Holidays

33 Top-Rated Restaurant Gift Card Ideas for Foodies in 2024

Last Updated on Jul 4th 2024
restaurant gift cards
Our editorial team recommends the best products through independent research, selection and careful review. If you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may earn a commission. Prices are subject to change.

Restaurant gift cards are ideal for true food enthusiasts who live and breathe culinary experiences. From opulent brunches to fine dining extravagance, restaurant gift cards allow foodies to explore new scrumptious avenues without burning a hole in their pockets.

If you're unsure which specific restaurant your friends or family want to visit, you get one of the multi restaurant gift cards which allows them a platter of options to choose from. When you know your loved one is a foodie, but also know that they're really picky, this is the best option. Giving them a restaurant gift card is like handing them a passport for their own culinary adventure.

But which restaurants truly stand out when it comes to gift cards? How do you decide where to buy a restaurant gift card? We've curated a list of the 33 best restaurants that guarantee nothing short of a remarkable culinary experience.

Jump to Section 

Best Multi Restaurant Gift Cards to Give This Year

1. Classpop! Gift Card

If your foodie friend prefers experiences over sit-down dining, you can diverge from the usual and get them an experience gift card. The benefit of experiences over restaurant gift cards is that they allow the receiver to go beyond the dining establishment and learn a new skill in the kitchen. They can learn from actual chefs in the comfort of their own home, socialize with other enthusiasts in a class, or take an online lesson.

A Classpop! gift card is perfect for those who love exploring new tastes and taking gourmet adventures. Whether it's embarking on a delightful food tour in their city or booking entertaining cooking classes with skilled chefs at local restaurants, there are plenty of unique options to choose from. It might not be a restaurant gift card, but the experience itself is sure to keep their tummies satisfied.

Classpop! restaurant gift card for cooking classes
Get them a culinary lesson as a restaurant gift card alternative (via Classpop!)

2. DoorDash Gift Card

Multi-restaurant gift cards provide an ideal solution that offers your loved ones a diverse array of dining options. With more than 550,000 restaurants across 4,000 cities in the United States, and even Canada and Australia. DoorDash boasts a network that ensures an extensive selection for your family or friends.

With a DoorDash Gift Card, they can savor their preferred meals from the comfort of their home. 

3. Uber Eats Gift Card

Unsure which is the best restaurant e-gift card? If you’re in between choices, save money and energy with an Uber Eats Gift Card. Uber Eats operates in 11,000+ cities across 6 continents with over 1 million merchant partners. It's safe to say that it has something for just about everyone. It's also a great restaurant gift card for friends or family living overseas, especially if you have kids who are studying abroad. 

Whether it's a delicious and cozy breakfast or a sophisticated dinner, Uber Eats empowers your family or friends to select the options that truly satisfy their cravings.

4. Multi Restaurant Gift Cards

If you’re not convinced of delivery services but still want to give a food-related gift, multi-restaurant gift cards are the perfect solution.

This option is really diverse and is ideal for employee gift cards or a fun option for a friend's birthday. Walmart’s Multi-Restaurant Gift Cards offer a catalog of tasty options for them to choose from and come in $25 to $50 bundles. Get them two or three if you want to extend the love.

Best Restaurant Gift Cards for Breakfast & Brunch

5. Peet’s Coffee Gift Card

With a distinguished commitment to premium beans and meticulous roasting techniques, Peet's Coffee stands as a beacon for those seeking a distinct and flavorful coffee experience.

Beyond the exceptional brews, a Peet's Coffee Gift Card becomes the perfect companion for coffee enthusiasts who relish the idea of pairing their exquisite coffee with equally delightful desserts. Peet's also partners with Enveritas, to ensure that conditions on the coffee farms in Central America, South America and the Indo-Pacific are ethical and the coffee beans are ethically sourced. So, this is a coffee gift card with a heart.

hand holding cup of Peet's Coffee
Get your morning boost with a Peet's Coffee Gift Card (via Peet's Coffee)

6. Starbucks Gift Card

Being one of the top 10 most well-known restaurant chains in the U.S., Starbucks is the go-to coffee spot for most people. If you’re looking for restaurant gift cards online, the Starbucks Gift Card should be at the top of your list.

Even for those who are not coffee lovers, they still have endless smoothie, tea or breakfast options that are simply delicious. Its mugs also make great gifts as they are of high quality and have bespoke designs for each city. It's also a fantastic restaurant gift card for digital nomads who love working amid grinding beans and whirling milk frothers.

7. Chick-fil-A Gift Card

For delicious and popular breakfast and brunch options, Chick-fil-A Gift Cards stand out as a top-tier choice. This option is among the best restaurant gift cards for breakfast as it unlocks many flavorful possibilities from its signature chicken biscuits to its delightful breakfast burritos. 

8. Jamba Juice Gift Card 

For a refreshing and healthier alternative, consider surprising your friend with a Jamba Juice Gift Card. Renowned for its vibrant smoothies, nutritious snacks, and fresh juices, this gift card is the perfect choice for someone who appreciates wholesome and delicious options. 

Beyond the nutritious fresh juices, Jamba Juice offers a variety of breakfast sandwiches, baked goods, protein shakes and smoothie bowls. Options range from high-sugar sweet treats to healthier options and customizable additions.

9. First Watch Gift Card

Wondering where to buy restaurant gift cards? You can either check directly with the restaurants or explore the range of restaurant gift cards at Walmart. The list includes a diverse selection that features breakfast and brunch destinations like First Watch.

Breakfast stand-outs include the Chickichanga, pesto chicken quinoa bowl and the Acapulco express. With fresh ingredients and delectable breakfast options, this gift card promises a delicious experience, elevating the most important meal of the day.

First Watch restaurant gift card for breakfast and brunch
A restaurant gift card that is sure to make mouths water (via First Watch)

10. Cracker Barrel Gift Card 

If you're looking for printable restaurant gift cards online, a Cracker Barrel Gift Card offers a charming experience that blends Southern hospitality with delectable comfort food.

Cracker Barrel brings a warm atmosphere with a cozy and homestyle meal. It entices with an authentic Southern taste with options like Buttermilk Pancakes, Hashbrown casserole, Stuffed Cheesecake Pancakes and Bacon n' Egg Hashbrown Casserole.

11. Applebee's Gift Card 

Perfect gifts for foodies are those that promise a diverse and satisfying culinary journey. For a reliable choice, consider an Applebee’s Gift Card, known for its extensive range of American classics that never disappoint.

From traditional breakfast favorites like pancakes and eggs to enticing brunch options featuring burgers, pasta, salads and more, Applebee's ensures a delightful experience with something for every palate. It's a great restaurant gift card for families. 

12. Waffle House Gift Card 

A perfect restaurant gift card for breakfast aficionados is one from Waffle House. Offering a steaming cup of coffee paired with a diverse array of waffles in various enticing flavors, it's an irresistible combination for families with a sweet tooth.

If you're aiming to treat someone to a delightful experience, embarking on a breakfast and brunch adventure at Waffle House is the perfect choice.

13. IHOP Gift Card 

What better way to kickstart a day than with the delectable delight of pancakes? IHOP stands out as one of the premier pancake destinations in the U.S., offering a breakfast experience that goes beyond the ordinary.

With an IHOP Gift Card, your loved one gets an invitation to indulge in traditional breakfast delights like the Original Buttermilk Pancakes, combo Breakfast Sampler or the Original French Toast.

IHOP gift card surrounded by ribbon and candy
Treat your friend to a breakfast of pancakes (via IHOP)

Best Restaurant Gift Cards for a Nice Dinner

14. Bonefish Grill Gift Card

Food gift cards can provide culinary experiences that bring food and meals to another level. Surprise someone special with a Bonefish Grill Gift Card, and explore its delectable dishes, from vibrant shrimp appetizers to the exquisite Chilean Sea Bass.

Bonefish is ideal for seafood connoisseurs, whether it's for a birthday dinner in NYC or a thoughtful gift for friends who love to throw the occasional seafood party

15. Benihana Gift Card

Surprise someone with a Benihana Gift Card if they genuinely love exploring new cuisines with a flare. Benihana offers an open invitation to the world of teppanyaki-style dining, where skilled chefs showcase their culinary artistry right at your table.

From the sizzle of hibachi grills to the mesmerizing knife skills, this restaurant gift card offers more than just a meal, it is a captivating culinary performance. Itadakimasu!

16. Outback Steakhouse Gift Card

If you have any steak-lover friends, an Outback Steakhouse Gift Card will be an ideal choice. Beyond the meaty treats, especially the bone-in ribeye, there are menu favorites like the popular bloomin’ onion to the mouthwatering grilled shrimp.

Every bite at Outback is a sizzlingly tantalizing experience. 

17. Ruth’s Chris Steak House Gift Card

If you want to surprise someone with a delicious dining experience full of meaty goodness, a Ruth’s Chris Steak House Gift Card is the perfect choice. Your loved one can savor the finest cuts of Prime Beef and other steak delicacies from the juicy NY Strip to the met-in-your-mouth Filet.

This well-known establishment is famous for its sophisticated yet inviting ambiance, which makes this one of the best restaurant gift cards for celebrations and special occasions. 

Ruth's Chris restaurant gift card for a nice dinner
Restaurant gift cards online for mouth-watering steaks (via Ruth's Chris)

18. Red Lobster Gift Card

A Red Lobster Gift Card is a stellar choice for seafood lovers. From its famous cheddar bay biscuits to the buttery lobster tails and Alaskan snow crab legs, Red Lobster is the restaurant gift card that provides exquisite culinary options that are perfect for any celebration.

19. Macaroni Grill Gift Card

Romano's Macaroni Grill offers an extensive menu of Italian comfort classics and handcrafted dishes that range from classic pasta to artisanal pizza. It serves up a Happy Hour from Monday to Friday which is a great weekday date idea if you're looking to give an anniversary present.

A Macaroni Grill Gift Card is ideal for anyone who loves pizza and pasta as it has an authentic Italian taste. They can create their own pasta, but the signature Mac & Cheese is always a winner. 

20. Landry’s Seafood Gift Card

For a seafood dining experience that captures the essence of the Gulf Coast, a Landry’s Seafood Gift Card is an excellent choice.

Landry’s Seafood is celebrated for its commitment to fresh, high-quality seafood, and a restaurant gift card from this establishment opens the door to a world of maritime delights.

Without a doubt, this is one of the best restaurant gift cards online as it showcases elevated seafood options and rich flavors. It also has "Parties To-Go" for friends who are stuck for dinner party ideas.

Best Restaurant Gift Cards for Dessert

21. Coldstone Creamery Gift Card

If you’re seeking a restaurant gift card for someone with a sweet tooth, you can’t go wrong with Cold Stone Creamery. From classic flavors to unique combinations, Coldstone Creamery offers a dessert experience that's both delicious and interactive.

They can even customize their own ice cream creation by blending premium ice cream with other mix-ins and delectable toppings.

hands cheers with waffle cone cups of ice cream
via Cold Stone Creamery

22. Sweet Frog Gift Card

Seeking to gift a sweet experience? A Sweet Frog gift card is a wonderfully refreshing choice for those who revel in creating their own delicious masterpieces.

This customizable frozen yogurt experience provides a variety of flavors and toppings, ranging from fresh fruit to chocolates and sweets. 

23. Dairy Queen Gift Card

For a classic taste of cool and creamy indulgence, a Dairy Queen restaurant gift card is a timeless treat. With its iconic soft-serve creations, it offers a delightful experience that spans generations.

A Dairy Queen gift card is an invitation to savor the joy of fan-favorite treats like Blizzards, sundaes and the classic Dilly Bar. 

24. Krispy Kreme Gift Card

A gift card from Krispy Kreme is a delicious option that offers a delightful array of sweet treats. From classic donuts to seasonal flavors and iced lattes, if you're looking for the ideal present for someone with a sweet tooth, this gift card promises a delicious experience that captures all of the company’s irresistible offerings.

25. The Cheesecake Factory Gift Card

Among the restaurant gift cards that are considered timeless favorites are The Cheesecake Factory gift cards. This place offers a wide range of savory dishes, but for those who are into dessert, The Cheesecake Factory can be considered their Disneyland.

They can choose from its wide variety of premium cheesecakes that are one of a kind or opt for other rich and flavorful desserts.

giant slice of cookie dough cheesecake on plate
via The Cheesecake Factory

26. Pinkberry Gift Card

For a refreshing and tangy frozen yogurt experience, a Pinkberry gift card is a great choice. As a leader in the frozen yogurt scene, Pinkberry offers a spectrum of flavors, from classic tart to inventive seasonal options, allowing recipients to create their own customized frozen masterpieces.

Whether it's a casual afternoon treat or a celebratory dessert, a Pinkberry gift card is the perfect invitation to savor the delightful swirls of premium frozen yogurt.

27. Dunkin' Donuts Gift Card

The irresistible blend of rich, freshly brewed coffee and delectable donuts has made Dunkin' Donuts a beloved favorite. Gift the convenience and joy of these restaurant gift cards online, to surprise someone with a delightful treat.

This versatile gift card allows recipients to customize their breakfast or coffee order according to their personal liking, ensuring a tailored and enjoyable experience.

Best Restaurant Gift Cards for High-End Dining

28. Giftly Gift Card

Giftly is the ideal solution for all your fine-dining restaurant gift card ideas. It allows you to search for high-end eateries by city, select the restaurant and then get a gift card from $25 to $1,000. It also allows you to customize the card from a selection of colors and patterns. 

What’s great about these multi-restaurant gift cards is that you can write a personalized letter, you can also browse Yelp reviews. And if you’re not sure which restaurant to choose from, you can just select the city or even “Any place” so that the receiver can choose their favorite option. There is a small processing fee depending on the amount you select and the Mail Delivery option. 

29. OpenTable Gift Card

Another great option if you’re looking for a high-end restaurant gift card is OpenTable. This site allows you to filter by Price, Neighborhood, and Cuisine so that you can narrow down the greatest option for your pickiest friend. 

This site works in conjunction with other great restaurant gift card sites, acting as a search hub more than an actual gift card repository. So, you will conduct your search on OpenTable and then be redirected to the partner site after selecting “Buy gift card.” 

30. Landry’s Gift Card

For a site that provides just about every present you can imagine, Landry’s is the go-to for all your luxury gift cards for restaurants. As it states, it is “one gift card, a world of possibilities” and this couldn’t be further from the truth. 

This card provides so many options from the world’s most renowned brands, so you won’t need to stress about selecting the correct restaurant. Your friend or loved one can choose any dining experience they please, or maybe something more. 

31. Altamarea Group Gift Card

If you have a jet setter friend who loves living the high-life, then a restaurant gift card from the Altamarea Group should be your first pick. This is one of the multi-restaurant gift cards where the receiver can choose from more than 20 luxury gourmet experiences all over the world. 

Make them feel extra special with the VIP gift card if you think they’ll frequent the establishments. Then they can build up credit and also get rewards and benefits.

32. InKind Gift Card

With over 1,600 restaurants, including bars, cafes, bakeries, wineries and even nightlife venues, the InKind Gift Card is another fabulous multi-restaurant gift card. The receiver can sort by city or venue and pick the flavors that suit them best.

You can write a custom message, select the gift amount and then either send an instant email or a print-friendly version for an extra personal touch. The amount paid never expires, so it’s a good option for those who find it difficult to make a quick decision. 

33. Costco Gift Card

You might not think that mega-brand Costco would be on a list of the best high-end restaurant gift cards. It isn’t really a brand associated with luxury. Yet there are multiple options on the Costco Restaurant Gift Card for high-end establishments all over the U.S. 

Take a look at the options, you might be surprised, as will the recipient of this surprisingly great restaurant gift card.

Restaurant gift cards are a top choice for those who want to have a nice gesture with someone they appreciate but are not sure where to start.

Ranging from beloved coffee shops to upscale dining experiences, food gift cards provide a diverse array of options to cater to a myriad of preferences. This versatile gesture ensures that you're offering not just a gift, but a personalized experience tailored to the recipient's taste and style.

For even more fun gift ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!