New research from First Table reveals that 63pc of Irish adults have reduced dining out frequency due to ongoing cost-of-living pressures, according to a July 2026 study commissioned by First Table and conducted by Opinions.ie.
While restaurant meals remain a highly valued social experience, 63pc of Irish adults have cut back on eating out and consumers are drastically shifting their behaviors to prioritise value for money. The impact is most severe among adults aged 35–54, with 70pc reporting they are eating out less.
- 25pc are proactively choosing less expensive restaurants.
- 20pc are ordering fewer courses or skipping extras to keep bills down.
- 77pc are willing to dine earlier in the evening if restaurants offer special deals.
The research coincides with the launch of the First Table platform in Ireland, which aims to resolve this exact bottleneck. By connecting cost-conscious diners with early-evening slots, the platform helps consumers save money while supporting local hospitality businesses during their quietest trading hours Diners receive a 50pc discount on their food bill when booking the first table of the evening at participating spots
The findings come as the discount platform launches in Ireland, aiming to support restaurants and diners through 50pc off food bills at participating venues. Originally aimed at solo diners, families and people having difficulty making advance bookings, the platform originated in New Zealand in 2014 and now connects more 3.3m diners with 4,300 restaurants across New Zealand, Australia and England.
Early adopters on the platform include Dublin venues Salamanca, Hana Izakaya, San Sab, and Murray’s.
Dining in Ireland
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Restaurant award winners
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow – Overall – County winners – Good Food Ireland – Michelin Star
2026 Irish Restaurant awards by county:
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
2025 Irish Restaurant awards by county:
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
2024 Irish Restaurant awards by county:
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
