback tools like Rakuten can make the experience even sweeter. Here’s how to savor gourmet flavors on a budget.
Find Prix Fixe Menus for a Gourmet Steal
Many high-end restaurants offer prix fixe lunch or early dinner menus at a fraction of their usual a la carte prices. A two- or three-course meal often costs 30–50% less than what you would pay during peak dinner hours. Sites like OpenTable and Resy let you search for restaurants offering prix fixe specials by city and time slot.
Top types of spots to target:
- French bistros offering three-course lunches
- Japanese Omakase lunches with smaller but authentic tasting menus
- Farm-to-table restaurants with seasonal chef-curated sets
Explore Tasting Events and Pop-Up Dinners
Look for pop-up dinners, chef collaborations, or local food festivals. These often feature multicourse meals at a promotional rate. Check event listings on Eventbrite, Tock, and city event calendars to find foodie experiences priced lower than typical restaurant dinners.
Use Rakuten for Delivery and Takeout Cashback
If dining out is not on the schedule, you can still enjoy gourmet meals at home. Platforms like DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats often feature upscale restaurants. Before placing your order, activate Rakuten to earn cashback on your delivery or pickup.
Many Rakuten offers stack with restaurant promotions or app-exclusive deals, meaning you pay less while still enjoying top-notch meals.
Pro Tip: Check Restaurant Week Promotions
Many cities host annual or seasonal Restaurant Week events, where top restaurants offer discounted prix fixe menus. It’s one of the best ways to experience high-end dining without the matching price tag.
Sample Foodie Finds Under $40
- Three-course prix fixe lunch at a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant
- Six-course pop-up dinner at a trendy local venue
- Chef-curated delivery tasting kit for two from a farm-to-table kitchen
Final Thoughts
With smart choices and cashback tools like Rakuten, you can live your best foodie life—without paying premium prices. From prix fixe menus to pop-up tastings, the city’s best bites are well within reach for the savvy diner.
