Saving money while dining out doesn’t always mean clipping coupons or checking three different apps. Today, smart browser extensions and mobile apps do the hard work for you—automatically applying discounts, cashback offers, and promo codes at checkout. If you’re looking to dine out for less without extra effort, these tools can help you find hidden savings in seconds.
Here’s a breakdown of the best apps and extensions that apply restaurant deals instantly—and how to combine them for maximum results.
- Honey: Automatic promo code detection
Honey is a browser extension that searches for and tests every available coupon code during checkout. While originally geared toward retail sites, Honey also supports major restaurant platforms that offer online ordering—especially chains like Papa John’s, Domino’s, and Pizza Hut.
When you place an order through the restaurant’s website, Honey runs through a database of codes and applies the one with the biggest savings automatically. It also includes a rewards system called Honey Gold, which can be redeemed for gift cards.
- Capital One Shopping: Price comparison and deals
Capital One Shopping works similarly to Honey but focuses more on showing price comparisons and available coupons. It’s particularly helpful if you’re browsing for restaurant gift cards online, as it surfaces discounted offers from various retailers.
If you’re buying gift cards to dine out later, this tool can help you spot hidden savings or track down the cheapest source.
- Rakuten: Cashback plus coupons
Rakuten is both a cashback site and a browser extension. While dining in isn’t always eligible, online ordering through select restaurants and third-party delivery platforms often qualifies for cashback. Rakuten automatically activates these offers at checkout and sometimes combines them with available promo codes.
It’s especially useful when ordering through national chains like Grubhub, Domino’s, or Panera Bread’s online platform.
- Ibotta: In-app deals and gift card rewards
Ibotta started as a grocery rebate app but has grown into a multi-use savings tool. It features restaurant deals under its “Dining” and “Gift Cards” sections. While it doesn’t auto-apply promo codes, it allows you to earn cashback for buying gift cards to popular restaurants, which can be used just like cash.
Stacking Ibotta with other tools or loyalty programs can increase your savings with very little effort.
- Use Fluz for instant cashback on gift cards
If you want to go straight to the source of savings, earn cashback with a restaurant gift card using Fluz. This app allows you to purchase digital gift cards for exact amounts—right before you pay—and earn cashback on the spot. The gift cards are usable immediately for in-store or online orders at brands like Chipotle, Panera Bread, Chili’s, and more.
Unlike traditional coupon extensions, Fluz guarantees cashback without needing to find a working promo code. And when rates are boosted, the returns can beat typical discounts.
How to combine these tools effectively
- Use Honey or Capital One Shopping for coupon detection when ordering online.
- Activate Rakuten for added cashback on partner platforms.
- Use Ibotta or Fluz to pay with discounted or cashback-earning gift cards.
- Apply restaurant loyalty points on top of all these savings for maximum benefit.
Takeaway
If you want to save on every restaurant order without memorizing promo codes or waiting for paper coupons, let the apps do the work. With extensions like Honey and Rakuten and platforms like Ibotta and Fluz, you can get rewards with a restaurant gift card while stacking cashback and discounts behind the scenes. Set them up once—and save every time.
