Yelp’s 2024 best new restaurants list reveals three big dining trends
Even though budgets might be tight, people want to dine out. From a quick bite to an elegant dinner, there is something special about having a meal with another person. Yelp’s 2024 best new restaurants list has a wide array of hidden gems and well-known favorites. Overall, the list shows three dining trends that will influence 2025 openings.
Food and dining trends continually evolve. Even though shows like Kitchen Nightmares can show the struggle of running a restaurant, the reality is that many of those food establishments are the heart of the community. People long to sit at those tables not just for delicious food, but also for the warm and engaging atmosphere that flavors the food.
According to Yelp, the diners will spend $1 trillion dollars on dining out. After years of post-pandemic recovery, robust spending is positive for anyone in the restaurant industry. It might not be the perfect solution to staff turnover and food costs, but it is a good sign that dining out is continuing to rise.
While there will always be a place for that local diner or popular restaurant chain, diners are looking for more than just another plate of food. It is about the experience from the moment they walk in the door to the final greeting goodbye.
Yelp sees three dining trends that are influencing people’s choices. They are experiential dining, Japanese cuisine’s popularity, and approachable dining atmosphere.
The idea of experiential dining is not the old school dinner theater that the grandparents remember. It is about creating an overall vibe. From the DJ filling the space with the music at Nami in Orlando to the stunning ice sculptures at Wolf in Lake Tahoe, the restaurant wants to immerse guests with stunning ambiance.
Looking ahead, new restaurants need to consider this concept. Little touches can turn a simple dinner out into a talkable moment for months to come. From the hidden door that welcomes guests to the creative way the menu appears on the table, there are plenty of ways to reimagine the dining experience.
Japanese cuisine continues to have a moment. Omakse has taken over the Orlando dining scene. By allowing the chef to guide the food experience, it is a journey of breathtaking proportions.
Simplified Japanese food is equally as popular. From Japanese barbecue to bold citrus flavors infusing cocktails, there are plenty of options to explore the cuisine.
Lastly, diners are ditching the stuffy moments for more approachable gourmet eating. This idea proves that great food does not need all the pomp and circumstance. Knowing the proper fork for each course or a table covered in wine glasses can be overwhelming. When guests feel welcome, they can better enjoy the deliciousness on the plate.
The complete list of Yelp’s 2024 best new restaurants can be found online.