I hate going out to eat. It is NEVER as good as what my wife serves up on just any old regular day... never mind what I get on special events.
I still take my wife out about once a week, because she enjoys a change of pace. I generally order a hamburger steak, because it's pretty hard for anyone to screw that up. My wife can cook a New York strip that is far better than what a restaurant could ever serve up, unless it's some place like Ruth's Chris... but that is a once a year trip on our anniversary. And we buy the discounted gift certificates at Costco before going. LOL
I have had some superb meals ‘out’, but my Scottish DNA prevents me from touching my wallet.
Also had some where most of the price must have been used for overhead and presentation.
One of the best was a Polish wedding at the local firehouse;not certain what it was, but an outstanding meal!