Roving Oyster Shuckers, Adult Happy Meals and Other Dining Trends Defining 2025

"This year was marked by a few outsize trends: The return of the classic French restaurant, the rise of the members-only dinner clubs, a love affair with Afro-Caribbean cuisine, and an Indian fine dining revolution, to name just a few."

"Adult Happy Meals are nostalgia reimagined: the burger's better, the drink's stronger, and yes- there might even be a toy. They've taken off because they offer exactly what guests crave right now: value with a side of delight. Restaurants are pairing elevated burgers and fries with martinis and a clever surprise, turning a simple meal into a premium yet joyful experience. And we're going to see even more creative twists in 2026 as fine dining and full service casual restaurants look for new ways to package value and playfulness."

"My favorite trend is the collabs between different restaurants and chefs these days. Food, especially in the US, has come so far in the past 20 years. You have all these amazing chefs/restaurateurs with incredible experiences either growing up, learning abroad or traveling who have these incredible stories to tell."

Classic French restaurants are experiencing a resurgence, bringing formal technique and refined menus back into focus. Members-only dinner clubs are proliferating, creating exclusive dining communities. Afro-Caribbean cuisine is enjoying widespread enthusiasm and shaping flavor profiles. Indian fine dining is evolving into a high-end movement that reinterprets regional traditions. Chef collaborations across restaurants are increasing, driven by diverse backgrounds, travel, and shared stories. Restaurants are introducing nostalgic 'Adult Happy Meals' that pair elevated comfort food with stronger drinks and playful elements to offer value and delight. Elemental techniques like open-fire cooking are also reappearing on menus.

Read at Bon Appetit