LifestyleFood & DrinkGordon RamsayGordon Ramsay and experts share which restaurant dishes to avoid – and the sneaky psychological tricks used to make you spend more when you're eating out08:47, 06 Jun 2026When you notice a "dish of the day" at a restaurant, it's often hard to resist trying it. These menu items are marketed as exclusive and described in such an appealing way that we're naturally tempted by them.‌However, a marketing and psychology expert has revealed why this might be a mistake. Despite how they appear, these offers might not be quite as brilliant as they look on paper.‌On TikTok, marketing expert Basia suggests these "specials" are seldom special whatsoever. In truth, they're typically creations designed to shift ingredients that require using up.‌Consider, for example, excess steak approaching its use-by date. Chefs skillfully incorporate this high-end ingredient into a fresh dish to prevent waste – and it also helps to make them more profitable, too.In her revealing clip, Basia remarked: "The daily special written in chalk? It's been 'today's special' for three weeks. But your brain sees handwriting and thinks: limited, fresh, rare."‌Even Michelin-starred chef Gordon Ramsay backs this perspective, urging diners to avoid soup specials. He indicates they're often just leftovers dished out time and again.Speaking to Town and Country, he advised: "Ask what yesterday's soup du jour was before today's special. It may be the case that it's the soup du month."You may think you're dodging this marketing trick by ordering a special like 'catch of the day', which can sound like it's just been hauled out of the water.Article continues belowBut in actual fact, this could be seafood that is past its prime and needs shifting pronto. Even more so if you're ordering the dish on a Monday.The late chef Anthony Bourdain warned Kitchen Confidential readers against ordering fish on the first day of the week. A fish special may have been sitting in the kitchen since Friday, remaining unsold.As many fish markets tend to close on weekends, dishes served on Mondays might not be as fresh as they appear. It's not always the case, but it's definitely worth keeping in mind next time you're eating out.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Gordon RamsayFood