22 Restaurant Dishes You Should Skip

Dining out is a delightful experience, but not all dishes are worth your palate or your wallet. Here’s a list of 22 restaurant items you might want to avoid for a more satisfying meal.

1. The “house salad” nobody cares about

Ever been served a house salad that resembles a sad afterthought? Often, it’s just bagged greens with a couple of lackluster tomatoes. The dressing might remind you of something extracted from a generic plastic packet.

Instead of a fresh, vibrant offering, this dish often feels uninspired. You’re better off creating your own salad experience at home, where you can control the ingredients and flavors.

Restaurants sometimes throw in a house salad as a default side, but it rarely adds value. Skip it and save room for something memorable.

2. Chicken breast with steamed vegetables

Does a bland chicken breast sound like a dish worth your money? This meal often consists of a dry piece of chicken paired with uninspired steamed vegetables.

While it might sound like a healthy choice, the lack of flavor and creativity leaves much to be desired. You’re paying a restaurant price for something that lacks finesse and excitement.

When dining out, seek a dish that promises a culinary journey, not a mundane stopover. There’s a world of flavors to explore beyond the basic chicken breast.

3. Overstuffed nachos

Ever ordered nachos that looked like a dream but ended up a soggy mess? The idea of loaded nachos seems fun, but they often become a disappointment.

A mountain of toppings can turn once-crispy chips into a mushy pile. The balance of texture and flavor is crucial, and overstuffing ruins both.

For a truly satisfying nacho experience, seek places known for their expertise in crafting this classic dish. Otherwise, you might just end up with a letdown.

4. Anything labeled “truffle” that’s clearly truffle oil

Truffle is a luxury, but truffle oil often fails to capture its essence. If the dish you’re served smells like strong perfume, it’s likely dominated by artificial truffle oil.

This cheap imitation can overwhelm the senses and mask the true flavors of the dish. True truffle should complement, not drown out the main ingredients.

For a genuine truffle experience, search for dishes that detail the use of real truffles. Otherwise, you might be paying for an unbalanced and overpowering plate.

5. “Wagyu” sliders that don’t specify anything

Sliders labeled as “Wagyu” can be enticing, but beware if there’s no additional information. Real Wagyu comes with specific origins and characteristics.

Menus that use “Wagyu” as a buzzword without elaboration might be stretching the truth. True Wagyu sliders will boast marbling and flavor that stand apart.

If you’re paying a premium, ensure the menu details are precise. Otherwise, you might be indulging in nothing more than a marketing ploy.

6. Lobster mac and cheese

Lobster mac and cheese promises indulgence but often disappoints. Typically, you’ll find sparse lobster bits lost in a sea of heavy sauce.

The intention is rich and creamy, yet the execution can feel more like a gimmick than a gourmet treat. It leaves you craving more lobster and less filler.

For a true taste of luxury, seek dishes where lobster is the star, not a fleeting guest. Otherwise, the dream of opulence may remain unfulfilled.

7. Fish tacos at places that don’t do seafood

Ordering fish tacos at a non-specialist can be a gamble. Seafood requires careful handling and expertise, which not all eateries possess.

The dish might read well on the menu, but reality often tells a different story. Freshness and flavor can be compromised, leaving an unimpressive impression.

For a true taste of the coast, visit places renowned for their seafood. Otherwise, you might just encounter an uninspired attempt at a classic.

8. Sushi at a non-sushi restaurant

Sushi is an art, and serving it alongside burgers and pasta can be a red flag. If the restaurant isn’t known for sushi, the quality might not meet expectations.

The craftsmanship required for great sushi is an art form, often lost in places that don’t specialize. You risk receiving something that’s more decoration than delicacy.

For sushi that sings, visit an establishment where it’s the main attraction. Otherwise, you might end up with an uninspired version of this elegant dish.

9. Dry, thick turkey burgers

Turkey burgers can be a healthy alternative, but they often land dry and unpalatable. The quest for juiciness is real, yet many end up resembling a dense meatloaf.

A lack of seasoning and moisture can turn this potentially delightful dish into a chore to chew. Texture and flavor should be the priority, yet they’re often sidelined.

When craving a burger, explore options that promise succulence and flavor. Otherwise, you might settle for a disappointing mouthful.

10. Fettuccine Alfredo at a random chain

Fettuccine Alfredo can be a creamy delight but falls flat at generic chains. This pasta dish should balance richness and flavor, yet it often ends up heavy and uninspired.

The sauce can resemble a thick cream bath rather than a carefully crafted culinary creation. Ingredients that should sing together are overshadowed by monotone notes.

Seek out places known for their pasta prowess for a truly rewarding experience. Otherwise, you might find the dish more chore than charm.

11. Carbonara made with cream

True carbonara is a silky blend of eggs and cheese, not a cream-laden concoction. Some places opt for shortcuts, resulting in a dish that feels more like a soup.

The authentic version is a dance of simplicity and depth, where each ingredient plays a vital role. Cream masks the delicate balance that should be celebrated.

For a taste of Roman brilliance, seek establishments that honor the tradition. Otherwise, the experience might leave you wanting.

12. Overcooked steak at places not known for steak

Steak should be a tender triumph, but at the wrong place, it becomes a letdown. Establishments without a steak focus might serve meat that’s tough and uninspired.

Cooking steak requires skill and understanding, and when it’s lacking, the results are disappointing. You’re paying for premium, but receiving subpar.

For a steak that satisfies, visit places with a reputation for their meats. Otherwise, the experience might be more miss than hit.

13. “Homemade” desserts that clearly aren’t

Desserts labeled as “homemade” should evoke warmth and authenticity. Yet many appear as if they’ve emerged from a factory line.

Perfectly uniform shapes and generic flavors betray their true origins. When desserts lack love and character, they fail to end the meal on a high note.

Seek out places where desserts are crafted with care and creativity. Otherwise, your sweet finale might lack the magic you crave.

14. The giant milkshake dessert drink

Giant milkshakes are Instagram-ready spectacles, yet often disappoint on flavor. Their towering appearance is more about looks than taste.

Packed with sugar and adorned with excessive toppings, they can overwhelm rather than delight the senses. The essence of a good milkshake is lost beneath the excess.

For a truly satisfying shake, seek quality over quantity. Otherwise, you might be left with a shallow experience. The photo might be fun, but the flavor could fall flat.

15. “Fresh” guacamole made hours ago

Guacamole should sing of freshness and vibrancy, yet pre-made versions often fall flat. Browning edges tell a tale of neglect rather than care.

The creamy, zesty delight turns into a sad dip when it sits too long. The promise of fresh is broken when time robs the ingredients of their liveliness.

For guacamole that delivers, find places that prepare it to order. Otherwise, the experience might be more disappointing than delicious.

16. Overpriced charcuterie boards with sad crackers

Charcuterie should be an indulgent treat, but overpriced boards with meager offerings disappoint. Basic cheese and unremarkable crackers can feel like a letdown.

Paying for presentation rather than substance often leaves diners unsatisfied. The art of charcuterie lies in its diversity and quality, not just the wooden board.

Seek out places with a reputation for their craftsmanship in this culinary area. Otherwise, you might end up with more style than substance.

17. Pasta “special” that’s just pasta and oil

A pasta “special” should excite, not deliver a plain dish with a drizzle of oil. When you’re expecting culinary creativity, simplicity can feel like a missed opportunity.

The allure of a special fades when you’re left with something that doesn’t justify its title. True specials should sparkle with innovation and care.

For a pasta experience that delights, seek establishments known for their innovative touch. Otherwise, you might feel shortchanged.

18. Basic chicken Caesar salad

Chicken Caesar salads are ubiquitous but often underwhelming. Dry chicken and lackluster dressing can transform this classic into a chore.

A well-crafted Caesar should deliver a punch of flavor, yet many fall flat with unseasoned ingredients. It’s available everywhere, but it’s rarely remarkable.

For a Caesar that impresses, find a place known for its salad expertise. Otherwise, you might just end up with a forgettable meal.

19. Dry scrambled eggs

Scrambled eggs should be creamy and inviting, yet often appear dry and uninspired. Overcooking turns what should be a comforting dish into a disappointing one.

The texture should be soft and buttery, but many establishments serve eggs that taste like they’ve been neglected. Breakfast deserves better.

For an egg experience that satisfies, visit places known for their breakfast expertise. Otherwise, you might be settling for less than delicious.

20. Brunch pancakes at places that aren’t breakfast spots

Pancakes are a breakfast staple, but at non-specialists, they often fall short. Bland and overpriced, these stacks lack the love and attention they deserve.

Fluffy, flavorful pancakes require skill, and many places don’t prioritize their preparation. You want joy on a plate, not a flavorless heap.

Seek out breakfast havens where pancakes are a passion. Otherwise, your brunch might be more blah than bliss.

21. “Spicy” dishes that are only spicy because of raw jalapeños

True spice should excite and engage, but raw jalapeños alone often miss the mark. Heat isn’t synonymous with flavor, and many dishes rely too heavily on this shortcut.

Spice should be a symphony, not a solo note. Adding raw peppers can feel lazy, overshadowing what could be a complex experience.

For spicy dishes that dazzle, find places that understand the art of heat. Otherwise, you might end up with a one-note wonder.

22. The “kitchen sink” burger with too many toppings

Burgers should celebrate their core, yet kitchen sink versions obscure rather than enhance. With toppings galore, the essence of the burger gets lost.

A well-balanced burger highlights its components, not buries them. Too many toppings can overwhelm, leading to a muddled mess rather than a masterpiece.

For a burger that shines, look for places that focus on balance and flavor. Otherwise, the experience might leave you overwhelmed and underwhelmed.