On the tail end of a year with increased dining, research indicates most Americans expect to spend even more on eating out in 2026, with technology like artificial intelligence and meal delivery anticipated to play an even larger role in the year to come.
Americans are predicted to dine out an average of 10 times each month, according to OpenTable data and consumer research referenced in a Nov. 18 press release.
The 29-44 age range is reported to lead the way, dining out 14 times monthly, followed by Gen X and Gen Z consumers with 12 and 11 monthly dining occasions, respectively. Baby Boomers, ages 61-79, bring down the overall average with just four dining-out occurrences per month.
“As we head into 2026, there’s good news for the restaurant industry: our new research shows that people continue to make room in their lives and budgets for dining out,” Debby Soo, CEO of OpenTable, said in a statement. “While we’re seeing diners seek out value and experiences that feel authentic and worth it, the desire for genuine, in-person connection over great food is as strong as ever. Dining out isn’t just about the meal, it’s about community, and that remains core to American life.”
Tech
From AI-powered order assistants to online delivery, 2026 forecasts anticipate technology will deepen its impact on American dining habits in the coming year.
Nearly 45 percent of Americans plan to increase their use of AI to discover restaurants and book reservations next year, according to consumer data shared by OpenTable.
While millennials are expected to be the most frequent diners in 2026, they are also the most likely generation to consider a restaurant’s social media-worthiness when deciding where to eat, with 79 percent agreeing it is an important factor.
On the delivery front, revenue from online food delivery is projected at $1.4 trillion for 2025, with expected growth just north of 7.6 percent for the remainder of the decade, according to data from Statista. Grocery delivery shows projected revenue growth of 12.4 percent in 2026.
Taste
Americans will simultaneously crave both new culinary experiences and classic flavors next year, according to the National Restaurant Association’s 2026 What’s Hot Culinary Forecast.
The NRA forecast cites comfort foods and local sourcing as top trends in the new year. Smash burgers, in particular, have reemerged as social media stars and may strike the sweet spot for many Americans thanks to their retro appeal and significant room for customization.
“Comfort and value are the twin pillars shaping America’s menus right now,” Chad Moutray, the NRA’s chief economist, said in a statement. “Consumers are seeking meals that deliver joy and familiarity without breaking the bank, and operators are meeting that ask with creative takes on comfort classics and sourcing local ingredients that make healthy choices easy.”
OpenTable reported matcha, hand rolls, seaweed, spicy rigatoni and Basque cheesecake as trending dishes that may offer a glimpse of what consumers will fancy in 2026. Consumer research also found nostalgic dishes like chicken pot pie and meatloaf as dishes Americans will want to see next year.
Other trends
Forecasts predict 2026 will be another year of protein add-ons and value menus, as macronutrient information and affordability remain important factors for many Americans deciding what to eat next.
Although OpenTable reported that 55 percent of Americans expect to grow their dining budgets next year, 61 percent say dining out will feel like more of a special occasion than an everyday habit. This could be a factor behind the 13 percent year-over-year growth of “happy hour” dining between 4-5 p.m. in 2025. Similarly, group dining is up 11 percent, and four out of 10 consumers reported they would rather eat with a group than alone.
The NRA predicted that protein add-ons will continue to hold sway over Americans in 2026, and “cleaner” recipes with fewer additives and dyes will catch the eye of consumers who prioritize ingredient transparency and less-processed options.
