Expert Predictions for The Future of Dining

The dining landscape in Australia is constantly evolving, driven by changing consumer preferences. Here are some of the ongoing trends to watch.

Experiences Are Paramount

Interactive restaurant concepts not only engage the senses but also create a sense of community and connection among diners. Whether it's through interactive tasting menus, live cooking demonstrations, or themed dining events, hotel restaurants will strive to create experiences that leave a lasting impression.

Smaller hotels are likely to take the lead of larger hotels and increasingly partner with renowned chefs to bring exciting culinary concepts to their guests. A consultant chef or guest chef is not a new thing. But in 2024, they have become foodie stars with large social media followings and can potentially draw large numbers into your dining room.

By staying ahead of the curve and embracing emerging trends, Australian restaurants can continue to thrive and provide memorable dining experiences for years to come.

A Nation Of Vegetarians

On average, every tenth person that walks into your venue is a vegetarian (12% of the Australian population).

That’s very high. By comparison, the UK and USA are about 4%.

The shift towards plant-based and vegan options is not only driven by changing dietary preferences, but also by environmental concerns. As consumers become more aware of the impact of animal agriculture on the environment, they are actively seeking out sustainable and ethical dining options.

Depending on your local demographic, hotels that embrace this trend will be able to stay ahead of the competition. So, prioritise sustainability and ethical sourcing whenever you can.

Pro Tip: Tell your story. Or tell the stories of your suppliers. Why have you expanded your vegetarian or environmentally sustainable menu options? Are you sourcing local and seasonal ingredients, reducing food waste, and implementing energy-efficient technologies?

Have you partnered with local farmers and suppliers to ensure the traceability and quality of ingredients?

Telling stories like these add authenticity to the dining experience. In a world of tweets and micro marketing, people appreciate stories that resonate with their beliefs.

On the other hand, tweets and reviews are important too, so read on.

Insta Dishes

Pro Tip: Make your dishes look good.

Social media has become an influential platform for shaping restaurant trends, with Instagram in particular driving the popularity of visually appealing dishes and unique dining experiences.

This will only grow in the years ahead.

How can you create Instagram-worthy moments for your customers?

From photogenic cocktails to visually stunning desserts, smart venues will create dishes that are not only delicious but also highly shareable. This trend extends to restaurant interiors and décor.

The Impact Of Technology On The Dining Experience

From the moment someone makes a reservation to the time they pay their bill, technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing every aspect of their dining experience.

In addition to improving convenience and efficiency, technology also has the potential to create more personalised dining experiences.

With the help of artificial intelligence (AI), restaurants can analyse customer data to better understand their preferences and tailor their offerings accordingly.

For example, if a customer has a food allergy or dietary restriction, the restaurant can ensure that their menu options are suitable and provide personalised recommendations.

Reviews

Testimonials can be faked – and so can reviews. But when you have 1,000 reviews saying good or bad things about your food and service, it’s hard for isolated trolls to make their attack hit home.

Google Reviews is the number one to dominate. Just ask your staff and they will confirm this.

TripAdvisor is popular, especially with tourists. Instagram is another “go to” site that people of all ages will look at to make an informed decision about where to dine.

Hotel restaurants that actively engage with customers on social media and respond to feedback will be more likely to succeed.

Fusion Cuisine And The Blending Of Culinary Traditions

Nothing new here. Fusion will continue to be a hallmark of Australian cuisine.

Australia's multicultural society has influenced our food choices for decades and in 2024, we can expect to see a continued blending of culinary traditions.

Experiment and see what works for your catchment area.