From the AI playbook for restaurants and pubs

New to AI? You don't need to learn anything first. Follow the steps below: open the tool, paste the prompt, fill in the [brackets], then check the result before you use or send it. See also how to use AI at work, for beginners.

Job 1 of 20Google SheetsChatGPT

Cost a dish and set a price that protects your margin

Many menus are priced by gut feel. A quick costing shows which dishes make money and which quietly lose it.

Time: 15 minutes per dishTool cost: you can start with a free AI tool

Google Sheets plus a free AI chat tool for the formulas

Steps

List each ingredient, the amount per portion and your latest supplier price per unit.
Paste with the prompt below.
Check the maths with a calculator for one dish to be sure.
Repeat for your top sellers and review the menu prices.

The exact prompt

Copy, paste, then fill in the [brackets]

Cost this dish for a [UK] restaurant.
Ingredients (amount per portion, supplier pack size and pack price): [list].
Target gross profit margin: [e.g. 70%]. VAT: menu prices include 20% VAT.
Show: cost per ingredient, total plate cost, suggested menu price inc VAT to hit the target margin, and the margin at my current price [£].
Then give me Google Sheets formulas so I can reuse this for other dishes.

✓ Check before you send

Supplier prices are current.
Portion sizes match what the kitchen actually serves.
VAT is handled correctly.

UK notes extra

VAT rules for food served in restaurants and takeaways: HMRC: catering and takeaway food VAT.

Last reviewed Oct 2026. Free tools change. If a screen looks different, the steps still apply.Back to top ↑

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See all 20 jobs in the restaurants and pubs playbook →

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