Dining trends to
watch in 2025
We surveyed Americans and dug into OpenTable data to round up the biggest trends that dominated this year’s dining scene. Use this data to plan for a successful 2025.
Dining trends to
watch in 2025
We surveyed Americans and dug into OpenTable data to round up the biggest trends that dominated this year’s dining scene. Use this data to plan for a successful 2025.
Interest in experiential dining continues to rise
People are craving unique, curated experiences, such as tasting menus, cooking classes, and more.
Capture diners’ growing interest in experiential dining with offerings like tasting menus, mixology workshops, and ticketed wine dinners. Tailor your experiences to seasonal themes or local flavors to make them even more attractive and help build repeat traffic.
Interest in experiential dining continues to rise
People are craving unique, curated experiences, such as tasting menus, cooking classes, and more.
Capture diners’ growing interest in experiential dining with offerings like tasting menus, mixology workshops, and ticketed wine dinners. Tailor your experiences to seasonal themes or local flavors to make them even more attractive and help build repeat traffic.
Wednesday is the new day to dine out
Mid-week dining is on the rise, with Wednesday emerging as the top trending dining day, perhaps due to hybrid or remote working schedules.
Make the most of mid-week traffic with a Wednesday night feature, like live music or cocktail specials, to draw in guests. With flexible work schedules likely driving this trend, focus on targeting locals with social media, and offer loyalty perks to keep your mid-week bookings steady.
Wednesday is the new day to dine out
Mid-week dining is on the rise, with Wednesday emerging as the top trending dining day, perhaps due to hybrid or remote working schedules.
Make the most of mid-week traffic with a Wednesday night feature, like live music or cocktail specials, to draw in guests. With flexible work schedules likely driving this trend, focus on targeting locals with social media, and offer loyalty perks to keep your mid-week bookings steady.
More diners are embracing
meals for one
Solo dining is becoming increasingly popular, especially among Gen Z and Millennials, who are embracing the freedom of dining on their own.
Make solo diners feel welcome by offering cozy bar seating, personal touches like curated reading material, or single-serve menu options. Going the extra mile for solo guests could turn them into loyal patrons.
More diners are embracing
meals for one
Solo dining is becoming increasingly popular, especially among Gen Z and Millennials, who are embracing the freedom of dining on their own.
Make solo diners feel welcome by offering cozy bar seating, personal touches like curated reading material, or single-serve menu options. Going the extra mile for solo guests could turn them into loyal patrons.
People are itching to dine out in groups
With an increase in people reserving tables for 6+ guests, this trend presents a great opportunity for restaurants to increase their customer base and sales.
Maximize this trend with group-friendly options like family-style feasts and flexible table setups. Spread the word so diners know your spot is ideal for gathering. Don’t forget to train staff on efficient service for large parties, like managing order timing and splitting checks.
People are itching to dine out in groups
With an increase in people reserving tables for 6+ guests, this trend presents a great opportunity for restaurants to increase their customer base and sales.
Maximize this trend with group-friendly options like family-style feasts and flexible table setups. Spread the word so diners know your spot is ideal for gathering. Don’t forget to train staff on efficient service for large parties, like managing order timing and splitting checks.
People want healthier dining options
In 2025, Americans are embracing balance when it comes to their meals and drink choices—it’s all about vibrant, veggie-packed dishes and thoughtfully crafted mocktails.
Highlight healthier menu offerings with descriptive language to showcase their appeal—words like “fresh” and “balanced” may resonate with diners. In addition, create mocktails with unique flavor combinations or consider zero-proof pairings to give guests an elevated experience. Position these options as thoughtfully crafted choices rather than compromises.
People want healthier dining options
In 2025, Americans are embracing balance when it comes to their meals and drink choices—it’s all about vibrant, veggie-packed dishes and thoughtfully crafted mocktails.
Highlight healthier menu offerings with descriptive language to showcase their appeal—words like “fresh” and “balanced” may resonate with diners. In addition, create mocktails with unique flavor combinations or consider zero-proof pairings to give guests an elevated experience. Position these options as thoughtfully crafted choices rather than compromises..
Optimism for dining out in 2025
Enthusiasm about dining out more, driven by younger generations eager to embrace dining experiences, signals a great year ahead for restaurants.
Tap into the excitement by planning creative offerings, like themed dinner parties and interactive chef’s tables, that make your restaurant feel one-of-a-kind. Focus on what sets you apart—memorable, personalized hospitality—and guests will be drawn through your door.
Optimism for dining out in 2025
Enthusiasm about dining out more, driven by younger generations eager to embrace dining experiences, signals a great year ahead for restaurants.
Tap into the excitement by planning creative offerings, like themed dinner parties and interactive chef’s tables, that make your restaurant feel one-of-a-kind. Focus on what sets you apart—memorable, personalized hospitality—and guests will be drawn through your door.
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1 OpenTable Consumer Research: An online survey was conducted by PureSpectrum among 1503 US consumers. Within this sample, major cities have been weighed for direct comparison. The research fieldwork took place between 25 October – 4th November, 2024.
2 OpenTable Data: OpenTable looked at online reservations for all restaurants active on the OpenTable platform from January 1 – September 30, 2024 and compared it to the same range in 2023.
3 Methodology: An online survey was conducted by PureSpectrum among 2,000 general consumers in the US. Within this sample, major cities have been weighted for direct comparison. The research fieldwork took place between 3rd – 5th June 2024.
4 Methodology: OpenTable looked at the average spend per guest for parties of one and overall party sizes from June 1, 2023 to May 31, 2024.
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