A practical method for comparing like-for-like menu prices, portions, delivery fees and the final basket before ordering.
How to use this guide: Start with the restaurant’s own current menu and a basket that reflects the food you actually want. All examples are for explaining the method unless an official current source is explicitly linked.
Start with the meal you actually want
An advertised starting price rarely represents the amount you pay for a complete meal. Before comparing two restaurants, decide what would make the meals equivalent for you: a main, a side, a standard soft drink and perhaps a dessert. Write that basket down first. Then look for the price of each part at the specific restaurant, collection point or delivery channel you intend to use.
The comparison changes if one option includes a side and drink and the other is main-only. A £6.50 main plus a £2.50 drink and a £2.00 side is £11 in total. A different £10 meal including both can therefore be cheaper even when its headline main price is higher. These numbers are illustrative examples, not current restaurant prices.
Match portions, not just product names
A burger, sharing pizza and rice bowl cannot be ranked fairly by price alone. Check the stated size, number of pieces, portion weight where published, or recommended number of servings. A family pizza divided between four people has a different cost per eater from an individually priced personal pizza.
For a party, work out the estimated cost per person after allowing for everything the group expects to eat. If a restaurant provides portion guidance, note it; otherwise avoid claiming a precise cost per gram or per calorie without the necessary verified measurements.
Use the same channel and location
Menus may differ between dine-in, takeaway, collection and delivery. Delivery platforms can add their own fees, minimum spends and service charges. Some offers apply only when using an app or selecting a particular restaurant.
Compare prices at the same moment where practical. Note the town or chosen branch and whether the quote is for delivery or collection. A location-specific quote should not be presented as a nationwide fixed price.
Check the final basket before deciding
A meaningful comparison includes the final amount at checkout: mains, sides, drinks, extras, delivery, service and any qualifying discounts. Record the item name and size and save the source link while planning. If the restaurant does not publish a complete price online, say that it is unavailable rather than filling the gap with an estimate.
The free AllMenus comparison tool lets you enter two actual quotes and calculate the difference. It does not claim to access live till or app prices. For allergy and nutritional questions, use the restaurant’s official current information separately.
A simple comparison checklist
Before paying, confirm you are comparing the same type of meal, similar portions, the same channel, the same branch and the complete total. Check any minimum spend, opening hours and special conditions on an offer. If the information is unclear, contact the restaurant before relying on it.
Treat this method as a framework for a better choice rather than a guarantee that the cheapest basket offers the best quality, taste or suitability for your household.
Put it into practice
Choose the relevant official restaurant menu from our directory. Note the branch, ordering channel and specific products, then use the meal budget calculator or two-quote comparison to test your choices. For allergen needs, check the restaurant’s official information and speak to staff.