We go out to get away from the things that distract us at home, to feel pampered, and to eat food that is different than what we make at home.
We've never gone out a lot, but with SFIrish having more things at night and both of us really, really busy, we've been going out a little more than we used to. Thinking about that, it's actually the inverse of what we should be doing--going out generally takes longer than staying in, but it feels like less effort, which is what is in short supply (remaining effort, that is). When it's the two of us, we go to nice restaurants. Feels special.
When we're with the kids, we go to nicer burger and pizza places as much as anything, because they consistently deliver things the kids like. Seems silly, but one of ours isn't very adventurous, the other is a pescaterian. A month or so ago we went to one of our favorite places in Sonoma (wine country) and the youngest--the not adventurous one--really disliked it because he couldn't get the same bland things he normally loves. Even the plain-ish pasta wasn't to his liking. Pretty silly to spring for a great dinner and not to get true enjoyment from it. On top of that, the food SFIrish and I ordered wasn't especially good (meaning, it wasn't way above average, just a little)--a departure from our prior visits there. Such is life.
I like all kinds of food, but SFIrish likes continental food, so we don't often go for Asian, Mexican, or South American varieties, but sometimes. We have a great Indian place in town--our only immediately local Michelin starred restaurant. SFIrish likes that place.