Dining out in these cities will leave your wallet feeling lighter.
A good meal doesn’t come cheap, but in some cities, even a simple dinner can feel like a splurge. High rents, labor costs, and demand for premium ingredients drive up restaurant prices, making dining out a luxury rather than an everyday habit. Whether you’re grabbing a burger, ordering sushi, or sitting down for a steak dinner, the bill in these cities can be shockingly high.
While locals may have adjusted to the sticker shock, visitors often find themselves unprepared for the cost of even the simplest meals. If you’re heading to any of these 13 cities, expect to pay top dollar for a night out—or get creative with happy hour deals and street food finds.
1. Dining out in New York City is a financial commitment.
New York’s restaurant scene is legendary, but that prestige comes with steep costs. Everything from rent to ingredient sourcing is expensive, and those expenses get passed on to diners. Even quick meals from food carts or diners tend to be pricier than expected, and a mid-range dinner for two often surpasses $100.
Fine dining takes things to another level. A meal at one of Manhattan’s Michelin-starred restaurants—like Per Se or Masa—can run into the hundreds per person. Even neighborhood spots in Brooklyn or the Lower East Side aren’t immune to sky-high prices, with simple dishes like tacos or ramen sometimes costing as much as a full meal elsewhere.
2. Rising living expenses make San Francisco one of the costliest places to eat.
Restaurant prices in San Francisco reflect the city’s overall cost of living. With rising wages, strict regulations, and expensive real estate, dining out here is an investment.
Even a meal at a quick-service eatery can catch diners off guard. A grain bowl or sandwich from a trendy lunch spot might cost as much as a full dinner in other cities. Meanwhile, waterfront seafood restaurants and high-end tasting menus elevate the city’s reputation for expensive dining.
3. Expect to pay extra for paradise when dining in Honolulu.
Eating out in Honolulu feels like a luxury, even in laid-back spots. Since most goods are imported, food costs in Hawaii are significantly higher than on the mainland. That means even a poke bowl or plate lunch can carry a hefty price tag.
Resort dining raises the cost even further. Oceanfront restaurants and hotel eateries charge a premium for fresh seafood, cocktails, and the unbeatable view. While food trucks and local markets offer more affordable options, Honolulu remains one of the priciest U.S. cities for dining.
4. The Las Vegas Strip is no longer a haven for cheap eats.
Buffets once made Vegas a budget-friendly dining destination, but that’s no longer the case. The Strip is now packed with high-end restaurants, celebrity chef hotspots, and luxury steakhouses where a single meal can cost hundreds.
Even mid-tier restaurants inside resorts often carry a hefty markup. Breakfast or lunch at a well-known spot can be unexpectedly expensive, and cocktails at trendy bars might cost as much as a meal elsewhere.
5. Business and politics fuel Washington, D.C.’s pricey restaurant scene.
Expense accounts and power lunches keep restaurant prices high in the nation’s capital. Whether dining in upscale Georgetown or trendy Dupont Circle, even a simple meal can come with a surprising bill.
From high-end seafood spots to contemporary American bistros, the city’s restaurants cater to politicians, diplomats, and executives. Even quick lunches at grab-and-go eateries often cost more than expected, making D.C. one of the most expensive places to eat in the country.
6. In Miami, the food is as flashy as the price tags.
Exclusive steakhouses, beachfront seafood restaurants, and celebrity-backed eateries dominate Miami’s dining scene. South Beach and Brickell are particularly known for high-end dining experiences that often feel more like luxury events than simple meals.
Even brunch and cocktail hours lean toward the expensive side. Trendy cafés charge premium prices for simple dishes, while rooftop bars and lounges often mark up drinks significantly.
7. New England charm and fresh seafood don’t come cheap in Boston.
Boston’s reputation for fresh seafood is well-earned, but diners pay a premium for it. Lobster rolls, oysters, and clam chowder all carry steep price tags, even at counter-service spots.
Beyond seafood, the city’s fine dining and trendy bistros contribute to the high cost of eating out. The Seaport District and Back Bay, in particular, attract business professionals and tourists, keeping prices at a premium.
8. Even deep-dish pizza costs a small fortune in Chicago.
Chicago may be famous for its comfort food, but even its most well-known dishes aren’t necessarily affordable. A deep-dish pizza for two at an iconic spot might cost more than expected, and burger joints throughout the city often charge premium prices.
In neighborhoods like River North and the West Loop, diners pay extra for the experience. Whether it’s an upscale Italian meal, a craft cocktail bar, or a farm-to-table restaurant, eating out in Chicago is rarely a budget-friendly endeavor.
9. Waterfront dining in San Diego comes with a hefty markup.
San Diego’s relaxed atmosphere might suggest affordability, but restaurant prices—especially near the coast—tell a different story. Fresh seafood, farm-to-table dining, and trendy brunch spots keep meal costs high, particularly in scenic areas.
Little Italy and La Jolla are home to some of the most expensive dining options. While more budget-friendly choices exist further inland, restaurants near the beach often charge extra for the ocean views.
10. Trendy dining fuels high restaurant prices in Los Angeles.
Food trends and celebrity appeal keep restaurant costs high in Los Angeles. West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Venice are packed with trendy restaurants that charge top dollar for sushi, plant-based cuisine, and fusion dishes.
Even a quick meal can be surprisingly expensive. A burger from a well-known chain can cost close to $20, and rooftop bars add a steep markup to every drink. High rent, organic ingredients, and influencer appeal all contribute to LA’s costly food scene.
11. Seattle’s booming food culture comes at a price.
Seattle has seen major growth in recent years, and with it, restaurant prices have climbed. The city’s reputation for fresh seafood, craft beer, and farm-to-table dining has driven up costs across the board.
Waterfront restaurants and popular neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and Belltown see the highest price tags. While budget-friendly options still exist, Seattle’s dining scene has become one of the priciest in the Pacific Northwest.
12. Austin’s food scene isn’t as affordable as it once was.
Once known for cheap barbecue and tacos, Austin is now experiencing price hikes across its restaurant industry. As the city has grown, its dining scene has evolved, and so have the costs.
Downtown and South Congress have some of the steepest prices, especially at high-end cocktail bars and chef-driven restaurants. While food trucks and dive bars still provide budget-friendly meals, eating out in Austin is no longer the bargain it once was.
13. Denver’s rapid growth has led to more expensive meals.
As Denver’s population skyrockets, restaurant prices continue to climb. The city’s food culture, from craft breweries to fine dining, has become increasingly expensive in recent years.
Trendy districts like LoDo and RiNo are home to some of the priciest menus. While casual eateries and food halls still offer lower-cost options, the overall expense of dining out in Denver keeps rising.