Received wisdom says there is no such thing as a free lunch. However, it is not true that expensive food has to be good, nor that good food has to be expensive. Often good food is about more than just what is on your plate, and more about atmosphere. Good company, unique decor, and quality waiting service contribute more to a great dining experience than the food alone. There are some golden rules when looking for somewhere good to eat, and whilst price is usually an indicator of quality, nothing tastes better than great value.
The price of expensive restaurants is not set by the food, but by market forces. A restaurant with a Michelin-starred chef will charge high prices because people are willing to pay them. Often, good food is about sourcing local ingredients, and these tend to be cheaper than ones that have been flown in from around the world. Local ingredients are also fresher, meaning that a restaurant which serves local food is often a great value place to eat. Most menus in quality restaurants make a show of their local produce, although if in doubt, you can always ask. In addition to being nice to your wallet, eating local is good on the conscience, as it supports local communities and reduces your carbon footprint.
Another sign of a good restaurant is a full specials board. Specials are usually short-term dishes, run to sell a surplus of one item, or to make the most of seasonal goods. In both cases, restaurants often rely on a high turnover of these meals, and thus price them below their menu items. Items on the specials board are also likely to be the freshest items in the kitchen, and are therefore some of the tastiest. Besides, who doesn’t like ordering something ‘special’?
Finally, for good, cheap food, it is always wise to ask around. If you are a visitor to a town, ask the locals for recommendations. Whilst it’s easy to get sucked into tourist traps, finding a little restaurant with a beautiful view and great service will be worth the effort. In London, cutting off main streets into side roads will help you find some of the best restaurants. In Scotland, you shouldn’t miss Edinburgh restaurants with a view of the castle for a picture-perfect experience. Taking the extra time to find somewhere will pay dividends when it comes to both the meal, and the bill. Great food doesn’t have to cost the Earth, you just have to know where to look.
Peter Rose writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
