2025 Upcoming Restaurant Trends
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We’ve scoured the internet to bring you the top predicted hospitality trends experts anticipate for 2025. From technological advancements to emerging ingredients making waves on menus, this blog covers it all. Let’s explore some of the key developments anticipated in the coming year.
Let us know your thoughts on any of these trends - do you think we can expect any of these in Alberta? We turned on the comments below.
Tech-Driven Dining Experiences
Before you scroll away, we don’t mean robots serving people (even though that does happen at Boston Pizza now….), but instead, using technology to enhance your customer experience. Think more AI and data analytics that will help restaurants anticipate customers' needs, personalize orders, and even remember the preferences of your regulars. Imagine a hostess already aware of a guest’s gluten allergy or an app suggesting dishes based on past orders. Such personalized service and seamless ordering processes are expected to give tech-savvy establishments a competitive edge.
Affordability and Value
With rising living costs, consumers are becoming more cost-conscious, seeking value without compromising on experience. Restaurants are likely to respond with creative menu innovations focusing on local ingredients, offering smaller portions, bundled meal deals, and “value bites” menus that provide premium experiences at reasonable prices. This approach aims to meet heightened expectations for value, experience, and innovation.
Hybrid Staffing Models
The ongoing staffing challenges in the industry are prompting restaurants to explore unconventional staffing solutions. Casual dining establishments may increasingly utilize technology for order-taking or adopt models where customers order at the bar, with staff delivering to tables. Additionally, flexible staffing arrangements, such as part-time roles and gig-style shifts, are expected to become more prevalent, offering flexibility and attracting workers seeking more than just a job.
Premium Fast Casual Dining: The New Wave of Elevated Experiences
Premium fast casual dining is a new wave of elevated, chef-driven experiences that combine high-quality ingredients with a cool, minimalist vibe. These spots—often with limited seating and a curated, short menu—offer premium offerings in a fast-paced, unpretentious setting. With a focus on bold flavors and feature items that rotate seasonally or weekly, they offer an intimate, "hole-in-the-wall" atmosphere reminiscent of New York’s underground food scene, but now spreading across North America. These restaurants cater to those craving a unique, cool dining experience that’s quick, indulgent, and memorable—without the formality of fine dining.
Menu Trends
In 2025, menus are anticipated to reflect a blend of nostalgia, health consciousness, and global flavours:
Nostalgic Flavours: There’s a resurgence of classic comfort foods, with a modern twist. Dishes like revamped fast-food classics are making a comeback, appealing to consumers’ sense of nostalgia.
Global Cuisines: Korean and Vietnamese cuisines are expected to gain prominence, offering spicy, umami-rich flavors and vegetable-forward dishes that cater to diverse palates.
Luxury Convenience Foods: High-end “convenience” foods will make their way onto fine dining menus. Think gourmet frozen meals, meal kits, or restaurant-quality ready-to-eat meals for takeout. The focus will be on premium ingredients and culinary techniques, combined with the ease of fast, accessible dining.
Fermentation and Wild Crafting: Fermented foods like kimchi, miso, and kefir will continue to rise, with an emphasis on wild fermentation (using natural yeasts and bacteria from the environment rather than controlled cultures). Expect these fermented ingredients to play a role in everything from beverages to main dishes to desserts.
Top Ingredients to Watch
Menus will also spotlight trending ingredients that combine function and flavor:
Honey and Seeds: Versatile, nutritious, and perfect for sweet or savory pairings.
Functional Mushrooms: Adding health benefits and depth to dishes and beverages.
Pineapple and Tamarind: Fresh, tangy flavors offering a tropical twist.
Ube: This vibrant purple yam delivers sweet, vanilla-like flavor and eye-catching appeal.
Drink Trends
The beverage scene is also set for intriguing developments:
Wellness Drinks: Wellness drinks are on the rise as consumers seek beverages that boost energy, reduce stress, and support gut health. From vitamin-infused options that enhance immunity to fermented drinks like kombucha for digestive health, and adaptogenic blends that promote relaxation and focus, these functional beverages deliver both flavor and tangible wellness benefits.
Dirty Martinis and Savory Cocktails: There’s a rising trend towards savory cocktails, with dirty martinis gaining popularity. Bartenders are experimenting with ingredients like olive brine, seaweed, and smoked olives to create unique flavor profiles.
White Wine Focus: An increased interest in white wines, particularly varieties like Riesling and Chardonnay, is anticipated, with some establishments even curating wine lists that predominantly feature white wines.
Hyper-Local Beer & Wine: With sustainability leading 2025 trends, hyper-local beer and wine are becoming menu must-haves. Locally crafted beverages connect customers to their community, supporting small businesses and eco-friendly production practices. This shift reflects a growing preference for authenticity, sustainability, and a deeper connection to where their drinks come from.
These trends highlight the industry’s adaptability and commitment to meeting evolving consumer preferences. Whether through technological integration, menu innovation, or staffing flexibility, restaurants are poised to create engaging and satisfying experiences for their patrons in 2025.
If you want to learn more about our sponsor, Troubled Monk check out their website at troubledmonk.com.
Where did we get all this information?
Here are a few links you can browse if you want to read more!
Sources
Jay Ashton – Canada’s Restaurant Guy (LinkedIn)
Restaurants Canada – Downloadable Reports
National Restaurant Association