Eating out can be a delightful adventure, but some menu items might lead to a culinary misstep. Whether you’re dining at a high-end restaurant or grabbing a quick bite, knowing what to avoid can enhance your dining experience. Here, we present eight menu items you might want to skip and offer eight delicious alternatives recommended by chefs. These swaps not only promise flavor but also offer better value and nutritional benefits.
1. Avoid: Fettuccine Alfredo
Have you ever finished a plate of Fettuccine Alfredo and felt like you needed a nap? This creamy, buttery pasta dish is a staple in many Italian restaurants. However, its richness can often leave diners feeling overly full and sluggish. The heavy cream and cheese can overshadow the delicate flavors of the pasta, leaving little room for other tastes to shine.
Instead of indulging in this dense dish, why not go for something lighter? Your taste buds and waistline might thank you.
2. Choose Instead: Pasta with Olive Oil, Garlic, and Seasonal Vegetables
Imagine twirling a forkful of pasta glistening with olive oil and dotted with vibrant, seasonal vegetables. The garlic adds a warm, aromatic touch, while the crunch of the veggies provides a refreshing contrast. This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight to the palate.
With each bite, you experience the harmony of simple, fresh ingredients that allow the pasta to be the star. It’s a dish that feels both satisfying and invigorating, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a lighter alternative.
3. Avoid: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Entrées
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a go-to for health-conscious diners, but in restaurants, they can often disappoint. Lacking the fat that imparts flavor and juiciness, these chicken dishes can be overcooked, leading to a dry and bland meal. Often served with uninspired sauces, they fail to excite the palate.
If you’ve ever chewed through a lifeless chicken breast hoping for more, you’re not alone. There are better choices that offer both flavor and satisfaction without compromising on health.
4. Choose Instead: Bone-In Chicken or Grilled Thighs
Grilled thighs or bone-in chicken, with their rich flavor and juicy texture, offer an elevated dining experience. The bone and skin contribute to the meat’s succulence, ensuring each bite is satisfying. Whether marinated or simply seasoned, these cuts are versatile and can be cooked to perfection in high-heat methods.
Picture a beautifully charred piece of chicken, its skin crispy and golden, served alongside roasted vegetables. It’s a dish that promises both comfort and taste, making your meal memorable.
5. Avoid: Filet Mignon (at lower-end steakhouses)
Filet Mignon is often considered the king of steaks, but at lower-end steakhouses, it can be a letdown. Without expert preparation, this cut can be bland, lacking the robust flavor that steak lovers crave. Its tender texture is often its only saving grace, but at a high cost, it might not be worth the splurge.
If you’ve ever regretted ordering this expensive yet unremarkable dish, there are alternatives that offer more bang for your buck.
6. Choose Instead: Skirt Steak or Hanger Steak
Skirt steak or hanger steak packs a punch of flavor that filet mignon often lacks. These cuts, when marinated and grilled, release a savory aroma that promises satisfaction. Known for their richness, they offer an excellent balance of tenderness and taste.
Visualize a juicy piece of skirt steak, perfectly seared with a flavorful marinade, served with a side of roasted potatoes. The experience is both hearty and fulfilling, providing a delightful alternative to more expensive cuts.
7. Avoid: Fried Mozzarella Sticks or Overly Processed Starters
Do fried mozzarella sticks bring back memories of greasy fingers and oily napkins? These frozen, processed starters might satisfy in the moment, but they’re often high in salt and lacking in real culinary creativity.
Many diners fall into the trap of ordering these easy options, only to find that there’s no real substance in the taste. Instead, explore appetizers that showcase the chef’s skills and highlight fresh ingredients.
8. Choose Instead: House-Made Hummus, Grilled Veggies, or Seasonal Appetizers
House-made hummus, grilled veggies, and seasonal appetizers are where chefs truly shine. These starters not only tease the palate but also provide a glimpse into the restaurant’s culinary philosophy. Rich in flavor and texture, they’re crafted with care and creativity.
Imagine dipping a piece of crispy pita into a bowl of creamy hummus, the flavors mingling perfectly. Or savoring a plate of colorful, grilled vegetables that burst with freshness. It’s a starter experience that leaves you excited for what’s next.
9. Avoid: Iceberg Lettuce Wedge Salad
Iceberg lettuce wedge salads might look impressive, but beneath the creamy dressing lies a low-nutrient offering. Mostly water, iceberg lettuce lacks the richness and depth that other greens provide. The heavy dressing often overpowers the salad, turning it into more of a garnish than a healthy choice.
If you’ve tried one of these salads hoping for freshness and flavor, you might want to rethink your green choices.
10. Choose Instead: Mixed Greens or Arugula Salad with Vinaigrette
Mixed greens or arugula salads with a light vinaigrette are a refreshing alternative. Packed with nutrients and flavor, they offer an appealing crunch and variety of textures. The vinaigrette enhances rather than masks the greens, allowing their natural taste to shine.
Visualize a plate brimming with colorful greens, each leaf crisp and full of life, lightly dressed to perfection. It’s a salad that feels both nourishing and satisfying, setting the stage for an enjoyable meal.
11. Avoid: Deep-Fried Fish and Chips (especially at non-specialty spots)
Deep-fried fish and chips may evoke images of seaside dining, but at non-specialty spots, they’re often a greasy letdown. Made with frozen fish, these dishes can be heavy, lacking the fresh, flaky texture that makes seafood shine.
If you’ve ever found yourself unsatisfied with a plate of soggy fries and oil-soaked fish, consider seeking out lighter seafood options that highlight quality over quantity.
12. Choose Instead: Grilled or Pan-Seared Fish with a Side of Vegetables
Grilled or pan-seared fish, paired with a side of seasonal vegetables, offers a clean and flavorful alternative. The golden crust of the fish provides a satisfying crunch, while the tender, flaky interior delights the taste buds. This dish allows the natural flavors of the fish to shine through.
Imagine a beautifully plated piece of fish, its skin perfectly crisp, complemented by vibrant, fresh vegetables. It’s a dish that feels both sophisticated and wholesome, perfect for seafood lovers.
13. Avoid: Loaded Nachos as a Main Course
Loaded nachos might be a fun treat, but as a main course, they often fall short. Piled high with processed toppings, these dishes can be overly salty and heavy, leaving little room for balance. The lack of fresh ingredients can make each bite blend into the next, without any real standout flavors.
For those seeking a more satisfying meal, there are options that offer both variety and taste without sacrificing the fun of a shared dish.
14. Choose Instead: Tacos with Grilled Fillings and Fresh Garnishes
Tacos with grilled fillings and fresh garnishes offer a delightful twist on a classic favorite. These tacos allow for creative combinations of flavors and textures, with each bite offering a new experience. The grilled fillings provide a smoky richness, while the garnishes add brightness and zest.
Picture a platter of tacos, each one topped with vibrant, fresh ingredients, bursting with flavor. They’re a meal that invites sharing, exploration, and enjoyment, making them a perfect choice for those seeking something special.
15. Avoid: “Secret Menu” or Extra-Large Combo Items
“Secret menu” or extra-large combo items may be intriguing, but they often prioritize size over quality. Designed more for shock value than culinary excellence, these dishes can be overwhelming and lack balance.
If you’ve ever felt tempted by the novelty of such offerings, know that there are more rewarding choices that provide both satisfaction and flavor without the gimmicks.
16. Choose Instead: Standard Entrées with Customizations
Standard entrées with customizations put you in the driver’s seat of your dining experience. By requesting swaps like greens instead of fries or grilled instead of fried, you create a dish that suits your tastes and dietary preferences.
Envision a perfectly cooked entrée, customized to your liking, presented with elegance and flair. It’s a meal that feels both personal and rewarding, allowing you to enjoy a unique dining experience tailored just for you.