Dining out is one of life’s biggest joys but, sometimes, certain dishes just aren't worth the price tag. While there are plenty of reputable restaurants that don't cut corners, some will leave you short-changed. From the ingredients that are less likely to be fresh to meals that could land you with a stomach bug, these are the dishes you should never order at a restaurant – some may seriously surprise you.

Click or scroll through our gallery as we rank the foods you should avoid when eating out, counting down to the worst offender of all.

We've based our ranking on the quality of ingredients and food risks involved, and on the opinions of our well-travelled (and well-fed) team. The list is unavoidably subjective.

Foods you should never order at a restaurant, from oysters to burgers