Have you noticed that going to a restaurant has been a lot more expensive lately? No, it’s not just you. The appetizers cost as much as a main dish used to, and you may do a double-take at the price of a burger or a steak salad.

In a recent episode of his podcast Longer Tables with José Andrés, chef José Andrés addressed a fan question about why restaurant prices are seemingly skyrocketing. Don’t worry: the restaurant owner has noticed this trend, too.

“Obviously, there are restaurants that forever will be very expensive because they are the most creative restaurants, the most sophisticated restaurants. It takes a lot of people and expensive ingredients,” Andrés says. “But then, the vast majority of the restaurants in America, from diners to sandwich shops to barbecue places to taco places to hot dog places, [it] seems that everything over the years just keeps increasing and increasing, especially after the pandemic.”

The chef goes on to explain the “why”: Why are restaurant prices so high right now, and will they adjust for the better? He notes that it’s due to “many, many, many, many, many” reasons. Here’s what he had to say.

While inflation may be top of mind, Andrés says that prices are increasing due to fair pay for restaurant workers.

“Labor is high, but labor is high because you have to pay the people well,” the chef explains. “People need to be paid well so they can afford a home that is not two hours away from the restaurant, then they have to spend the money on gas or the time on the train … and so you see why restaurant prices are expensive, because one thing starts being expensive, and everything trickles down and makes the final price that the restaurant gives you.”

Because the cost of living is higher, worker salaries are being increased. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, hospitality workers received an average wage boost of up to 10% in each state over the past year. And in order to afford paying restaurant staff a fair wage, menu items are getting an uptick. 

So what should we do as consumers? While it’s great to support local restaurants, limiting eating out on occasion and shopping smarter will help you save money—and even Andrés agrees with this sentiment.

“I want you to come to my restaurants every single day, but I do believe it’s also important that everybody knows how to shop well and how to cook well,” he admits.

It’s impossible to predict if prices will rise or fall, but know this: a big reason why restaurant prices are high is because their workers are likely starting to receive better pay. 

“Food should be affordable,” Andrés says. “Let’s hope that [when] the prices are under control, that we can start bringing them down so the prices are in sync with what the salaries of the people are, so more Americans can keep going out to enjoy [a great meal with their families] in a restaurant. Let’s hope this happens soon.”

At EatingWell, we often share some great tricks to making restaurant-quality food at home, from blanching your fries to dressing your sandwich lettuce. These tips will have you enjoying your favorite takeout meals at a lower cost.