When you purchase your household items from Ikea during that same visit, they will deduct your restaurant receipt from that total. If you spent $30 in the restaurant, and have $100 worth of home items, you would only pay $70 for them ($100-$30 restaurant receipt).
They do not appear to limit how many people can eat with you, which is what makes it an especially good deal if you have a big family. Here is the fine print on this weekend’s Ikea restaurant special:
Home furnishing purchase amount must be $100 before tax. Restaurant food purchase must be consumed on the premises. Limit one restaurant receipt per store discount. Home furnishing purchase must be made the same day as the restaurant purchase. Offer not valid for Bistro or Swedish food Market purchase. Not valid on IKEA Gift Card purchase. Offer not valid at IKEA Home Shopping. See your local store for details.
A flyer also arrived in the mail today advertising a free Ikea meatball plate or vegetarian crepe for students between July 18-31, 2011 when you show your ID or acceptance letter. Not sure if this free student meal is national or just at the local Ikea Portland store. If you’re a student, it’s worth calling your local store to check. Ikea previously offered free meals for students June 19-July 2, 2011.