A great dining experience doesn’t have to come with an extravagant price tag. With a little creativity and smart planning, you can enjoy weekly foodie dates that feel indulgent while staying within your budget. Whether it’s a cozy brunch, a trendy fast-casual spot, or an elevated dinner at a popular chain, you can savor every bite while saving more with the help of savvy cashback apps and gift card hacks.

Here’s how to plan a weekly foodie date without overspending.

Choose Restaurants That Deliver Value

Start by curating a list of spots that offer great flavor and atmosphere without premium prices. Upscale fast-casual chains like Panera Bread or Shake Shack strike the perfect balance between quality and affordability. You can also explore hidden gems and local favorites that provide prix fixe menus or happy hour specials to maximize value.

When building your list, look for places that offer loyalty programs or seasonal deals. Many restaurants, especially chains, have ongoing promotions that you can stack with additional cashback from apps.

Use Cashback Apps to Stretch Your Dining Budget

Cashback platforms make a noticeable difference in your dining budget. Three top options to keep in rotation are Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta.

• Fluz

With Fluz, you purchase a gift card for your chosen restaurant and earn instant cashback. The app features a wide range of opportunities to earn cashback, including Panera Bread gift cards and Shake Shack gjft cards. Rates vary, but you can typically earn around 2% to 4% cashback at participating restaurants.

Here’s how:

1. Open Fluz and search for your dining spot

2. Buy a gift card for your expected spend

3. Use the gift card at checkout

4. Earn instant cashback for your next date

If you’re new to Fluz, download the app here and start stacking rewards.

• Rakuten

Rakuten is another excellent option, especially for online ordering and delivery services like DoorDash or Uber Eats. While in-restaurant dining offers may vary, Rakuten regularly promotes dining deals with select partners, and you can often stack them with credit card rewards.

• Ibotta

Ibotta is ideal for those who want flexibility. While it’s traditionally known for grocery savings, Ibotta also features dining offers and restaurant gift card deals. Before your foodie date, check Ibotta for any active restaurant promotions or discounted gift cards.

Mix Up Your Dining Experiences

To keep your weekly foodie dates exciting, plan a variety of experiences:

• Casual brunches at spots like Panera Bread

• Burger nights at Shake Shack

• New cuisines at local establishments

• Happy hour specials for budget-friendly cocktails and small plates

By rotating your restaurant choices and checking for app-based deals, you’ll enjoy a richer dining experience without overextending your budget.

Stack Your Savings and Savor the Moment

The real magic happens when you combine these tools. Imagine ordering lunch at Panera with a Panera Bread gift card from Fluz, stacking it with MyPanera perks, and checking Ibotta for additional offers. Small savings on each date add up over the course of a month, giving you more freedom to indulge regularly.

Dining well and saving money can go hand in hand. With thoughtful planning and the right tools in your pocket, you’ll transform your weekly foodie outings into flavorful, budget-friendly traditions.