Dining out doesn’t have to come at the expense of the environment—or your wallet. With a growing number of eco-conscious restaurants and smarter consumer habits, it’s entirely possible to enjoy delicious meals while supporting sustainability and staying within budget. Here’s how to make dining out a greener, more affordable experience.

Where to eat sustainably: farm-to-table and low-waste kitchens
Many restaurants are adopting sustainable practices by sourcing locally, reducing food waste, and prioritizing eco-friendly packaging. Farm-to-table dining, once considered a luxury, is now more accessible thanks to community-supported agriculture and seasonal menu planning. Look for restaurants that partner with local farms or advertise low-waste or composting initiatives. To find certified establishments, browse the Sustainable Restaurant Association’s directory or explore the Zero Foodprint network, which helps identify climate-friendly restaurants.

Restaurants that highlight seasonal and local ingredients
Menus that change with the seasons are not only more environmentally responsible but often more affordable too. When restaurants use ingredients at their peak, they cut down on transportation costs and food waste—savings that can reflect in the final price. In cities like San Francisco, New York, and Portland, spots like Gather, Blue Hill, and Farm Spirit specialize in hyper-local cuisine that prioritizes both taste and environmental impact.

Use platforms like OpenTable or Resy to search for restaurants using keywords like “seasonal,” “farm-to-table,” or “sustainable.” Many of these restaurants are now offering weekday prix fixe menus or happy hour pricing, which makes eco-conscious dining even more budget-friendly.

Dining habits that reduce your footprint
You don’t have to limit your efforts to the restaurant’s policies—your habits matter too. Here are a few low-effort changes with big impact:

• Choose dine-in over takeout to reduce packaging waste

• Bring your own containers if you’re taking leftovers

• Skip single-use cutlery and napkins for delivery orders

• Support restaurants using compostable materials or reusable serviceware

• Eat lower on the food chain—vegetarian and plant-based meals typically have a lower environmental footprint

Sustainable dining, affordable choices
With the right strategy, eco-conscious dining is well within reach. Look for locally focused menus, eat seasonally, and practice mindful dining habits that reduce your own waste. By choosing restaurants that share your values—and being intentional with your own habits—you can make a difference every time you eat out.