GST on Food in Restaurants: A Quick Guide

Wondering how GST affects your restaurant bill in India? The Goods and Services Tax (GST) on food in restaurants depends on factors like the type of establishment and services offered. For most standalone restaurants—AC or non-AC—you’ll pay a 5% GST on your meal, but they can’t claim Input Tax Credit (ITC). If you’re dining at a restaurant in a hotel with a room tariff above ₹7,500, the GST jumps to 18%, and ITC is allowed. Takeaways and deliveries? They’re taxed at 5% too, keeping it simple. Before GST, bills were a maze of VAT and service tax—now it’s streamlined, though service charges might still pop up separately. Curious about how this impacts your favorite dining spot or the exact rates for different scenarios? The full breakdown, with examples and expert insights, is waiting for you at the blog for the complete scoop!