Score Discounts and Rewards on Fine Dining

Fine dining is a wonderful experience that many people enjoy, but it can be quite expensive. Fortunately, there are ways to score discounts and rewards on fine dining, allowing you to enjoy the luxurious experience without breaking the bank.

Listed below are several tips and strategies for finding restaurant deals in Australia and getting the most out of your fine dining experience.

Check restaurant websites and social media pages regularly

Many fine dining establishments offer discounts and promotions on their websites and social media pages. Check the restaurant website for any current deals or promotions, and follow them on social media to stay up to date on any upcoming specials or events. Some restaurants may even offer exclusive deals for their social media followers.

Soft opens

Some fledgeling restaurants will have soft openings to firmly prepare the service crew before a grand opening. Credit.com’s Brian Acton said this is an opportunity for prospective diners to help the restaurant test the waters by possibly eating for free via invites. Eva Maria Hanson of FoodDocs added that it can even help gauge which dishes are gaining traction with diners. It will still be a challenge for the restaurant to get things right and the dishes to be prepared well and served on time.   

Sign up for mailing lists

Another way to stay up to date on restaurant deals is to sign up for mailing lists. Many fine dining establishments send out email newsletters to their subscribers, which can include information on special offers, promotions, and events. By signing up for these mailing lists, you can be the first to know about any discounts or deals that the restaurant is offering.

Use coupon and discount websites

There are many coupon and discount websites that offer deals on fine dining establishments. These websites often offer discounts of up to 50% off, making fine dining much more affordable. Some popular coupon and discount websites in Australia include Groupon, Scoopon, and LivingSocial.

Consider early bird or lunch specials

Many fine dining restaurants offer early bird specials or lunch specials, which can be a great way to save money. Early-birds typically offer a discount on meals ordered before a certain time, while lunch specials offer a reduced price menu for midday diners.

Now that’s a happy hour…

Happy hour isn’t just for drinks – many fine dining establishments offer happy hour deals on food as well. Look for restaurants that offer discounted appetisers or small plates during their period, which can be a great way to enjoy fine dining at a lower price.

Use loyalty programmes

Many fine dining establishments offer loyalty programmes that reward regular customers with discounts and other perks. These programmes typically require you to sign up and accumulate points based on your spending. Once you reach a certain point threshold, you can redeem your points for discounts on future meals or other rewards.

A leading guest-engagement platform claimed that a restaurant setting up a customer loyalty programme enables them to better attune their marketing towards keeping the frequent guests coming by figuring out their level of spending and mode of payment.

Eat off-peak

Finally, consider dining during off-peak hours to score discounts on fine dining. Restaurants may offer discounts during slower periods to attract customers, so consider dining on a weekday or earlier in the evening to take advantage of any specials.

Direct booking

When booking a reservation at a fine dining establishment, consider booking directly with the restaurant rather than through a third-party reservation site. Some restaurants may offer discounts or promotions for customers who book directly with them, as they avoid paying commission fees to reservation sites.

Dine clubs

Another way to score discounts on fine dining is to join a dining club or group. These groups typically offer members exclusive access to discounts and promotions at select restaurants, as well as other perks like private tastings and events. Look for local dining clubs or groups in your area, or consider starting your own with like-minded friends.

Keep an eye out for seasonal promotions

Many fine dining restaurants offer seasonal promotions or themed menus that can be a great way to score discounts on your meal. For example, a restaurant may offer a special Valentine’s Day menu at a discounted price, or a winter menu featuring hearty comfort food (especially now with the Australian winter getting closer). Keep an eye out for these promotions and plan your experience accordingly. 

Any specials tonight? 

When dining at a fine dining restaurant, consider asking your server about any chef’s specials or menu items that may be available. These items may not be listed on the menu and can often be more affordable than the regular menu items. Additionally, many chefs are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences, so don’t be afraid to ask for modifications to your meal.

The above tips are workable when you need to scour for quality dining options through finance apps like UBOMI. The app is steadily growing its network of merchants for its USHOP feature, including partnerships with notable dining establishments in your community. Subscribing to the app’s higher tiers enables users to get wind of more deals across your state or territory or even all across Australia.

Whether you are going solo or in the company of friends or loved ones, it’s always a good thing to be treated to the finer things in life as a reward for hard labour, including exquisitely prepared food you only saw in the most popular dining magazines. Come, let’s dig in!

If you liked our “Score Discounts and Rewards on Fine Dining” and find it useful, check our blogs regularly for more information to get updates on UBOMI’s budget app and expense tracker.

DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only. UBOMI has no business relationships with any company or restaurant mentioned in the article.