Dining out has never exactly been cheap – but there are many restaurants and diners throughout the US that offer excellent value for money, with inexpensive eats, large portions, set menus, or award-winning dishes you'd expect to cost far more. To save you from splashing a small fortune on your next date night or special occasion dinner, we've rounded up some of the country's best-value dining experiences.
Click or scroll through our gallery to find the restaurant offering the best value for money in your state (and beyond).
Our selections are based on genuine user reviews, awards and accolades, and the first-hand experience of our team. They're also regularly checked and updated.
Acknowledged by the James Beard Awards in 2019 and 2020, and by Wine Spectator for the past five years, Acre remains one of Alabama's best restaurants without a huge price tag. Chic farmhouse vibes and a unique take on Southern cooking make Acre a truly special place to dine at – and its butcher's block charcuterie and cheese boards are a steal at under $20.
For pizza that's so much more than your average Friday night takeout, head to Hearth Artisan Pizza, which serves up delicious pies with toppings to excite everyone. With an option to switch to a gluten-free crust and vegan cheese (or house-made vegan mozzarella), the wood-fired pizzas are all priced around the $20 mark. Customers love the Little Piggy, with smoked provolone, cured bacon, and the option to add hot honey.
Whether you're here for date night, a family meal, or a catch-up with friends, The Sicilian Butcher is a great spot for delicious food and great cocktails. In the designated happy hour area, you can get deals on cocktails and Sicilian tapas. There's also a 'bottle and board' deal, consisting of a bottle of house wine and a sharing board for two (choose between meatballs on polenta or mixed bruschetta). The regular menu features yet more delicious yet affordable options, including platters of Sicilian meats and cheeses.
With numerous awards under its belt, including ones from the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame and the James Beard Foundation, The Hive in Bentonville's 21c Museum Hotel is a gorgeous space to enjoy a meal – and offers excellent food without an extortionate price tag. Get a table at lunch and you can enjoy entrées priced under $20.
Touted as the country's most affordable Michelin-starred restaurant, State Bird Provisions has a long-standing reputation as one of San Francisco's top places to eat, so reservations can be hard to come by. Small plates of contemporary American cuisine are the specialty here, and the frequently changing menu often features delights like duck and pork albondigas (meatballs), whole ranch quail, and a garlic and chive pancake with miso butter.
Sometimes only the classics will do – and Steuben's is exactly the kind of place to find them. Here, the food is joyful, the portions are large, and the prices are reasonably low. The hardest thing is choosing what to order from a menu of some of the best comfort foods America has to offer (think gravy cheese fries, chicken and waffles, and meatloaf). Most dishes cost south of the $25 mark, and the weekday happy hour has some great deals on drinks and snacks.
With a casual vibe and some of the best afternoon tea you'll find this side of the pond, TWT Steak at Tea With Tracy knows how to keep its patrons' bellies and wallets happy. Rated Connecticut's best-value restaurant on OpenTable, TWT offers a classic steakhouse menu. Opt for a prix fixe menu and you'll get three courses for a reasonable $45.
Nominated for a James Beard Best Chef Award in 2023, chef Bill Hoffman and his wife Merry Catanuto whip up some affordable magic at this Hockessin spot. Although it's not exactly cheap, the elegant menu offers high-quality cooking and ingredients for a more accessible price than usual – think diver scallops, salmon tartare, yellowfin tuna, and beef deckle steak.
Recently added to the Michelin guide, Florida has its fair share of fine-dining restaurants – typically with sky-high prices. To taste what one-star dining is all about, head to Miami's Ariete. Here, locally sourced ingredients, an inspired wine list, and a chef willing to take risks await, all for a prix fixe three-course menu of $95. You'll have a choice of oysters, caviar, venison, scallops, and even foie gras. Plus, if you subscribe to the restaurant's newsletter, you can take another $25 off the check on your first visit.
One of the most iconic American restaurants of recent years, The Grey is run by Mashama Bailey – star of Netflix's Chef's Table and the recipient of two James Beard Awards, including one for Outstanding Chef. For a restaurant with such high accolades, The Grey is pleasantly low-key, offering seasonal plates and first-class Southern-inspired cooking, all at incredible value.
Although it's not cheap, the $80 set menu is pretty reasonable at what is arguably Hawaii's most famous restaurant. The three courses feature some of Roy Yamaguchi's signature dishes, including his slow-braised beef short rib. Arrive in time for happy hour (Monday through Thursday) and you've got yourself a special night out, with first-class cuisine, for excellent value.
Although specialty and prime steaks will cost you a pretty penny at this chic Boise spot, opt for the $50 three-course dinner and you'll get the best bang for your buck – the choice of entrées includes beef bourguignon, duck two ways, and double-cut pork chop. Often rated among the state's best restaurants, Chandlers' elegant ambience, live jazz, and perfect Martinis will make your evening truly special.
At Italian restaurant Tutto Fresco, the welcomes are warm, the food is of the finest quality, and the prices are deliciously low (the most expensive thing on the menu is the linguini frutti di mare, a seafood pasta dish, which comes in at a reasonable $26). So it's no wonder diners rated it the best value for money restaurant in Chicago on Opentable. The menu features a range of traditional favorites and modern twists, so there's something for everyone.
Renowned for its gourmet twist on soul food, His Place Eatery is a firm favorite among Indianapolis locals. Headed up by chef James 'Mackie' Jones, the menu is filled with mouth-watering dishes, including peach cobbler chicken and waffles, a deconstructed chicken pot pie, and collard green grilled cheese. The restaurant definitely doesn't skimp on portion sizes, so it's great value for money.
Des Moines is an unexpectedly great foodie destination to visit, and Harbinger, run by five-time James Beard semi-finalist Joe Tripp, should be high on your radar. Combining lots of interesting flavor profiles and ingredients, Harbinger is a small plates restaurant that encourages sharing food. The menu is small but perfectly formed, and features plenty of delightful options. Don't miss the happy hour snack menu, with mouth-watering bites at a reduced cost.
Kansas is renowned for its barbecue culture – and, when it comes to the cream of the crop, Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que reigns supreme. Formerly known as Oklahoma Joe's, this exceptional eatery is nestled within the walls of a converted gas station, and boasts an impressive collection of accolades. Anthony Bourdain declared it "the best BBQ in Kansas City, which makes it the best BBQ in the world," yet it's remained affordable and true to its roots.
A quaint Italian trattoria, Bella Notte in Lexington has a decidedly European feel – and top-notch Italian fare to go with it. Fresh ingredients, an excellent menu, and a choice between single or family-sized dishes all make this place a wonderful choice for a special meal that's relatively affordable. With a small appetizer or starter and a couple of pasta dishes to share, it's easy to keep a meal for two under $50.
In a city bursting at the seams with iconic (and expensive) restaurants, it's not easy to find a spot where your money will stretch a bit further. Luckily, Cochon Butcher is a place that delivers great-tasting dishes at affordable prices. The menu offers a delicious mix of small plates (most of which are under $10) and house-cured charcuterie. For a more substantial meal, there are artisan sandwiches and a daily menu of blue plate specials.
An awards and 'best of' lists regular, Eventide Oyster Co. is a Portland institution that celebrates the state's iconic seafood with inventive dishes and modern takes on New England classics. A James Beard Award winner, the restaurant is often fully booked – but it's well worth holding out for a table, as the seafood (including the signature brown butter lobster roll) is extremely reasonably priced. Look out for special events too; there are often partnerships that offer a discount on your meal, or deals like $1 oysters all day.
It's pretty rare to find a place that's a much-loved foodie destination, is favored by A-listers (including Michelle Obama), and won't break the bank – but Baltimore's Woodberry Kitchen ticks all the boxes. This fantastic farm-to-table restaurant is noteworthy for its commitment to sourcing local ingredients. You can get a generous entrée for under $20, plus there are often excellent deals on sharing platters (including crab and oysters) for the whole table.
Established in 1826, the Union Oyster House is the longest continuously operating restaurant in the country. Throughout its storied past, this legendary spot has welcomed notable figures such as JFK (before he was president), renowned statesman Daniel Webster, and even Louis Philippe, the King of France, who resided above the restaurant during his exile in the late 18th century. True to the restaurant's name, seafood is its specialty; its clam chowder is renowned, and has a price tag of around $13.
Lauded as one of Detroit's best new restaurants, Marrow is run by former Top Chef finalist Sarah Welch. A butcher's shop and restaurant, Marrow focuses on high-quality, responsibly sourced meat, but there are some excellent vegetarian options on the menu, too – including the much-loved maitake mushroom dumplings. Customers say prices feel more than fair, given the quality on offer. Look out for the family-style chef's selection (price varies) – five courses of seasonal dishes and chef's favorites that you won't find on the à la carte menu.
A place that doesn't take itself too seriously and focuses on good food rather than its accolades, Young Joni, featured in Netflix's Chef's Table, is headed up by James Beard Award–winning chef Ann Kim, and serves up a playful menu of dishes from around the globe. There are top-notch pizzas (all under $25) with flavors like Korean BBQ and fermented pickles, as well as Korean ssam (vegetable wraps with a filling) and a range of indulgent desserts.
Serving some of the best barbecue food around, you're sure to leave bursting at the seams after dinner at The Pig & Pint. From piled-high barbecue tacos to nachos and platters, everything here is simply divine. What's more, the award-winning, Pepsi-glazed baby back ribs will set you back less than $30 for a full rack, and come served with bread and a choice of two sides. Feel like topping all that meat off with some dessert? Banana pudding, bread pudding, and a selection of cookies are all under $5.
Sleek and modern, Supper Club wouldn't feel out of place in the likes of New York City, Chicago, or LA. The menu is the work of chef Michael Corvino, who's received several Best Chef nominations from the James Beard Foundation. The menu changes often and features a variety of dishes, each under $30, which are intended to be shared. For extra savings, visit during happy hour (4-5.30pm daily) and take 5% off the check.
Voted the best-value restaurant in Montana by diners on OpenTable, The Patio at Rattlesnake Market is a much-loved spot for casual dinners, local craft beers, and excellent wines, all in a rustic setting. There's a great selection of mains and burgers, as well as a rotating selection of weekly specials that tend to range from $15-25.
Run by the state's first James Beard Award finalist, chef David Utterback, Yoshitomo offers a menu of creative small plates and sushi (think truffle scallops, pork belly in miso, and snow crab with crab fat and rice panko). The restaurant receives rave reviews from diners, yet offers excellent value for money, with no dish costing more than $20.
Food truck revolutionary Roy Choi turned the culinary game on its head with the introduction of his gourmet truck, Kogi. Best Friend is an extension of that famous LA food truck, created to celebrate Roy's Korean upbringing and roots. The restaurant's eccentric mix of dishes is a riot of color and flavor, best sampled via the $95 chef's tasting menu – a bargain, especially by Las Vegas standards.
Since opening in 2012, small-plates restaurant Moxy has become one of the hottest culinary spots in New Hampshire. Owner and chef Matt Louis is a four-time James Beard Award Best Chef semi-finalist. His restaurant delivers dishes inspired by local farmers and fishmongers, as well as the area's culture and history. The menu changes regularly, offering affordable appetizers (priced around $10) and mains under $20. Expect dishes like mussels with tarragon, beef short rib marmalade on grilled bread, and crispy pork belly with fennel and fried garlic.
You don't have to look too far to find excellent pizza in New York or New Jersey, but Razza in Jersey City is considered by some to sling the very best on either side of the Hudson River. The chef, Dan Richer, has been nominated for a James Beard Best Chef Award five times in a row. His menu changes daily, with plenty of premium ingredients like burrata and guanciale. Pies cost around $25-30, which is well worth it for pizza this good.
Run by Mrs J, as she's known by the locals, Rancho de Chimayó may just be New Mexico's most legendary restaurant, having been recognized by the James Beard Foundation and named a Culinary Treasure by the state. Loved for its genuine hospitality and fantastic food for inexpensive prices, it's definitely a Chimayó must-visit. Don't miss the signature dishes – spicy guacamole, flautas, and corn enchiladas.
An alumnus of Eleven Madison Park (New York's most expensive restaurant), chef Thomas Chen is the mastermind behind Tuome, an intimate eatery that offers Asian-inspired dishes infused with ingredients like yuzu, maitake mushrooms, and dashi butter. You'll find the real value in the signature Pig Out meal for two – a $69 feast of 15-hour slow-cooked Berkshire pork belly, spicy peanut noodles, and more.
There's no skimping on the portion sizes at Haberdish, a quirky brunch and dinner spot dedicated to Southern classics. Its specialty, though, is the fried chicken (a whole bird for $34), which can be jazzed up with Nashville hot sauce and a sugar waffle. Sides come small or large for sharing – and you'll want to leave room for one of the classic desserts (each under $15), too.
With a sleek supper club ambience, this barn-style eatery in the heart of North Dakota is definitely worth seeking out. Since its establishment in 1946, The Ranch has remained a beloved spot among local residents, and is renowned for its top-notch, reasonably priced steaks. The menu showcases a variety of delectable options like USDA Choice New York strip, Certified Black Angus rib-eye, and generously portioned Certified Angus filet mignon, all of which represent excellent value for money.
Led by the female duo of chef Jill Vedaa and Jessica Parkinson, Salt+ aims to celebrate the positive emotions sharing food can offer. Specializing in small plates, cocktails, and unique wines, the restaurant's casual ambience makes it the perfect place to indulge in dishes like grilled walleye, veal belly with braised fennel, and beets with figs, walnuts, and honey – each under $20.
This Oklahoma old-timer is over a century old, and the story goes that it was won in a game of dice. Locals, cowboys, and visitors all adore its no-nonsense approach to cooking local country-style steak, and the prices are equally down to earth. Only serving USDA Prime or Choice steaks, Cattlemen's Steakhouse offers incredible value for money, with only two steaks – and none of the entrées – priced upwards of $30.
Portland's Life of Pie excels at what it does – extra-thin crust pizzas with delicious toppings like fennel sausage, seasonal mushrooms, and caramelized onions. There's a handful of starters and spaghetti dishes to whet your appetite, too. Come for $8 pizza Margherita and deals on drinks, offered 11am-6pm daily.
Although $75 isn't necessarily cheap, you'll get a lot for your money when dining at Zahav. A firm favorite since it opened in 2008, this Israeli restaurant and its chef, Mike Solomonov, have six James Beard Awards between them. Consistently ranked among the best dining experiences in the state, the five-course set menu is filled with delightful dishes like laffa bread with hummus, as well as the restaurant's signature pomegranate lamb shoulder, which comes with chickpeas and crispy Persian rice.
Regularly acknowledged by local diners as one of Providence's top restaurants, Il Massimo serves Italian-inspired cuisine that's guaranteed to be fresh and delicious. Rated highly both for execution and value, the menu features all the classics, plus house specialties like spaghettoni alla carbonara, at wallet-friendly prices. You can book a Monday night three-course dinner with a glass of wine for under $40 – and you can get appetizers half price at the bar any day of the week during happy hour.
Husk has made a name for itself in South Carolina, having received plenty of accolades since its first James Beard Award win in 2010. After a new chef and major shake-up in 2022, the restaurant still serves a modern, daily changing Southern menu, focusing on regional suppliers and produce. All this attention to detail is priced pretty reasonably, with an average two-course dinner hitting the $50-60 mark.
The perfect place to go if you're in the mood for good food and delicious cocktails, 22Ten has bucketfuls of both. The Sioux Falls restaurant welcomes diners to a modern yet casual space, and serves an eclectic array of dishes – think sharing plates like chili shrimp, burgers, and steak with potato pierogi. All mains are under $20, and happy hour sees discounts on shareables, sliders, and drinks every day.
This Nashville staple surprises with its affordable prices, considering how sought-after and critically acclaimed it is. Chef and owner Tandy Wilson has made it to the semi-finals of the James Beard Awards a whopping nine times, winning once for his modern, global twists on classic Southern dining. Start with dishes like smoked trout croquettes or green beans with guanciale before moving on to a selection of delectable pizzas. The best part? No dish on the menu is over $30.
In a state famous for barbecue, standing out isn't easy – but that's exactly what Salt Lick does, both because of its reputation and its affordable prices. Located around a half hour's drive from Austin, this meat-lovers' paradise serves everything you could dream of (think brisket, pork, beef and bison ribs, turkey, sausage, chicken, pulled pork, and more). All plates come served with potato salad, coleslaw, and beans, but you'll find the real value in the family-style deal – all-you-can-eat meat with all the trimmings, for around $30. Come hungry!
A small plates restaurant in Salt Lake City, Manoli's takes Greek-inspired dining to the next level, all thanks to award-winning chef team Manoli and Katrina Katsanevas. Here, traditional Greek dishes like saganaki, dolmades, and keftedes take on worldly influences with caper chimichurri, cinnamon tomato sauce, and piri piri sauce. The plates are colorful, delicious, and filling, and none will set you back more than $20 – a real bargain for date night or dinner with friends. The joint is well-loved for its brunches, too.
Simply referred to as The Pig by local diners, this excellent spot in Vermont captivates with its winning combination of Southern cooking and craft beers, some of which come from its own brewery. There's plenty to like on the menu, yet it's quite reasonably priced considering the quality and quantity of food on offer. Depending on how hungry your party is, the $100 Buy the Farm feast is enough to feed four to six people, and includes a chopped whole hog, ribs, brisket, chicken wings, pickles, cornbread, and a choice of four sides.
Far from a swanky restaurant, Virginia's best value food is cooked at No. 1 Taco in Virginia Beach. Bringing a slice of Mexico to the East Coast, the menu is a wonderful mix of classic and authentic tacos – with carne asada, al pastor, and birria fillings – and eclectic new inventions, like birria ramen. The place is highly praised by regulars, and is the perfect spot to stop by when you want tasty, fresh food that won't break the bank.
Local Tide, a casual neighborhood spot in Fremont, is often named among Washington's must-visit eateries. The modern concrete-and-wood space is perfectly suited for a catch-up with friends. With reasonably priced seafood – even the black cod kasuzuke and salmon teriyaki are priced under $25 each – it's a total bargain in a city that's not exactly known for being cheap. We have our eyes on the rockfish banh mi, the clam chowder, and the crab roll, piled high in a brioche bun (weekends only).
Dining at Lola's feels more like visiting a friend's home than eating out (the restaurant is located in a house in the South Hills) – and, somehow, that makes its Neapolitan-style pizzas and cocktails taste even better. The pizzas are cooked in a stone oven to achieve that signature crispy crust, and toppings range from familiar combinations like spinach and feta to inventive pairings (think steak with jalapeños and Cheddar, fig jam with gorgonzola, and spicy shrimp with Italian sausage). There are seasonal specials, too, with each large pizza priced under $20.
Upscale restaurant Sanford has bagged a James Beard Award, most notably for its ever-changing approach to tasting menus. Although you won't get a particularly cheap meal here, it's great value for money when you consider the quality, time, effort, and ingredients that go into every dish. The menu explores flavors and cuisines from all around the world, with delicacies like coffee-cured pork belly lardo, Armenian dried apricot soup, and black tea cake with citrus marmalade.
Jackson perhaps isn't where you'd expect to find exceptional Italian pasta, but this understated spot dishes up exactly that. The restaurant takes its craft very seriously, with a small but perfectly formed menu of delectable pastas, primis, and wood-fired mains. The generous prix-fixe menu, served family style, is a real bargain at $75. For that, you get antipasti for the table, two primi dishes, two pastas, and one sharing main (options include trout filet, bison steak, or heritage pork), plus a chocolatey dessert to share.
Want to see the other end of the scale? Discover every state's most expensive restaurant
Last updated by Jessica Morris.