From a diverse range of publications such as Forbes, Food & Wine, and Modern Restaurant Management, predictions on the trends that will shape the restaurant industry in 2025 are pouring in. Some of these trends may sound familiar, like the resurgence of caviar, while others are novel food, beverage, or operational approaches that have only recently gained traction.
Here, we’ll explore the many predictions as the New Year unfolds. While some restaurants remain steadfast in their brand identity and unwavering, stalwart menu, many more stay updated on customer preferences, adapting to changing seasonal ingredients and the ever-changing palate of their guests.
Let’s see what 2025 has in store.
Minimalism
While minimalism and the “less is more” approach have been some of the leading trends in interior design, this year promises to see them edging into the restaurant industry. From food presented as close to the source as possible to focusing more on a few ingredients and the purity of each element, restaurants are embracing delicious simplicity.
Just as in a minimalist home, everything on the plate serves a purpose.
Transporting Guests
Immersive, themed dining experiences continue to evolve, with some restaurants using AR and VR to create interactive environments. From taking guests to the ocean depths while dining on sea urchins to experiencing the Amazonian jungle while eating Brazil’s Pato No Tucupi, they feel a part of the environment from which their food was derived.
Telling a Story
As more people continue to desire a connection through food, traditions, and the stories behind them, operators are taking the time to enrich their guest’s experiences with stories about varying cultures and where the food and beverages they serve fit into those traditions. This may come from the surrounding aesthetics and stories shared by hosts, servers, and bartenders.
Vendors offer a great resource for creating storylines. Many are more than happy to educate staff on the often-humble beginnings of their favorite brands.
Up-and-Coming Cuisines
The interest in authenticity as humans and how their actions reflect their truths continues to grow. In diners, it’s reflected as wanting a real connection. One way restauranteurs reach those looking for a genuine experience is through regional cuisine that defines their heritage.
Some examples are chefs redefining Mexican food and Mesoamerican civilization, taking a journey into ancestral cooking, traditions that date back centuries. Mexico’s history is rich in Indigenous foodways, such as the Mayans and Aztecs.
Scotland, Honduras, Guatemala, and West African cuisines have all found fans and are expected to find even more in 2025. Mezze platters from the Middle East and the Mediterranean, a mixture of small plate servings of hot and cold foods, breads, dips, and salads, are on the menu. Fusion cuisines, such as Nikkei, which combines Peruvian and Japanese flavors, also draw in those looking for an authentic experience in global cuisine.
Superfoods
Health-conscious eating isn’t going away, though it may take different forms. Baobab is an African fruit rich in vitamins and minerals that support the heart and digestive systems. Camu camu is a sourberry native to the Amazon rainforest, rich in antioxidants that reduce inflammation.
Fermented foods like koji, tempeh, kimchi, and miso continue to grow in popularity due to their natural probiotics that support healthy digestive and immune systems.
Ingredients
Cabbage had its year in the spotlight in 2024. In 2025, ingredients making it to the forefront include purple yam, lion’s mane mushroom, sea urchin, Brazil’s biquinho peppers, and turnips. Lion’s mane has been shown to support brain health. Why turnips? We have no idea.
Caviar and agave spirits continue expanding their hold, with the former stretching its wings into the dessert menu when paired with sweet ice cream. Sotol and other agave spirits are making their way onto the beverage selections.
Unexpected Innovations
Restaurants that offer a surprise twist will continue to experience an increase in attention-getting social media posts and reviews. These surprises may come in the form of innovative pairings or plating that catches the eye and camera lens. Creative, engaging experiences may include more table-side service and special chef events.
Omakase is expected to expand beyond Japanese cuisine. This phrase translates to “respectfully leaving another to decide what is best” and refers to trusting a skilled chef to select the menu for you.
Regenerative Agriculture and Hyper-Seasonality
Brands that care for the earth and its inhabitants will continue to draw in the environmentally conscious consumer. More chefs are partnering with farmers who practice regenerative agriculture, a conservative approach that focuses on reducing the impact on the land, improving the soil’s health, and supporting biodiversity.
This trend goes along with supporting local farmers, ranchers, and artisans, highlighting local ingredients that are sustainably sourced and acting as a steward for the environment.
Some seasonal menu restaurants are also expected to embrace hyper-seasonality, also known as the Japanese microseasons, Sekki and Kou, which refer to the seasons changing every two weeks.
The Role of AI
AI has affected every industry, with the restaurant industry being one of the most profound. Today, it can support operators in streamlining menus, predicting price fluctuations, recommending seasonal, locally sourced food that reduces the environmental impact, and much more.
Health and Sustainability
It’s clear that the focus on wellness and the health of the planet continues to define consumer choices. Chefs and operators are responding with locally sourced food from farmers who practice sustainable methods. They’re sharing stories with their guests, from where the food comes from today to its ancestral beginnings. They create memorable experiences that appreciative guests share on social media and with friends and family.
While it’s a lot to consider, 2025 is calling you to be the best version of yourself and your business. May the journey be fruitful and fulfilling.
