Skip to content
Annemarie Jonsson | 11 March 2025

6 restaurant trends to watch in 2025

6 restaurant trends to watch in 2025
6 restaurant trends to watch in 2025
7:20

The restaurant industry is on the brink of a transformative year, driven by advancements in technology and the evolving expectations of diners. From smarter systems to sustainable choices, 2025 promises to bring innovative ways to enhance efficiency and elevate the customer experience. Here are six key trends shaping the future of dining in 2025.

1. AI-driven personalization

Artificial Intelligence (AI) will continue to redefine how restaurants engage with customers. The days of generic offers or one-size-fits-all menus are over. Instead, AI algorithms will analyze vast amounts of data—from customer preferences to ordering patterns—to deliver hyper-personalized experiences. Mobile ordering and loyalty apps will offer a curated list of menu suggestions tailored to customers' dietary restrictions, cravings, and even the weather outside.

A recent survey found that 95% of restaurants in the U.S. are already using AI in one way or another, with 35% including AI menu optimization. Take Starbucks for example, which already uses AI to deliver drink recommendations based on customer preferences, time of day, and seasonal trends. But it doesn’t stop there. With AI, restaurants can uncover their most profitable menu items and highlight fan-favorites to diners, helping them make faster, more satisfying choices. Whether it’s suggesting a trending dish or a perfect side pairing, AI ensures that every recommendation feels like it was designed with the customer in mind.

2. Sustainability on the menu

With consumers increasingly demanding transparency and eco-friendly practices, restaurants are stepping up to reduce their environmental impact in meaningful ways. From responsibly sourcing ingredients to introducing plant-based alternatives, the industry is focusing on creating a greener future without compromising flavor or quality. A growing number of restaurants are adopting zero-waste kitchens, where every ingredient is creatively utilized to minimize disposal. For instance, Silo in London has become a leader in sustainability by using locally sourced ingredients and operating its own composting system to repurpose organic waste.

Beyond waste reduction, restaurants are reimagining their supply chains to be shorter and more transparent, prioritizing seasonal, locally sourced ingredients that not only support farmers but also cut emissions from long-distance transportation. At the same time, innovations in packaging are making a difference, with biodegradable, compostable, and reusable materials replacing single-use plastics. These efforts collectively signal a powerful shift toward a more sustainable dining experience that aligns with the values of today’s eco-conscious diners.

3. The rise of voice technology

AI-powered voice assistants are reshaping restaurant operations and enhancing customer experiences by offering greater convenience, speed, and accessibility. While many restaurants have been experimenting with this technology for several years, ongoing advancements in AI are rapidly expanding its potential.

Voice assistants can significantly accelerate the ordering process and ease the workload for staff. For instance, Bojangle, a U.S. fast-food chain, has implemented a conversational AI system in its drive-thrus to handle order-taking, allowing employees to focus on other tasks while still delivering a smooth customer experience. Beyond order placement, voice technology can also provide real-time updates, such as estimated wait times or notifications when menu items are unavailable.

 

4. Autonomous delivery solutions

Food delivery remains a driving force in the restaurant industry, but consumers, especially of the younger generations, are becoming less patient. As a result, restaurants are experimenting with autonomous delivery vehicles, drones, and sidewalk robots to slash costs and speed up service. Companies like Uber have already been testing self-driving cars for food delivery, while others, like American fast-food enterprise Wendy’s, are exploring drones capable of delivering orders in record time.

As these technologies scale, restaurants can reach more customers with fewer logistical constraints while reducing reliance on human drivers, cutting delivery times, and operating more efficiently during peak hours. 

5. Augmented reality (AR) experiences

Augmented Reality (AR) is rapidly changing the way customers experience dining, both in restaurants and at home. This cutting-edge technology allows diners to engage with their meals in ways that were once unimaginable—previewing dishes in 3D, exploring ingredient origins, or even touring restaurant spaces virtually before stepping through the door. A recent Deloitte study predicts that 75% of the global population will regularly use AR, making it an integral part of the dining experience.

Some restaurants are already using AR to add an extra layer of storytelling to their menus. For example, Le Petit Chef, an immersive dining theater, combines 3D projected animations with its meals, offering guests a story-driven experience that brings dishes to life. AR is also elevating customer loyalty programs by allowing diners to interact with digital elements on tables or menus and earn rewards. Not only does AR create more memorable dining experiences, but it also helps restaurants differentiate themselves in a crowded and competitive market.

6. Health-conscious dining

As consumers become more health-conscious, dining out in 2025 will be defined by a greater demand for transparency and customization. Diners will expect detailed information on ingredient sourcing, allergen tracking, and customizable options that cater to their unique dietary needs. Restaurants that embrace technology to meet these growing demands will not only build trust among their customers but keep them coming back.

For example, a recent study revealed that 67% of Brazilian consumers choose plant-based products for health reasons, reflecting a broader global shift toward mindful eating. In response, many restaurants are offering personalized menu options that allow guests to select meals based on specific health goals, dietary restrictions, or ethical preferences, ensuring that every meal aligns with their well-being. This shift toward health-conscious dining is a win-win: customers get the transparency and choices they crave, and restaurants build stronger, more enduring relationships with their patrons.


 

The restaurant industry is moving quickly, and staying on the latest technology is increasingly necessary to keep up with the competition. If you need help getting ahead in the industry, drop us a line to find out how our software solutions for restaurants can help.

Discover the restaurant trends you should watch out for
Featured eBook

Discover the restaurant trends you should watch out for

Today’s dining experience is utterly different from yesterday’s. Read our guide of what’s coming, and what you need to do to keep guests returning. Know the trends, rebuild your strategy, win guest loyalty.
Download it now