With inflation a $20 plate of pasta today would be $36 according to the federal reserve inflation calculator. I suppose in NYC it is that high now.

Took a look at the Olive Garden menu of Classic Entrees. Near me in SoCal all dishes are $15 to $25. Expect to pay around $22.

At the Times Square location, it is $18 to $30. Expect to pay around $26.

Today's $20 dish woulda been $11.11 back in 2001.

But if that $20 was for a typical dish in 2021 and today a typical dish is $25 then the increase would be less than the inflation rate (25% increase vs 80%). That is possible with more efficient food production, distribution, and preparation along with increased volume providing economy of scale. Not that i know what am talking about.

And that quality pasta going from $2 to $3 is only 50% increase, so better price today. Maybe Fedup (OP) had a point.

Prices at even average restaurants feel way out of proportion lately. I get that costs have gone up across the board, but $100 for two at a casual place still stings. Honestly, sometimes I opt for something simpler, like a classic burger combo from Wendy’s It’s not fancy, but at least the price feels more grounded in reality these days.