7 Expensive Dishes at Restaurants That Are Worth the Splurge, According to Experts
Written by
Gabrielle Olya
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Molly Sullivan
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The average American spends $191 a month on dining out, according to the latest data from US Foods. However, you can easily spend that amount on a single meal for two if you’re dining at a high-end restaurant.
While some high-end restaurants charge a premium just to get a seat at the table, others serve fare that is really worth the high price tag. To find out which expensive restaurant dishes are worth splurging on, GOBankingRates spoke with chefs and other culinary experts to get their picks for the foods they personally don’t mind spending a bit more for.
Here are a few expert-approved restaurant dishes that are worth the high cost.
Wagyu Beef
When you’re ordering a meat dish, anything made from Wagyu will typically come at the highest cost. However, Nikki Thompson Frazier, a culinary instructor and founder of Sweet Encounter Bakery Café, said that it’s worth the price, especially if it’s A5 Japanese Wagyu.
“The marbling, texture and umami-rich flavor make it a standout,” she said. “When cooked with precision, it offers an unmatched melt-in-your-mouth experience that can’t be replicated with standard cuts.”
Black Truffle Risotto
Any dish with truffles will be expensive; the rare mushroom is notoriously hard to cultivate and has a short shelf-life that drives up its cost. If you’re going to splurge on a truffle dish, Thompson Frazier recommended a black truffle risotto.
“Truffles, when shaved fresh and paired with a well-balanced risotto, offer both luxury and depth,” she said. “It’s a dish that highlights rarity and skillful restraint.”
Tasting Menus With Seasonal Chef’s Selections
If you have the opportunity to have a tasting menu meal, don’t let the sticker price deter you.
“Though pricey, well-executed tasting menus deliver both innovation and value,” Thompson Frazier said. “You’re paying for an immersive culinary journey that reflects expertise, sourcing and story.”
Dry-Aged Steak
When you’re at a steakhouse, it’s worth splurging on a dry-aged steak that’s been aged for at least 60 days, said James Callery, head chef at Sandford Springs Hotel & Golf Club.
“This isn’t your average Friday night grill sesh,” he said. “It’s meat that’s been resting longer than most of us take for annual leave. The funk, the crust, the flavor depth — it’s like steak went to finishing school and came back with a wine cellar.”
Uni (Sea Urchin)
Uni may be a polarizing dish, but it’s worth trying at least once.
“It looks like the ocean’s version of a dare, but if fresh and high-grade, it melts on your tongue like seawater butter from Poseidon’s personal stash,” Callery said. “Not everyone loves it, but those who do are usually the kind of people who have very strong opinions about knives.”
Caviar Service
Caviar is typically one of the first things that comes to mind when you think of expensive foods — but it’s worth it.
“When it comes to luxury dining, caviar service is truly in a league of its own,” said Jessica Randhawa, head chef and creator of The Forked Spoon. “The high price tag is justified by the rarity of the best sturgeon roe, especially varieties like Beluga or Ossetra.
“These delicate pearls are harvested from mature sturgeon, sometimes decades old, and the meticulous care required at every step — from raising the fish to processing the eggs — drives up the cost,” she continued. “Properly served with blini, creme fraiche and all the classic accompaniments, caviar is a singular indulgence that simply can’t be duplicated with cheaper alternatives.”
Peking Duck
For special occasions, Randhawa loves to splurge on a Peking duck entree.
“Peking duck, especially when prepared in the traditional manner with lacquered, crisp skin and multiple courses, is a dish I seek out when I want to celebrate,” she said. “The labor involved in air-drying, seasoning and roasting the duck, along with the craft of carving and serving it tableside, makes this dish a culinary event.
“The combination of crispy skin, juicy meat and delicate pancakes is a unique pleasure — one that’s well worth the restaurant price.”
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