I do think things have changed since COVID. We've been for a few disappointing meals where they've obviously been short staffed of either waiting staff or in the kitchen. Food a bit meh.
If you live in a city like me there are two types of eating out, though, aren't there? Well, 3 if you count fast food. There's the cheaper "let's just have our tea out instead of cooking" type of place, often more suited to taking the kids to. Food is basic, not terribly exciting, and something you could easily cook yourself at home. Since COVID the increasing prices of those type of places often don't justify the reason for the visit - ie the "well at least we didn't have to cook it and clean up after it" type of feeling. For the occasions when you really don't want to cook I prefer a delivery/takeaway now. Don't want the faff of having to look fairly presentable, the expense of parking or transport, or not being able to have a drink if you drive, the markup on alcohol, additional cost of tips etc. It saves a bit of time too, if you just have to wait in for your delivery person - you can be getting on with other stuff.
And then there's the fancier, more expensive places which are "let's have a lovely meal out as a treat/for our anniversary". The dishes are more elaborate, and need someone skilled to cook them, the ambience and decor feel like a treat, service is usually great.
To be honest, these days, I'd much rather not bother with the first type of eating out. Am happier to go out less but to fancier places. But I'm not must into big group meals out anymore so maybe that's why.
I think if you live in a rural village then you usually don't have much choice of eating out really. It's often just pub grub, isn't it? Similar stuff on the menus everywhere. I guess it can get a bit samey and not very exciting. They often find it difficult to recruit stafff if it's somewhere seasonal in a tourist area. And if it IS in a tourist area then often getting a table can be a pain in the arse.