Restaurant Vouchers: How to Dine Out for Less
Dining out is one of life’s small pleasures—but it can also take a toll on your wallet. Whether it’s a spontaneous lunch, a romantic dinner, or a family treat, restaurant bills quickly add up. The good news is, with restaurant vouchers, you can enjoy your favourite meals at a fraction of the usual cost.
Restaurant vouchers offer discounts, free extras, and special dining deals across the UK. They’re easy to use, widely accepted, and available through a range of online platforms, loyalty apps, and promotional campaigns. This guide shows you where to find them, how they work, and how to maximise your savings without compromising your dining experience.
What Are Restaurant Vouchers?
Restaurant vouchers are digital or paper-based coupons that give you money off food, drinks, or both when dining out. They can include:
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Percentage discounts (e.g., 25% off food)
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Two-for-one deals (e.g., buy one main, get one free)
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Set menu offers (e.g., three courses for £15)
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Free drinks or sides with a main meal
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Cashback after dining
Vouchers may be valid all week or limited to off-peak times like weekdays or early evenings. Most require you to present a code or printout at the restaurant or book online using a discount link.
Types of Restaurant Vouchers
Here are the main types of vouchers and how they work:
| Voucher Type | Description | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|
| Percentage Discount | A fixed percentage off your total bill or food only | 20%–50% off |
| 2-for-1 Offers | Pay for one meal and get the second free (cheapest free) | 50% value |
| Set Menu Deals | Predefined menu at a discounted price | £10–£20 for 2–3 courses |
| Free Item Offers | Free dessert, drink, or starter with a main | £3–£7 value |
| Loyalty Vouchers | Rewards from restaurant chains or apps after frequent visits | Varies by program |
| Cashback Dining | Get a portion of the bill refunded via card or app | 5%–15% cashback |
Some restaurants offer vouchers directly, while others participate in third-party schemes or promotions.
Where to Find the Best Restaurant Vouchers in the UK
There are many places to find legitimate, up-to-date restaurant vouchers. Below are some of the most reliable sources:
1. Voucher Websites
Well-known platforms aggregate vouchers from multiple restaurants:
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VoucherCodes – Regularly updated with restaurant offers across major chains
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HotUKDeals – Community-submitted deals including restaurant discounts
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Groupon UK – Discounted set meals and local restaurant offers
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Tastecard – Membership-based 2-for-1 and 50% off deals at over 6,000 locations
2. Restaurant Loyalty Apps
Many chains have their own apps that offer vouchers or points-based rewards:
| Restaurant | App Benefits | Example Offer |
|---|---|---|
| Nando’s | Chilli points system | Free meal after 10 visits |
| Pizza Express | App-exclusive deals | 25% off total bill |
| Greggs | Rewards for coffee, sandwiches | Free hot drink |
| Costa | Earn beans with purchases | Free coffee after 8 purchases |
| KFC | Offers in the app and exclusive meal bundles | Free snack with large meal |
Joining these apps is free, and most offers refresh weekly or monthly.
3. Supermarket Partnerships
Some UK supermarkets offer vouchers for dining as part of loyalty or reward point systems:
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Tesco Clubcard: Convert points into restaurant tokens worth up to 3x their value at places like Zizzi, Bella Italia, and Prezzo
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Nectar Card (Sainsbury’s): Occasionally offers dining rewards through promotions
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Morrisons More: Occasionally features food and drink rewards
Redeem these online before dining and check expiry dates.
4. Email Sign-Ups and Newsletters
Signing up for a restaurant’s mailing list can unlock exclusive offers. Brands often send:
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Birthday freebies
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Seasonal vouchers
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Subscriber-only discounts
Check your spam folder or promotions tab regularly so you don’t miss out.
5. Student Discounts
If you’re a student, you may qualify for extra savings at national chains:
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UNiDAYS and TOTUM offer food-related discounts at brands like ASK Italian, Yo! Sushi, and Frankie & Benny’s
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Always carry your digital card or student ID and ask before ordering
How to Use Restaurant Vouchers Effectively
To make the most of restaurant vouchers, follow these smart dining tips:
Check the Terms and Conditions
Always read the fine print. Some vouchers are only valid:
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On specific days of the week (e.g., Mon–Thurs only)
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For dine-in only
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With a minimum spend (e.g., £20+)
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On selected dishes or menus
Book Ahead Where Needed
Some vouchers must be booked in advance via a specific link. Failing to do so may invalidate the offer.
Print or Download in Advance
While most vouchers are accepted digitally, some smaller venues may require a printout. Always have a screenshot or hard copy ready.
Use Multiple Discounts Carefully
You can’t usually combine vouchers with other offers, such as happy hour deals or meal bundles. Choose the one that offers the best value.
Tip on the Full Amount
If service isn’t included, it’s polite to tip based on the pre-discounted amount, especially if your server delivers great service.
Pros and Cons of Using Restaurant Vouchers
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Save money on dining out | Limited availability on weekends |
| Try new places at a lower cost | May have restricted menus |
| Access app-only or exclusive deals | Must remember to redeem on time |
| Earn rewards with loyalty programs | Not valid in all locations |
Most people find that the savings far outweigh any inconvenience, especially with popular chains.
Sample Savings with Restaurant Vouchers
Here’s an example of what a family of four might save in one month using vouchers:
| Meal Type | Restaurant | Regular Cost | Voucher Discount | Final Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pizza Night | Pizza Express | £48 | 2-for-1 mains | £28 | £20 |
| Weekend Lunch | Zizzi | £55 | 25% off food | £41.25 | £13.75 |
| Coffee Run | Costa | £12 | Free coffee via app | £9 | £3 |
| Local Bistro | Groupon Deal | £60 | Fixed-price deal | £35 | £25 |
Total monthly saving: £61.75
Multiply that by 12 months, and you could be looking at over £700 saved annually.
Final Thoughts
Restaurant vouchers offer a smart, simple way to enjoy dining out without overspending. From major chains to local gems, there are plenty of opportunities to save if you know where to look. Whether it’s a weekday treat, a birthday celebration, or your regular coffee stop, a little planning can lead to significant savings.
Sign up for newsletters, download loyalty apps, check coupon sites regularly, and always read the fine print. With these habits in place, you’ll never have to pay full price when eating out again.