Now we’re over halfway through the first month of 2025, we’re all gearing up for another year of innovation and change within the food industry. Understanding these changes can help restaurant owners stay ahead of the curve and meet customer demands.
Join us as we explore a variety of restaurant trends for 2025 that are set to shape the restaurant industry this year, from aesthetics to the ingredients that will be trending. Trends include…
- Smaller, bespoke and nostalgic
- Truffles
- Sustainability and thoughtful sourcing
- Chefs and farmers teaming up
- Embracing technology
- “Casual-luxe” style
- Smashed patties
- Ghost kitchens
- Community and local engagement
- Themed dining
Trend 1: Smaller, bespoke, and nostalgic
Over the years, we’ve seen that diners are becoming increasingly more drawn to intimate, personalised dining experiences, and in 2025, smaller, bespoke, nostalgic restaurants will rise in popularity.
Michael Vignola, Culinary Director of Catch Hospitality Group, shares his thoughts on this restaurant trend for 2025; “Smaller, bespoke and nostalgic restaurants will become increasingly popular. These kinds of
Trend 2: Ingredient trends – Truffles
Exotic ingredients like truffles and mushrooms will continue to shine in 2025. Patrick Ochs, Executive Chef for INK Entertainment, notes; “Truffles and exotic mushrooms are highly sought-after ingredients… elevating many gourmet dishes to a luxurious experience.”
Simplicity will also be key, with garden-fresh produce like vegetables and fruits taking centre stage, with more and more diners restaurants focusing on minimal preparation to highlight natural flavours.
Trend 3: Sustainability and thoughtful sourcing
Sustainability will remain at the forefront, with diners seeking ethically sourced, local produce. From reducing food waste to using sustainable packaging, restaurants will need to meet customer demand for eco-friendly practices. Thoughtful sourcing and reducing meat consumption in favour of plant-based dishes will also be a key restaurant trend for 2025.
Trend 4: Chefs and farmers teaming up
The decline in British farming, partly due to the inheritance relief tax reform, is pushing chefs to partner directly with farmers. The National Farmers’ Union reports that UK farmers have seen their income drop by over 20% in the past decade. In response, chefs are focusing on locally sourced ingredients.
In 2025, chefs will have to be much more proactive in helping farmers keep producing food that’s ethically sourced.
Trend 5: Embracing technology
Technology will continue to evolve in the restaurant world. Contactless payment systems, digital menus, and AI-driven reservations will become more commonplace, enhancing the dining experience.
Trend 6: “Casual-luxe” style
Luxury mixed with accessibility aesthetic is taking over the restaurant high street. Brands like Flat Iron, which has seen 20% projected growth over the next two years, are leading this trend.
The “casual-luxe” style is redefining dining, offering customers a comfortable, yet stylish, atmosphere at an affordable price.
Trend 7: Smashed patties
Smashed patties are taking the UK by storm. The trend, known for its crispy, flavour-packed texture, is now a favourite in many burger joints. As consumer demand for high quality fast food grows, smashed pa
Trend 8: Ghost kitchens
Ghost kitchens, or virtual kitchens, are transforming the food delivery market. These kitchen-only operations focus on online orders, reducing overhead costs associated with physical spaces.
The global ghost kitchen market is expected to grow 12.5% annually over the next five years. Ghost kitchens allow businesses to reach a wider customer base while cutting down on real estate costs, making them a key restaurant trend for 2025.
Trend 9: Community and local engagement
Restaurants this year will focus more on being community hubs. By engaging with local events and suppliers, restaurants can build strong ties with their customers.
One of our clients, Larder, an independent casual finding restaurant, for example, works closely with local suppliers and butchers, creating dishes that showcase regional produce. Having recently launched their showstopper dish ‘Craftman’s Cut”, which aims to celebrate their relationship with their local butchers.
Trend 10: Themed dining experiences
Themed dining is transforming the UK restaurant scene, offering guests more than just a meal, it’s about creating shareable experiences. From live jazz nights, tropical tiki bars to musical bottomless brunch, such as Taylor Swift themed events, these stand out food experiences have exploded in popularity, combining lively entertainment with food and endless drinks.
Similarly, themed afternoon teas, whether it’s Alice in Wonderland or Bridgerton-inspired, are delighting diners with creative menus and decor. These experiences are highly Instagrammable and have become a hit on TikTok, so expect to see even more of them throughout the year.
By pairing food with music or elaborate themes, restaurants are tapping into the growing demand for fun, interactive, and social media-ready dining moments.
2025 is set to be an exciting year for the restaurant industry, with trends focusing on nostalgia, simplicity, sustainable sourcing, and innovation. By embracing these shifts, whether in your menu, ingredients, or customer experience, you can stay ahead of the competition and deliver what diners are looking for to secure those all important table bookings.
