10 Restaurant Trends You’ll See Cropping Up in 2023 — Eat This Not That

By Ghuman

Introduction

As the restaurant industry continues to evolve, it’s important to stay ahead of the curve and know what trends will be cropping up in the next few years. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at 10 restaurant trends that are likely to be popular in 2023. From plant-based proteins to virtual restaurants, these trends are sure to make an impact on the restaurant industry. We’ll also be discussing how these trends can help restaurants stay competitive and provide customers with the best possible dining experience. So, let’s dive in and explore the future of the restaurant industry!

10 Restaurant Trends You’ll See Cropping Up in 2023

As the restaurant industry continues to evolve, so do the trends that come with it. From plant-based proteins to virtual restaurants, here are 10 restaurant trends you’ll see cropping up in 2023.

1. Plant-Based Proteins

Plant-based proteins are becoming increasingly popular in the restaurant industry. From vegan burgers to plant-based “meats”, restaurants are offering more and more options for those looking for a meat-free meal. Expect to see more plant-based proteins on menus in 2023.

2. Virtual Restaurants

Virtual restaurants are popping up all over the place. These restaurants don’t have a physical location, but instead, they operate solely online. Customers can order food from the virtual restaurant’s website or app and have it delivered to their door. Expect to see more virtual restaurants in 2023.

3. Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the restaurant industry. Restaurants are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact, from using locally sourced ingredients to composting food waste. Expect to see more restaurants implementing sustainable practices in 2023.

4. Delivery-Only Restaurants

Delivery-only restaurants are becoming increasingly popular. These restaurants don’t have a physical location, but instead, they operate solely online. Customers can order food from the restaurant’s website or app and have it delivered to their door. Expect to see more delivery-only restaurants in 2023.

5. Ghost Kitchens

Ghost kitchens are popping up all over the place. These kitchens don’t have a physical location, but instead, they operate solely online. Customers can order food from the ghost kitchen’s website or app and have it delivered to their door. Expect to see more ghost kitchens in 2023.

6. Automation

Automation is becoming increasingly popular in the restaurant industry. From automated ordering systems to robotic chefs, restaurants are looking for ways to streamline their operations. Expect to see more automation in restaurants in 2023.

7. Online Ordering

Online ordering is becoming increasingly popular in the restaurant industry. Customers can order food from the restaurant’s website or app and have it delivered to their door. Expect to see more restaurants offering online ordering in 2023.

8. Food Halls

Food halls are becoming increasingly popular. These halls are like mini-malls, but instead of stores, they are filled with restaurants. Customers can choose from a variety of different cuisines and have their food delivered to their table. Expect to see more food halls in 2023.

9. Meal Kits

Meal kits are becoming increasingly popular in the restaurant industry. These kits come with all the ingredients you need to make a meal, along with instructions on how to prepare it. Expect to see more restaurants offering meal kits in 2023.

10. Delivery Apps

Delivery apps are becoming increasingly popular in the restaurant industry. Customers can order food from the restaurant’s website or app and have it delivered to their door. Expect to see more restaurants offering delivery apps in 2023.

If you’re curious to know what the big restaurant trends will be in 2023, then you’re in luck. The National Restaurant Association recently teamed up with the American Culinary Federation and Technomic, a research and consulting firm, for its “What’s Hot Survey.” Through this study, they tapped more than 500 professional chefs from the ACF as well as National Restaurant Association members with chef titles to gain insights on what they think the upcoming food and menu trends will be for 2023. And it’s pretty exciting.

From the meteoric rise of the charcuterie board and the continued focus on sustainability, to the incorporation of more globally-inspired dishes to menus, read ahead to learn more about the 10 hottest restaurant trends you can expect to see pop up in 2023.

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Top of the World - Las Vegas
Top of the World / Yelp

After spending so much time indoors and away from family and friends during the pandemic, people are now craving social interaction and a sense of connection. Because of this, the National Restaurant Association believes we can expect to see more restaurant experiences that are centered around community.

For instance, the newly-launched restaurant Bark Barbecue in New York City opened up on the fifth-floor rooftop of DUMBO’s Time Out Market and stirs up memories of barbecuing with friends. In LA, the trendy Mother Wolf has a beautifully-designed dining room that is perfect for both big group dinners and date nights.

People are craving unique restaurant experiences that they can share with their loved ones, and we’re excited to see what ideas are born out of this desire.

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Italian chicken sandwich taste test
Courtesy Wendy’s & Burger King

Is it just us or do chicken sandwiches never go out of style? Not only that, each year they seem to get more creative. The National Restaurant Association expects 2023 to be the year of the “Chicken Sandwich 3.0″—chicken sandwiches that incorporate even more flavors, textures, and ingredients.

It looks like the fast-food chain Burger King already has caught on with the recent release of its Italian Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich, which features mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce.

charcuterie
Shutterstock

Charcuterie boards are not going anywhere in 2023. If anything, we should expect to see more of them. This handy snacking dish, which features a variety of cured meats, cheeses, nuts, crackers, and other tasty accouterments, has recently captured the hearts of many because of its perfect balance of flavor and convenience.

Charcuterie boards made such a splash this year that not only have they been appearing on more restaurant menus, but you can now also buy fully-arranged boards from unexpected retailers online. As for butter boards, that’s another story.

mashed potatoes and mac and cheese
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What’s better than a bowl of mashed potatoes or a juicy cheeseburger served with a chocolate milkshake? In the new year, the National Restaurant Association expects us to see more comfort foods served at restaurants and, well, it makes sense. Restaurants that center on comfort food, such as Patti Ann’s which recently launched in Brooklyn, is already opening up throughout the country. These welcoming spaces usually feature nostalgic dishes, reminiscent of childhood, served in comfortable, elevated spaces.

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Flatbread sandwiches and healthier wraps will continue to be popular among people looking for more health-conscious choices when eating out. In the new year, we can expect restaurants and even fast-food chains to continue experimenting and introducing new healthier sandwich ideas. For instance, KFC has recently begun testing fried chicken wraps at locations in Atlanta.

menu deals
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While some restaurants are expanding their menus exponentially, some have begun taking a different approach by streamlining offerings. Menu streamlining not only can help restaurants focus on perfecting high-quality dishes and allow the customer to become less overwhelmed, but it can also help reduce waste.

sriracha bottles at grocery store
calimedia / Shutterstock

Different Sriracha variations are slated to have a moment in the new year, and we can see why. Brands are already branching out by exploring new, unexpected flavors of Sriracha sauce, including exciting options such as garlic, cilantro, and bacon. In fact, Heinz even now has a honey Sriracha condiment as part of its roster. We’re excited to see what other fun choices will pop up on restaurant tables and on grocery store shelves.

woman eating salad with chicken
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People are looking to incorporate more global ingredients, such as ginger, black sesame seeds, and Mediterranean-inspired dressings, into their salads, and restaurants are taking note.

Noodles Company, the popular fast-casual restaurant chain that has locations throughout the country, recently introduced two globally-inspired salads that feature ingredients such as cotija cheese, chipotle cheddar tortilla strips, and crispy chow mein noodles. In 2023, we can expect to see even more globally-inspired salads pop up on restaurant and chain menus.

sustainable packaging
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Sustainability has become a major focus in many different industries in recent years, and the food industry is no different. Some restaurants are thinking up new ways to be more Earth-friendly by switching to eco-friendly disposable packaging, while others are curbing their waste by using upcycled ingredients. For instance, Shuggie’s in San Francisco uses upcycled ingredients and sustainable proteins to craft their pizzas.

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According to the National Restaurant Association, trending global flavors for 2023 will include delicious dishes from Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines. It is expected that traditional fare from these countries, as well as popular spices used in these cuisines, will take center stage in the coming year.