For families who love exploring new restaurants, treating themselves to special meals, or even indulging in spontaneous dinners after a busy week, one reality often hits hard: dining out can be expensive. From entrées to desserts, from cocktails to kids’ meals, costs add up quickly—especially when you’re dining as a family.
But what if there were a smarter way to enjoy dining out while saving money at some of your favorite restaurants? Enter the InKind App, a dining rewards platform that makes eating out more affordable without sacrificing quality. Unlike traditional rewards apps that give you generic points or occasional discounts, InKind offers exclusive credits, perks, and real savings at restaurants you actually want to visit.
In this post, we’ll dive deep into:
- What the InKind App is and how it works
- Why it’s different from traditional dining discounts
- How our family used InKind to save at restaurants we already love
- Where we’ve personally used InKind (with examples)
- Tips for maximizing your experience
- Connections to other family dining adventures like Nelson’s at Terranea, Catalina Kitchen, and our Westwood Farmers Market adventures
By the end, you’ll see why InKind is one of the smartest dining tools for families, couples, and food lovers alike.
What is the InKind App?
The InKind App is a platform designed to make dining out more rewarding. Unlike coupon sites or flash-sale platforms that often limit your choices, InKind partners directly with restaurants to provide dining credits that stretch your dollars further.
Here’s how it works:
- You purchase dining credit through the app.
- InKind often gives you bonus credit (for example, spend $100 and get $120 to use).
- You redeem your credit directly at partner restaurants.
- The process is seamless—no awkward coupon codes or paper vouchers.
This model works because InKind creates a win-win: restaurants secure your business upfront, and you get more value out of every meal.
According to Forbes, consumer dining apps that provide tangible, upfront savings have much higher loyalty rates compared to those that offer generic rewards. InKind stands out as a leader in this space by focusing on real, usable benefits.
Why InKind is Different from Coupons or Points Programs
One of the frustrations families often share about dining out discounts is that they feel limiting. Coupons may only apply to certain menu items, points programs often take months to accumulate, and blackout dates can make savings impractical.
InKind changes the game by being:
- Flexible: Credits can be applied toward almost anything on the menu, from appetizers to cocktails.
- Exclusive: Many of the restaurants featured are high-quality establishments you’d choose anyway—not fast-food chains.
- Seamless: There’s no need to pull out a coupon or explain a discount to your server. The app handles everything behind the scenes.
- Generous: The bonus credits add up, making every dining dollar stretch further.
This is especially appealing for families dining at upscale destinations.
Our Family’s Experience with InKind
We first downloaded InKind out of curiosity, but quickly realized its value after using it during a weekend out. On one occasion, we dined at a partner restaurant in Los Angeles that we had already planned to visit. By purchasing credit through the app beforehand, we instantly had 20% more value to spend.
Instead of worrying about the check, we leaned into the experience. We ordered appetizers for the table, let the kids pick dessert without hesitation, and even tried an extra cocktail. The difference wasn’t just in the bill—it was in the freedom to enjoy.
This reminded me of a principle I’ve seen in dining research. The Journal of Consumer Psychology notes that when families feel they’ve received value or savings, their overall satisfaction with the experience increases—even if the food and service remain the same. InKind taps into that psychology beautifully.
Where We’ve Used the InKind App: Real Restaurant Experiences
One of the best ways to show the power of InKind is by sharing where we’ve personally used it. The app isn’t limited to a handful of chain spots—it partners with restaurants we already love and have reviewed here on Culinary Passages. Using InKind at these places has stretched our dining dollars further while letting us enjoy meals without hesitation.
Here are a few of our favorite InKind-supported restaurants:
- Telefèric Barcelona – Known for its authentic tapas and vibrant Spanish atmosphere, Telefèric has been one of our go-to places for family nights out. InKind made it easier to order a spread of small plates and paella without stressing over the bill.
- Kazan Beverly Hills – Dining here feels like stepping into Japan, with elevated ramen and unique small plates. InKind let us splurge on extra appetizers and drinks, turning dinner into a more immersive experience.
- Katsuya Brentwood – Sleek sushi dining in Los Angeles can add up quickly, but with InKind credits we enjoyed rolls, sashimi, and even dessert without holding back.
- Pizzana Brentwood – Pizzana is one of our family’s favorite Italian restaurants, with its perfect balance of kid-friendly pizzas and chef-driven pastas. InKind helped make family pizza nights here feel indulgent without breaking the bank.
- Bacari West Hollywood and Bacari Culver City – Bacari’s shareable plates and cozy atmosphere make it a standout for date nights and family meals alike. Using InKind meant we could sample more dishes from the small plates menu, try an extra round of sangria, and still feel like we were saving. Read more about our personal experience at Bacari Sherman Oaks.
Each of these experiences reinforced the value of InKind: it doesn’t change the restaurants we visit—it simply makes those visits more rewarding. Instead of cutting back, we were able to lean into the experience, try more, and enjoy every moment.
Menu Flexibility: Why It Works for Families
Unlike many discount apps that restrict choices, InKind allows you to spend credits across the entire menu. That’s a huge plus for families.
- Kids can stick to familiar favorites like burgers or chicken fingers.
- Parents can explore adventurous dishes like curry or seafood.
- Sharing plates becomes easier since you’re not bound by rules on what’s included.
When we used InKind at a family dinner, our kids ordered their usual comfort food, while we indulged in chef specials. Everyone felt satisfied, and there was no stress about “what counts” toward the discount.
Authority Backing: Why Dining Discounts Matter
Research supports the idea that tools like InKind improve family dining satisfaction.
- The National Restaurant Association reports that 64% of families are more likely to dine out if they know they’re getting added value.
- A study in the Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services found that perceived savings positively influence both repeat visits and customer loyalty.
- According to Harvard Business Review, prepaid dining credits increase customer engagement by reducing “payment friction”—families focus on enjoying the meal instead of calculating costs.
InKind’s structure embodies these principles, making it one of the most trusted and effective dining apps available today.
Tips for Maximizing Your InKind Experience
After using the app multiple times, here are some strategies that work well for families and food lovers:
- Plan Ahead for Bigger Meals
Buy credit before planned celebrations (like birthdays or anniversaries). The bonus dollars stretch further on higher bills. - Use It at Restaurants You Already Love
Don’t chase value for value’s sake—use InKind where you’d dine anyway. This ensures your savings feel seamless. - Combine with Other Experiences
Pair an InKind meal with a day trip. For example, use it while exploring Palos Verdes, then head to Terranea Resort’s bluff trails for a post-dinner walk. - Gift It
InKind credits make excellent gifts for food-loving friends or family. They feel upscale and thoughtful, especially compared to generic gift cards. - Stack Experiences
Save at dinner with InKind, then splurge guilt-free the next morning at a bakery or farmers market.
Beyond Savings: Encouraging Family Connection
One of the unexpected benefits of InKind is that it encourages families to enjoy dining experiences more fully. Because the financial pressure feels reduced, meals become about connection rather than cost.
Our family noticed that we lingered longer over dessert, let the kids share their “favorites of the night,” and even tried new menu items together. The meal became less about the check and more about creating memories.
This reflects findings from the Journal of Family Psychology, which has shown that positive dining experiences contribute to stronger family bonds. By making those experiences more accessible, InKind plays a role in family well-being—not just budgets.
Final Thoughts: Why InKind is Worth Downloading
Dining out is about more than food—it’s about experiences, connections, and memories. But it’s also about budgets, especially for families. The InKind App bridges that gap by offering real, tangible savings without the restrictions of coupons or the delays of points programs.
For our family, InKind has become a quiet game-changer. It hasn’t altered where we eat—it’s simply made those meals feel more rewarding. Whether it’s a casual dinner in Los Angeles, a special occasion at Terranea, or a weekend food adventure, InKind ensures that we get more out of every experience.
If you love dining out but want to do it smarter, InKind is worth the download. It’s an exclusive way to save while eating well—and one that helps make every family meal a little more indulgent and a lot more memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions About the InKind App
How does the InKind App work?
The InKind App allows diners to purchase dining credit that can be redeemed at partner restaurants. When you buy credit, InKind often gives bonus dollars—for example, spend $100 and get $120. You then pay your restaurant bill directly through the app, making the experience seamless and more affordable.
Is the InKind App worth it for families?
Yes. Families benefit most from InKind because the app provides flexible credits that can be applied across the entire menu, from kids’ meals to cocktails. Instead of limiting choices, InKind lets parents and kids enjoy their preferred dishes without restrictions. This makes dining out easier, more affordable, and more enjoyable.
Which Los Angeles restaurants accept InKind?
Several Los Angeles favorites accept InKind, including Telefèric Barcelona, Kazan Beverly Hills, Katsuya Brentwood, Pizzana Brentwood, and Bacari (West Hollywood and Culver City). Families can use credits at these restaurants to enjoy everything from tapas to sushi, ramen, pizza, and Mediterranean-style small plates.
Can I use InKind at Terranea Resort?
While InKind is not currently partnered with Terranea Resort, it can be used at other upscale restaurants across Los Angeles. For family dining at Terranea, we recommend Nelson’s, Catalina Kitchen, and Sea Beans Café—all reviewed here on CulinaryPassages.
What makes InKind different from coupons or dining points apps?
Unlike coupons or points programs, InKind offers upfront value and flexibility. Credits apply to almost any menu item, there are no blackout dates, and the process is seamless at checkout. Research from Forbes and the National Restaurant Association shows that prepaid dining credits like InKind increase loyalty and guest satisfaction because they feel like real savings.
Can InKind credits be gifted?
Yes. InKind credits make excellent gifts for food-loving friends or family members. They’re flexible, upscale, and can be used at a wide range of partner restaurants, making them more thoughtful and versatile than generic restaurant gift cards.
Read More from CulinaryPassages
- Nelson’s at Terranea Resort
- Catalina Kitchen Revealed: Indulgent Coastal Dining
- The Poolside Snacks We’ll Never Forget at Terranea
- Westwood Farmers Market: A Family Favorite
- A Great Sweet Stop at Sea Beans
- Telefèric Restaurant Review
- Kazan Beverly Hills
- Katsuya Brentwood
- Pizzana Brentwood
- Bacari Sherman Oaks
About the Author (Ginger Graham):
The author behind Culinary Passages is a Los Angeles–based food and lifestyle writer who loves helping readers discover smarter, more enjoyable ways to dine out. With a passion for exploring restaurants, hidden gems, and innovative dining tools, this writer blends firsthand experience with practical insight to make eating well both accessible and rewarding.
After personally using the InKind App, the author was impressed by how easy it made saving money while enjoying some of their favorite restaurants — all without compromising quality or experience. For this writer, dining out isn’t just about food; it’s about connection, discovery, and making the most of every moment (and every dollar).
Through Culinary Passages, the author continues to share real-world tips, reviews, and experiences that help readers explore the best of Southern California’s culinary scene — smarter, happier, and with a full heart (and plate).
