63% of Irish adults have cut back on eating out as the cost of living rises

 press release

63% of Irish adults have cut back on eating out as 

the cost of living rises

New research finds 77% would dine earlier if restaurants offered special offers

Almost two-thirds (63%) of Irish adults have cut back on dining out due to rising living costs, while 77% would be willing to dine earlier if restaurants offered special offers, according to new research commissioned by First Table and conducted by Opinions.ie* 

The findings highlight a significant shift in Irish dining habits:  dining out remains a valued  social experience for Irish consumers, but value for money is  an increasingly important factor when deciding where and when to eat out.

The research comes as First Table recently launched in Ireland. allowing diners to enjoy 50% off their food bill at participating restaurants when booking selected off-peak tables, helping consumers have invaluable dining out experiences while supporting restaurants during quieter trading periods.

The survey found that one in four (25%) people are now choosing cheaper restaurant alternatives, and almost one in five (20%) are ordering fewer courses when dining out.

Alex Cappy, CEO of First Table, said: "The findings show that Irish consumers still want to enjoy dining out, but they are becoming much more conscious of value and looking for ways to make their money go further. People aren't necessarily giving up restaurant experiences altogether. Instead, they're changing how they dine out, whether that's choosing different restaurants, ordering fewer extras or seeking out better offers that make dining out more affordable. That's exactly where First Table comes in. By offering diners 50% off their food bill at the first sitting of the evening, we make it possible to enjoy a great restaurant experience without the guilt of overspending, while helping restaurants fill seats that would otherwise go empty."

The survey also highlighted a strong appetite for incentives that reward flexibility. More than three in four respondents said they would be likely to dine earlier if restaurants offered special offers, with almost one-third saying they would be very likely to book an earlier table.

The impact appears particularly pronounced among those aged 35-54, with seven in ten saying they are eating out less than they did previously. The findings suggest consumers are becoming increasingly strategic about when and how they dine out, while continuing to seek value when choosing restaurant experiences. At the same time, restaurants continue to face the challenge of attracting customers during quieter trading periods, creating an opportunity for solutions that benefit both diners and hospitality businesses.

Mat Weir, Founder of First Table, commented: "We're seeing similar trends across many markets. Consumers still want great dining experiences, but they're becoming more deliberate in how they spend. At the same time, restaurants are looking for new ways to attract customers during quieter periods. The findings show there is a real opportunity for solutions that deliver value for both diners and restaurants. As First Table launches in Ireland, we're excited to help diners discover great restaurants while supporting hospitality businesses during quieter trading periods."

Founded in Queenstown, New Zealand, First Table has served more than three million diners globally and partnered with over 4,400 restaurants across New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom and Ireland. The platform recently launched in Dublin, with participating restaurants including Hana Izakaya, San Sab, Salamanca and Murray's.

For more information, visit www.firsttable.ie