Family favourites Nando’s and PizzaExpress have been hiking their prices dramatically in the past five years, with some items costing twice as much as they used to.
If you feel like a quick family meal out now costs the same as a mini break, you’re not imagining it.
Big-name restaurant chains including Nando’s to Pizza Express have been ramping up their prices in the past five years, it’s been claimed. Some menu favourites have soared by more than 100% between February 2021 and February 2026.
Food inflation has jumped 38.6% in that time period. Restaurants say soaring energy bills, rising wages, and supply chain costs are squeezing profits, while fewer Brits are eating out during the cost of living crisis.
Hospitality firms have also pointed to higher minimum wages, increased national insurance contributions and business rates.
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But some experts say customers are being hit harder than necessary. Consumer expert Martyn James told the Sun: “It’s hard to avoid the conclusion that many of these big high street names, once known for affordable food options for the family, have simply got into the habit of tacking on price increases to boost profits.”
Nando’s
At one London branch, a family of four ordering regular mains (burger, wrap or pitta), two sides each and soft drinks will now fork out more than £75. Go large and you’re staring at a bill north of £90, and that’s before extras, dips or desserts.
- PERinaise dip is up from 60p in 2021 to £1.25 today — a 108% rise
- Grilled chicken pitta with regular peri-salted chips: up from £8.75 to £12.75 — a 46% increase
- Quarter chicken with two sides: up from £8.25 to £12 — a 45% rise
- Bottomless drinks: up from £2.95 to £4.25 — nearly 45% more
“Like all hospitality businesses, we’re facing significant increases in the cost of running our restaurants – particularly our wage bill and supply chain costs,” a Nando’s representative told the Sun. “We work hard to absorb as much of these costs as possible to protect the great value our customers expect.”
Pizza Express
At a restaurant in Nerbury, a family of four ordering regular pizzas and soft drinks could now pay up to £96 without starters or sides.
- Classic “American” (pepperoni) pizza: £9.95 in 2021 to £15.95 today — up 60%
- Margherita: £8.95 to £13.95 — up 40%
- Dough Balls: £4.50 to £6.75 — a 50% hike
“We recognise household budgets are under pressure, and we continually do all we can to keep prices down,” said a Pizza Express rep. “We remain focused on offering outstanding value to our customers, including through our Pizza Express Club app, which has over 4million members and offers rewards every time you dine, from free Dough Balls for everybody, to free Piccolo meals.”
Wagamama
At one London branch, four chicken katsu curries and soft drinks will now cost around £73 before sides, starters or booze.
- Chicken and prawn yaki soba: £10.50 in 2021 to £15.50 — up 48%
- Yaki udon: £11.25 to £15.30 — up 36%
- Chicken katsu curry: £11.25 to £15.30 since 2020 — up 36%
A Wagamama rep said: “Like the rest of the hospitality sector, we’re navigating exceptional economic headwinds that are being felt right across the industry. As a business that prepares fresh food in our kitchens every day, these ever-rising costs have a direct impact on how we operate.
“Despite this, we’ve continued to focus on offering great value through accessible options, including a £14 set lunch menu, kids’ meals from £4.90, and ongoing benefits for Blue Light Card members and our 1.8 million Soul Club members.
“We’re proud that these programmes now account for a significant proportion of our orders, helping more guests access freshly made, high-quality food.”
Toby Carvery
On a Sunday, a family of four tucking into carveries could now pay £65.96.
- Sunday carvery: £12.49 in 2021 to £16.99 — up 36%
- Pigs in blankets side: £2.99 to £3.99 — up 33%
What can you do?
Everyone is feeling the pinch right now, so to combat skyrocketing prices in restaurants, you can use loyalty apps, look out for midweek deals and set menus, share sides and skip the add-ons, and check voucher sites before booking.
You can also beat rising food bills with quick midweek meals and make your money stretch further by shopping at budget supermarkets.
