Key restaurant trends for 2025: Insights for success

The restaurant world in 2025 is serving up an exciting menu. Sustainability, health-conscious menus, and a clientele searching for innovation, dynamism and personal engagement will dominate the food landscape in the coming years.

By adopting leading restaurant trends, you can enhance your business’s market presence and create memorable dining experiences that keep your customers returning for more.

In this report, we’ll unpack the latest trends — from personalization to the rise of ghost kitchens — that can help you align your brand with today’s dynamic and evolving restaurant industry.

TL;DR

• Planet first menus: Sustainability is now a key purchase driver as diners reward restaurants that reduce waste, source responsibly and expand plant based options.
• Tech becomes even more essential: Online reservations, mobile ordering and contactless payment are a baseline expectation as convenience takes priority.
• Health conscious dining grows: Demand rises for allergen friendly, nutrient dense and functional foods that put wellness at the center of menu design.
• Personalization wins loyalty: Restaurants that tailor menus and communication to each guest see higher satisfaction and more return visits — especially from Gen Z.
• New dining formats take off: Pop-ups, food trucks and immersive experiences give operators flexibility and create excitement beyond the traditional restaurant.
• Ghost kitchens scale fast: Delivery-only brands expand efficiently by lowering overheads and capturing convenience-focused demand.

Understanding consumer behavior in the restaurant industry

Understanding consumer behavior is at the heart of every successful restaurant strategy, and the way diners choose where, what and how to eat is evolving rapidly. Today’s restaurant goers expect more than just great food — they’re looking for experiences that align with their values, lifestyles and preferences.

By understanding their customers, restaurant owners and managers can fine-tune their strategies to create exceptional dining experiences that resonate. Here are some key consumer behaviors to consider when deciding which trends to keep on the menu and which ones to 86:

• Prioritizing ethical choices: More diners are factoring ethical and sustainable considerations into their decisions, such as favoring restaurants that support local farmers, implement fair labor policies, or donate to community causes.
• Efficient service: The meteoric rise of technology has set higher expectations for speed and convenience. From quick seating to seamless bill payments, guests appreciate restaurants that minimize hassle while maintaining quality service.
• Personal value: Guests increasingly value restaurants that foster a sense of connection — whether through communal dining spaces, storytelling behind menu items, or staff interactions that create a welcoming atmosphere. 

What are the top restaurant trends for 2025?

The restaurant industry in 2025 is being driven by changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and a growing emphasis on sustainability. Below, we explore the top trends shaping the dining landscape and what they mean for restaurant operators striving to stay ahead.

1. Planet-first menus take centre stage

Interest in sustainability is growing strikingly fast! Over 90% of consumers crave sustainable choices and support the idea of a green economy.

When it comes to eating out, studies show that 70% of UK customers are willing to pay a premium for a meal at a restaurant committed to sustainable and environmentally friendly dining practices.  

Expect more restaurants to embrace zero-waste initiatives, expand plant-based menus and focus on sustainable sourcing.

By prioritizing sustainability, eateries can attract eco-conscious customers and establish themselves as responsible businesses committed to lessening their environmental impact.

➡️ Key takeaway: From plant-based dishes to circular kitchen practices, sustainability is now one of the most powerful drivers of restaurant choice.

2. Tech becomes the new maître d’

As digitalization continues to surge, we’re seeing growing demand for online reservations, mobile ordering and contactless payment systems.

With a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.93% for the period between 2024 and 2032, the contactless payment market is poised to rise from $49.33 billion to $160.95 billion. 

Research shows that 92% of top-performing restaurants offer mobile ordering options. Meanwhile, in the reservations sphere, more than half of restaurant diners (59%) in the major markets of the US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand prefer to book their tables online.

Online reservation platforms and ordering apps have proven themselves as indispensable tools for expanding a restaurant’s reach. And as mobile wallets, QR codes and cryptocurrency become more mainstream, restaurants need to adapt by offering a range of payment options that cater to tech-savvy customers.

This trend aligns with the growing demand for convenience and safety, improving operational efficiency, and reducing customer wait times.

Convenience is the new standard, and customers seek restaurants with technology solutions that align with their needs.

➡️ Key takeaway: Restaurants that streamline booking, ordering and paying through tech will be the ones diners return to again and again.

3. Plant-based and health-conscious menus take the spotlight

Whether for health reasons, religious requirements or environmental concerns, plant-based eating is on the rise.

As more diners adopt flexitarian, vegan or vegetarian lifestyles, restaurants are expanding their offerings to include innovative plant-based dishes that go beyond traditional salads and grain bowls.

The global plant-based food market is projected to reach $161.6 billion by 2030. Cultivated meats and dairy products are set to make the largest gains in this trend, potentially reaching a market share of $5.1 billion by next year.

Meanwhile, market analysts forecast that aquatic plants, including sea moss and duckweed, will make a big splash in the plant-based food sector by 2025.

Food choices linked to overall wellness are also on the rise, with the trend towards gluten-free and allergen-free dishes expected to grow.

Functional foods, immunity boosters, and nutrient-dense options exhibit serious staying power, with recent studies showing that 83% of consumers are interested in a healthier lifestyle. 

➡️ Key takeaway: With demand surging for plant-based and allergen-friendly meals, menus that balance flavour, wellness and sustainability are winning over the modern diner.

4.  Dining is getting more personal

Diners increasingly expect restaurants to recognise who they are and what they like. The industry is responding by using data and digital tools to tailor every step of the experience — from ordering to loyalty — making each visit feel more personal.

Dynamic digital menus are leading the shift. By adapting in real time based on season, time of day, or individual preferences, they nudge customers toward dishes they’re most likely to enjoy.

It’s a change that resonates especially with younger diners: 75% of US and Canada-based Gen Z patrons aged 12–17 customise their orders before checkout.

The relationship continues beyond the table. Personalised promotions, targeted rewards, and direct communication channels help restaurants form lasting bonds with their guests. Instead of generic offers, diners receive messages and incentives that reflect their tastes and habits. This turns occasional visits into genuine loyalty.

As expectations rise, the brands that stand out will be those that make every customer feel recognised, valued, and eager to come back.

➡️ Key takeaway: Restaurants that tailor menus, offers and communication to individual preferences are driving stronger satisfaction and repeat visits.

5. Innovative dining concepts and experiences redefine what going out means

Innovative dining concepts are reshaping how we experience food. Of all the restaurants that opened between 2022 and 2023, pop-ups have seen the most significant growth. Up 155%, this temporary concept is notable for sustainability, durability, and uniqueness. 

Look no further than recycled shipping containers as a leader in this new industry trend. Offering modularity and flexibility, shipping containers meet restaurateurs’ needs while setting the benchmark for fewer risks and lower initial costs.

The street vending concept — think food trucks and food bikes — allows restaurateurs to reach a broader clientele in different locations while offering operational flexibility. Especially effective in large cities, this trend requires less initial capital and tends to show a fast return on investment.

Nomadic and conceptual, this business model is ideal for testing trendy, new foods while reaching a diverse audience. So, put your restaurant on wheels and give this concept a spin.

Beyond delicious food, patrons in 2025 are looking for immersive dining experiences. Look no further than the “Dinner in the Sky” or “Dine the Dark” concepts. Multi-sensory dining experiences are about giving your patrons more than a good meal. It engages their senses, shocks and excites them.

➡️ Key takeaway: New dining formats, from pop-ups to immersive experiences, give restaurants fresh ways to stand out, reduce risk, and meet diners’ growing demand for novelty.

6. Ghost kitchens scale up to meet delivery-first demand

As convenience becomes a core driver of dining decisions, the rise of delivery-only restaurant models is accelerating. Ghost kitchens — also known as cloud or dark kitchens — are built specifically for online ordering, serving customers who want restaurant-quality food without leaving home.

The value proposition is simple: no front-of-house, no high-rent dining space, and lower operational overhead. That opens the door for restaurateurs to launch multiple virtual brands from the same kitchen, trial new concepts quickly, and scale into new neighbourhoods without significant risk.

Industry projections show just how fast this model is expanding. Some forecasts suggest the ghost-kitchen market could approach $1 trillion by 2030, as delivery continues to claim a larger share of dining spend. Sustainability-minded operators are also embracing the model to minimise waste, streamline supply and operate with smaller footprints.

With consumer expectations shifting toward fast, flexible access to meals, ghost kitchens and virtual restaurants are becoming a powerful growth engine for the industry, especially for brands built around convenience.

➡️ Key takeaway: Delivery-only restaurant models are rapidly scaling, offering lower costs, faster expansion, and a direct line to convenience-focused diners.

Strategies for implementing these trends

Source

Here’s what we’ve learned so far: Restaurant trends for 2025 are shaped by growing awareness of health and nutrition, shifting purchasing habits, advancements in technology and changing consumer preferences.

By taking the following actionable steps, your business can stay at the forefront of the industry.

Nourish with nature

Expect more demand for plant-based menus going forward. Restaurant sustainability begins with zero-waste initiatives and locally sourced ingredients. This not only appeals to eco-conscious diners but also enhances your brand image.

Align your business model with a focus on health. Highlight the nutritional benefits of your menu with clear labeling for allergens and dietary requirements. It’s clear that diners are getting more discerning, which aligns with what we’re seeing across the food world.

Tech-driven dining experiences

To stay ahead in 2025, restaurants should look to data analytics and AI to personalize guest experiences. From tailored menu recommendations to targeted marketing campaigns, streamlining operations with tech can improve efficiency and reduce costs. Online reservation platforms, ordering apps, and ghost kitchens have hit the mainstream. Rally your business around automation and allow yourself to operate smarter, faster, and more efficiently.

Customized culinary journeys

To stay competitive, embrace experiential dining trends. Offer interactive moments such as DIY cooking stations or chef-led demos, and elevate hospitality with digital menus that adapt to guest preferences.

Those personal touches resonate strongly with younger diners like Gen Z’s who actively seek unique, customisable meals.

Flexible concepts like pop-ups or food trucks can also help you test new ideas with lower risk, reach diners in more locations, and build a loyal following that’s excited to discover where you’ll show up next.

How Attest can assist in tracking restaurant trends

To thrive in this competitive market, you must understand your diners’ tastes and evolving needs. This makes it essential to have current customer data and technology solutions to ensure you stay at the forefront of the industry. For richer insights, consider Attest.

Attest’s real-time market analysis tool provides businesses with a global reach, collecting data from over 150+ million consumers across 59 countries. Our interactive dashboard offers easy-to-understand visuals for filtering data and monitoring shifts in consumer sentiment. 

The speed of data collection — up to four times faster than traditional methods — enables restaurants to react swiftly to emerging food trends and dining habits. Update your menu and adapt your strategies with a deeper understanding of the market, all in real time.

Conclusion: Preparing for the future of dining

Embracing the forward-thinking strategies we’ve discussed in this report will be essential for restaurant owners and operators looking to build lasting relationships with their customers.

Catering to the health-conscious consumer shows that you care about the well-being of your patrons. At the same time, personalizing menu options, recommendations and dining experiences make customers feel valued. By aligning your business with these long-term trends — think sustainability and tech-driven innovations — you can deepen customer loyalty while staying ahead of the competition.Take advantage of Attest’s platform to keep track of emerging trends that will define 2025 and gain the insights you need to succeed. Start today and take your restaurant to exciting new levels of success.