The most important restaurant trends of 2023
Now that the year is almost over, it’s time to look back. What happened in the world of hospitality in 2023? We saw many trends come and go, but five restaurant trends in particular dominated the past year.
Some more enjoyable than others, but the chances are very slim that you managed to avoid these five restaurant trends. What will next year bring? I’m very curious. The food trends of 2024 have already been predicted, at least, but I’m just as curious about those in the hospitality industry…
The most important restaurant trends of 2023
1. Bright (neon) colors took center stage
New restaurants had no interest in less is more. No, the more bright colors together, the better. Add a lamp with text and it’s complete — especially if it features a supposedly profound message or a pun. Personally, I always get a little overstimulated by places like these, but I’m clearly in the minority, because this was definitely one of the biggest trends of the year.
2. Inflation
Yep, unfortunately, eating out also became much, much more expensive this year. And remarkably enough, salads have seen the biggest price increase, according to research by Bon Appetit. More than 20 euros for a salad? Don’t be surprised. I was at Loetje recently and saw that the Bali steak salad there costs almost 30 euros — crazy, right? I’m not optimistic, but of course I hope things will come back into balance a little more next year…
3. Martini cocktails
The Pornstar Martini and the Espresso Martini have been hits for some time, but these days we’re turning everything into Martinis. And honestly: we’re guilty of it too. The Pumpkin Spice Martini, for example, or the Crompouce Martini. Maybe a little over the top, but secretly also simply very tasty. And for hardcore Esma fans, there are even Espresso Martini candles for sale.
4. Reservations are no longer made at the last minute
Do you decide on Friday afternoon that you want to eat out that same evening? Of course you can, but don’t assume you’ll be able to get a table at the most popular places. These days, all reservations are already fully booked a week or two in advance. Eating out has become more dependent on planning ahead, provided you want to secure a table at your favorite restaurant. And paying a deposit with your reservation will probably really take off in 2024. Because reserving a table and then not showing up is really not okay (anymore).
5. The newest hotspots emerge from TikTok
Forget restaurant reviews in newspapers; these days, a hospitality business can make it if it goes viral on TikTok. And remarkably enough, these are almost never luxury restaurants, but mainly sandwich shops such as Chun or the fries at Fabel Friet. Better for your wallet, although sandwiches are also getting increasingly expensive. And it results in terribly long lines, plus it’s far from always worth the hype (although in the case of Chun’s sandwiches, it definitely is). But in this case, quality is less important than the trend; anything for a viral TikTok…
Read also:
- Hit on TikTok: super-easy pesto cookies
- The Pornstar Martini Cheesecake is everything you want
- Hot on TikTok: McDonald’s loaded fries
Source: Bon Appetit // Image: Loetje
