9 Overrated Restaurant Dishes and What to Order Instead
Dining out is one of life’s simple pleasures, but not every popular menu item is worth the hype—or the price tag. Some restaurant staples are overrated, overpriced, or simply not the best use of your appetite. The good news? There are usually smarter, tastier options hiding in plain sight. Here are nine overrated dishes and what you should order instead.
Lobster Mac and Cheese
Overrated: While it sounds luxurious, lobster mac often skimps on lobster and loads up on cream.
Order Instead: Try a simple grilled lobster tail or shrimp pasta for real seafood flavor without the filler.
Avocado Toast
Overrated: Paying $12–$18 for something you could make at home isn’t always worth it.
Order Instead: Opt for eggs benedict or a loaded breakfast sandwich for a more filling brunch choice.
Truffle Fries
Overrated: Often made with artificial truffle oil, leaving you with a chemical aftertaste.
Order Instead: Go for classic hand-cut fries or roasted potatoes, which showcase real flavor.
Caesar Salad
Overrated: This starter is often overpriced lettuce with a heavy dressing.
Order Instead: A seasonal salad with fresh ingredients and house-made dressing gives more nutrients and flavor.
Filet Mignon
Overrated: Tender, yes, but often mild in flavor and extremely expensive.
Order Instead: Ribeye or sirloin—juicier, more flavorful cuts at a better value.
Chicken Alfredo
Overrated: Cream-heavy and bland, leaving you overly full but unsatisfied.
Order Instead: Try chicken piccata or a lighter pasta with fresh herbs and olive oil for more balanced flavor.
Sushi Rolls with Cream Cheese
Overrated: Cream cheese overpowers delicate fish flavors.
Order Instead: Go for nigiri or sashimi to truly taste the freshness of the seafood.
Molten Lava Cake
Overrated: Once trendy, now a tired dessert that’s often pre-frozen.
Order Instead: A fruit tart or seasonal cheesecake offers a fresher finish to your meal.
Chicken Caesar Wrap
Overrated: A quick fix that’s usually soggy and forgettable.
Order Instead: A grilled chicken and veggie wrap with hummus or pesto delivers better taste and nutrition.
This post may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. Disclosure Policy
