The rising cost of living has led more than a third of Brits to reduce their visits to restaurants, according to a recent report by YouGov. As food, energy, wages, and taxes have increased, many restaurants have raised their prices. Some top chefs are calling for government support to help the industry, while others are trying to attract customers with special offers. Here are six strategies to save money when dining out. One popular approach is to take advantage of loyalty programs. Many restaurants offer rewards such as points, discounts, free items, and birthday treats to encourage repeat visits. For example, Pizza Express has a tiered loyalty program where customers can earn perks like free dough balls and hot drinks. Nando's uses a chilli-based system, and Tastecard offers discounts at hundreds of venues for an annual fee. Another way to save is by dining during off-peak hours. Restaurants often offer significant discounts during their first or last seating times to attract more customers. Apps like First Table and EatClub provide up to 50% off meals during these times, sometimes with a small booking fee. Eating earlier in the day, such as for breakfast, can also be more affordable, as these meals typically include fewer courses and less alcohol. Many restaurants also offer special deals for families, particularly during school holidays. Programs like "Kids Eat Free" allow children to dine for free or at a reduced cost when accompanied by a paying adult. This is common at places like TGI Fridays, supermarket cafes, and even garden centers. Some of these offers are seasonal, while others are available all year. New restaurants often run "soft launches," which are limited-time promotions to encourage people to try their food and spread the word. These deals can last several weeks and provide a chance to experience high-end dining at a lower cost. Some restaurants extend these promotions permanently, especially on slower days like Mondays. Signing up for local newsletters can help track these opportunities. Supermarket loyalty points can also be used to save on meals out. For instance, Tesco Clubcard points can be exchanged for meal vouchers at partner restaurants like Prezzo. Similar deals are available at other supermarkets and their affiliated eateries. Finally, apps like Too Good To Go and Olio help reduce food waste by allowing customers to buy surplus food at a discount or for free. While the specific items may vary, these apps offer a way to save money on groceries, which can be redirected toward future restaurant visits.