OpenTable has launched its complete 2026 Eating Tendencies Report. This report gives an in-depth have a look at the evolving preferences and behaviors of American diners, forecasting vital traits that may form the restaurant business within the coming years.
Key Findings from the Report
The report signifies a notable enhance in eating out, with a projected common of 10 restaurant visits per 30 days per American in 2026. This marks an 8% rise from the earlier yr. The examine additionally highlights a rising inclination in the direction of worth and distinctive eating experiences, with 61% of People viewing eating out as a special day relatively than a routine exercise.
Rising Eating Tendencies
One of many standout traits is the shift in the direction of extra spontaneous eating experiences. Using OpenTable’s “Notify Me” function, which alerts customers to obtainable tables, surged 84% yr over yr, reflecting a broader want for flexibility in eating plans. Moreover, the report notes a decline within the recognition of shared plates, with extra diners preferring particular person dishes; group eating, nevertheless, stays well-liked, with an 11% enhance.
The idea of experiential eating is gaining traction, with a 46% enhance in such choices. Eating places at the moment are providing extra distinctive experiences, reminiscent of pop-ups and chef collaborations, that are resonating with diners, notably millennials, who’re anticipated to be essentially the most frequent diners in 2026.
Technological Developments in Eating
Expertise continues to play a pivotal position in how diners work together with eating places. OpenTable’s new AI-powered ‘Concierge’ service enhances the eating expertise by providing customized restaurant suggestions and bookings. This function aligns with the 44% of People who plan to make use of AI extra extensively for restaurant discovery in 2026.
Client Preferences and Nostalgia
The report additionally sheds mild on client preferences for sure meals, with a noticeable enhance in mentions of substances like matcha, seaweed, and spicy rigatoni in diner critiques. Moreover, there’s a robust sense of nostalgia within the culinary decisions, with dishes like hen pot pie and shrimp cocktail anticipated to make a comeback.
Methodology of the Report
The findings of the 2026 Eating Tendencies Report are based mostly on knowledge collected from OpenTable’s platform, which incorporates seated diner metrics, sorts of eating experiences, and an evaluation of over 2 million U.S. diner critiques. Client analysis was performed by WALR, involving a survey of 1,527 U.S. respondents to make sure a complete understanding of present and future eating traits.
Conclusion
As OpenTable continues to research eating traits and client habits, it’s clear that the restaurant business is evolving in response to altering diner preferences. From the will for distinctive eating experiences to the mixing of superior expertise, the dining-out panorama in America is poised to supply extra customized, memorable experiences in 2026.
Learn the 2026 Dining Trends Report.
