I have changed my pattern over the past 4 years.
For a regular dinner for myself, I generally don’t spend more than $70 including tax and tip.
Most friends have been tightening their belts, so I haven’t been choosing places where dinner will cost more than $100 per person.
Pastas in Toronto are around $20-$35 now, and up to $46 at some restaurants.
Most steak frites are in the $40-$60 range, so I’m rarely (haha) ordering them.
I order special occasion dinners, where mains are in the $50-$60 range maybe 5 times a year. Those meals, in the $200-$250 range, are for myself and 2 dining companions.
I have only had a couple meals that cost around or over $100 per person since 2020.
I would spend more on dinner , at more expensive restaurants, if I was to visit Montreal or NYC.
We have a couple price threads running on the Toronto board.
Toronto Burger and Fries Price Metric Thread, June 2023 and onwards
Greater Toronto Area, Bang for the Buck restaurants, 2024 edition
I tend to eat dinner out once or twice a week.
These were my restaurant dinners over this past week.
Saturday, a pizza ($18) with a friend. He had a beer, I had a cocktail ($17) . Around $54 before tip.
Sunday, Persian take-out. Chicken Fesenjoon ($21), eggplant ($12), rice and bread was included. $37 plus $7 tip.
Monday take-out. $24 Cobb Salad (before tax and tip) and a $6 slice of pizza (before tax and tip).
