2023 Dining Trends
In recent years, the culinary landscape has undergone a seismic shift, driven by factors ranging from a global pandemic to soaring inflation. These external forces have not only transformed dining habits but have also reshaped diners’ preferences and expectations when it comes to restaurants. To delve into this culinary evolution, we conducted a comprehensive survey involving over 2,600 diners across the United States and Canada. Through these insights and engaging conversations with real diners, we’ve uncovered essential dining trends that will define the years ahead. In this blog post, we offer a sneak peek into the key findings, shedding light on what today’s diners truly want.
Gen Z emerges as the frontrunners, with 62% in the U.S. and 64% in Canada dining out at least once a week. Conversely, only 29% of Americans and 25% of Canadians indicate an equivalent frequency for takeout and delivery.
1. A Yearning for In-Person Dining
The restaurant industry has witnessed profound changes, and dining habits have evolved in tandem. So, what do today’s diners seek? It appears that today’s diners have a strong inclination towards dining in. Notably, 48% of Americans and 38% of Canadians state that they dine out weekly or more frequently. Gen Z emerges as the frontrunners, with 62% in the U.S. and 64% in Canada dining out at least once a week. Conversely, only 29% of Americans and 25% of Canadians indicate an equivalent frequency for takeout and delivery. While ordering takeout and delivery remains popular, dining in has retained its appeal, especially among younger diners.

2. The Digital Menu Exploration
Irrespective of whether diners choose to dine in or opt for takeout, their pre-order ritual is consistent: checking the restaurant’s menu online. Our survey on consumer dining trends underscores that 84% of restaurant-goers always or often peruse a restaurant’s menu beforehand, while 79% consistently visit the restaurant’s website. This marks a significant increase from 2017 when only 59% reviewed the menu in advance and just 51% visited the website.
Clearly, browsing the menu before dining is now an integral part of modern dining habits, reflecting a significant digital trend in the foodservice industry.

3. Detracted by Negative Reviews
Understanding what attracts diners is vital, but it’s equally crucial to grasp what repels them. Our consumer dining trends report reveals that a poor reputation is more likely to deter diners than high prices. Approximately 59% of U.S. diners and 54% of Canadian diners confess to avoiding a restaurant due to negative feedback.

Gen Z diners in the U.S. are particularly unforgiving, with 70% stating they’ve refrained from visiting a restaurant following negative reviews from friends. Surprisingly, menu price hikes have a less pronounced impact. Roughly 45% of Americans and 47% of Canadians assert that menu price increases would only somewhat affect their dining choices, indicating that diners are willing to pay a bit more for the dishes they crave.
4. Email Engagement: Preferred but Prudent

Beyond dining out statistics, our survey examines how diners interact with restaurants from the comfort of their homes. Despite the abundance of communication channels such as social media and mobile apps, email reigns supreme as the preferred means of contact for both American and Canadian diners, with 50% expressing their preference. However, diners are adamant about not having their inboxes inundated. Only 32% of Americans and 21% of Canadians desire weekly communication from a restaurant.
Excessive emails top the list of reasons for unsubscribing, emphasizing the importance of striking the right balance. About 26% of diners prefer hearing from restaurants a few times per month, while 21% opt for monthly updates.

The insights provided here are just a taste of the rich banquet of dining out statistics found in our 2023 Diner Trends Survey. For a comprehensive analysis of the latest restaurant consumer trends and a deeper understanding of what today’s diners truly desire, we invite you to download our free report. Discover the evolving appetites, preferences, and expectations that will shape the future of dining in North America.
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