The cost of a meal in Qingdao can vary widely depending on the type of restaurant and the dishes ordered. Here is a general overview:

Budget-friendly options:

Street food and snack stalls: You can enjoy various local snacks such as grilled squid, fried dough twists, and stinky tofu for relatively low prices. On average, you might spend around 10-30 yuan per person. For example, a bowl of delicious seafood noodles in a small street stall may cost about 15-20 yuan2.

Economical restaurants and fast food joints: These places offer a variety of set meals and simple dishes. The per capita consumption is usually around 30-50 yuan. For instance, a meal of rice with a few stir-fried dishes in a local fast food restaurant might cost around 40 yuan per person. Some well-known economical restaurants include Wanhechun Ribs Casserole Rice Restaurant, with an average per capita consumption of 29 yuan, and Qianhaiyan Lao Qingdao Home-cooked Dishes, where the per capita is 40 yuan.

Mid-range restaurants:

Typical local cuisine restaurants: These are good choices for experiencing Qingdao's local flavors. The average cost per person is around 80-150 yuan. You can taste a variety of seafood and local specialties here. For example, at Boluoyouzi Qingdao Local Cuisine Restaurant, the per capita consumption is 91 yuan, and at Haidao Yucun Seafood Restaurant, it is 100 yuan.

Chain restaurants and some moderately priced seafood restaurants: The per capita here is also in the range of 80-150 yuan. They provide a certain level of service and a relatively wide selection of dishes. Chuangeyu Dumpling Restaurant is a bit higher among them, with a per capita of 107 yuan.

High-end restaurants and luxury dining:

Fine dining Western restaurants and high-end seafood restaurants: These restaurants often offer high-quality ingredients, exquisite cooking techniques, and excellent service. The per capita consumption can range from 200 to 500 yuan or even higher. For example, UNIQUE French Restaurant has a per capita consumption of 799 yuan.

Top-level luxury restaurants and hotel restaurants: Such as Qingdao St. Regis Hotel The Carvery Steakhouse with a per capita of 1041 yuan and Yuchen Omakase with a per capita of 1989 yuan. These places usually provide top-notch food, service, and dining environments, often suitable for special occasions and high-end banquets.