Pasta, 18.00 a dish?

Question

My friend and his wife asked my wife and I to meet them at a Italian cafe for dinner. After checking out the menu - 18.00 for pasta with marinara sauce, I remarked that was pretty high for pasta with just a basic sauce, my friend retorted that you have to pay for ambiance and good service. Was I too frugal, or is my friend right?

Answer 1

No, you were right, you can go to another restaurant and get ambiance, and amazing service take House of Kobe for example, a great Japanese restaurant where they cook the food right in front of you, or if you prefer you can have sushi.  If the price is really bothering you, suggest that you all get together to have a great dinner at home, where you all cook together, and maybe play a game as well.  Times are too hard right now to pay 18 dollars for nothing.  I mean that would have to be some pretty d**n good marinara sauce, otherwise, I think you are setting yourself up for disappointment.  Remember this, people charge what people will pay.  If you willingness to pay is below 18 for pasta, then I would suggest that you tell your friend that you know of another restaurant that has amazing Italian food and is much more economical.

Answer 2

If you notice on olive gardens menu all the prices for pasta are about that high also.They run around 15 or more...seafood alfredo,tour of italy etc.

I dont consider olive garden a high end restaurant.

but yet their prices have gotten that way.