Top Restaurant Trends for 2025: Insights & Strategies

The rise of new technologies and the disappearance of old ones affect all of us to a greater or lesser extent. The arrival of artificial intelligence and the increasing engagement of younger consumers with sustainable consumption are a couple of keywords that are also shaping the service industry. One thing we are convinced of is that human contact and good food will continue to influence the preferences of many visitors while making their choices.

‍

But what can restaurants do to stay competitive, stay aware of trends, and enhance their delivery presence? Here are the key trends for 2025 and actionable delivery strategies:

‍

1. Personalized Experience: Catering to Unique Needs

‍

Restaurants are beginning to use data about their customers to offer a personal approach. This could include using information about personalized offers or customers' food intolerances when creating the menu.

‍

How to Stay Ahead:

• Collect customer data via delivery platforms to understand preferences and reorder patterns.
• Offer personalized discounts or promotions for delivery customers based on their past orders.
• Ensure your menu on delivery platforms highlights allergy-friendly or customizable dishes (e.g., gluten-free, nut-free, or dairy-free).

‍

‍

2. Vegetarian And Plant-Based Dishes: Meeting Demand For Meat-Free Options

‍

Plant-based ingredients are no longer a niche offering — they’re becoming a staple on menus worldwide. More diners are making conscious choices for health or environmental reasons, and the trend toward vegetarianism and flexitarianism continues to rise.

‍

How to Stay Ahead:

• Add inventive vegetarian dishes that go beyond the standard salad or veggie burger.
• Highlight the sustainability and health benefits of these dishes on your menu.
• Use dietary icons on delivery platforms (e.g., "V" for vegetarian, "VG" for vegan) to make it easy for customers to choose plant-based options. Consider creating a separate section for vegetarian dishes to increase visibility.

‍

‍

3. Conscious Consumption: Prioritizing Quality and Sustainability

‍

The increase in people's awareness is also confirmed by customers' growing desire to consume products that have high nutritional value or include "superfoods." This trend allows restaurants and cafes to earn additional income while giving customers the opportunity to spend a bit more when ordering add-ons, at the same time investing in their health.

‍

How to Stay Ahead:

• Highlight dishes made with organic, local, or sustainably sourced ingredients.
• Add optional premium "superfood" add-ons (e.g., chia seeds, kale, or avocado) to your delivery menu.
• Use menu descriptions on delivery platforms to promote the health benefits of your dishes, encouraging customers to spend more on healthier options.

‍

‍

4. Automation With Technology: Embracing Efficiency

‍

By leveraging the possibilities of technology and artificial intelligence, it is already possible to automate many processes today. The simplest example that you are likely already using is an online reservation system or an automatic response to email. The new year brings about a wider spread of new products and services, such as robotic responders for accepting reservations over the phone.

‍

How to Stay Ahead:

• Integrate systems like SPINDL OS for automated inventory updates to ensure your menu on delivery platforms stays accurate and avoids stock-outs
• Use automated push notifications to inform customers about limited-time offers or new menu items on delivery apps.

‍

‍

5. Experimental Experiences: Creating Memorable Moments

‍

Consumers are seeking not only culinary experiences but also new adventures. Trailblazing restaurants are those that can combine food, drink, and atmosphere by using design, food presentation, and even the aforementioned technology!

‍

How to Stay Ahead:

• Bring experimental experiences to delivery platforms by offering unique packaging designs, fun extras (e.g., branded coasters or recipe cards), or gamified promotions ("find a golden ticket in your delivery").
• Collaborate with delivery apps to promote these experiences through exclusive offers or featured listings.
• Create "virtual experience" bundles, like DIY meal kits or curated tasting menus, for delivery customers to enjoy at home.

‍

‍

6. Using Customer Feedback: Listening and Innovating

‍

Have you thought about what new items to add to the menu? Ask the consumers directly! Send out a customer survey through your email list or create a social media poll. Involve your clients in the decision-making process!

‍

How to Stay Ahead:

• Actively monitor delivery platform reviews and ratings, responding to both positive and negative feedback.
• Use customer reviews to identify top-performing dishes on delivery platforms and promote them as "best-sellers."
• Experiment with limited-time menu items based on delivery customer feedback and monitor how they perform.

‍

‍

7. Digital Menu Optimization: Maximizing Sales on Delivery Platforms

‍

Your delivery menu is more than just a list of dishes — it’s a powerful sales tool.

‍

How to Stay Ahead:

• Use attractive photos and detailed descriptions for every item on your delivery menu.
• Highlight combo deals or family-style meals that appeal to delivery customers.
• Continuously test and optimize your menu for clarity, upselling opportunities, and seasonal trends.

‍

‍

Final Thoughts

‍

The restaurant industry in 2025 is filled with opportunities for growth, both in-house and on delivery platforms. By implementing these actionable trends and optimizing your delivery strategy, you’ll position your restaurant for long-term success.

‍

Ready to stay ahead of the trends? With our Reality Check package, we can help you analyze your market, refresh your brand image, and make data-backed changes to your menu that align with upcoming industry trends. ‍

‍

Let’s future-proof your restaurant — schedule a call now!

‍