Other than gas and electricity, few prices are rising faster right now than dining out.
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, food away from home cost 3.9% more at the end of February than it did in February 2025. Groceries rose 2.4% in the same time period. Inflation for everything combined — housing, healthcare, food, energy and all other household expenses — rose by the same 2.4% rate.
Survey after survey has shown Americans are responding by eating out less, seeking out the best deals, and turning restaurants into their entire evening’s activity…