Let’s be honest; the cost of living appears to be on a never-ending upward trajectory. Between rent or mortgage payments, bills, school fees, and your car making that weird noise you’re hoping will go away, dining out can sometimes feel like an extravagance we can’t afford.

That’s where ordering from the kids’ menu comes into play – a money-saving ‘hack’ that’s been making the rounds on the internet. But while it may take the sting off when the bill comes, is this an acceptable way to behave at a restaurant?

Kids’ menus usually feature smaller portions at significantly lower prices than their adult counterparts, and who doesn’t love a plate of dinosaur nuggets and chips? Totti’s even serves up a kid’s plate of handmade pasta with roasted tomato sauce that is utterly delicious for half the price of a regular plate. For those who are looking to save a few bucks, this is a pretty tempting option.

For some, it may not even be about the cash. What if you’re just not that hungry? Some folks may struggle with food aversions and gravitate toward what they know. Is it better to send a docket off to the kitchen with a million modifications when a kids’ meal would have done the trick?

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While ordering from the kids’ menu can help your wallet, it does have financial repercussions for the restaurants, which rely on the average spend per head to cover their costs and make a profit. Restaurants will sometimes offer kid’s meals below cost, knowing they make their money back off the accompanying adult’s meals.

So, can we order that single scoop of vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce? While we wouldn’t suggest making a habit of ordering à la child, the best bet is to ask your server if it’s okay and accept their decision with grace (no tears or tantrums, please).

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