Food and Beverage Trends

Eating plant-based foods while enjoying live music sparked joy in 2022. And the upcoming year will set the tone for the ultimate restaurant and bar experience.

You can expect restaurant trends for 2023 to lean towards globally-inspired cuisines and comfort food and drinks at their finest, with a particular focus on zero waste and sustainability. 

Want to learn more about it? Read on to get the scoop. 

1. The Rise of South Asian Flavors

According to the National Restaurant Association, Asian flavors will dominate in 2023.

Southeast Asian cuisine will take center stage, so expect traditional fare to be the highlight of your favorite restaurants’ menus. The sweet, spicy, heat-packed, and umami-flavored spices used to create a deep and complex flavor profile will become a staple in every chef’s kitchen. 

For example, the rise of Filipino food in the U.S. cannot be overlooked. 

The search for authentic food experiences has led small pop-up stalls to transition into successful brick-and-mortar restaurants due to the high appeal of such dishes. Restaurants like Abaca and Kasama are set to become the ultimate wine and dine destinations in 2023. So, book a seat of two for you and your best bud in advance.  

2. Globally Inspired Streamlined Menus 

Restaurants have started taking a “less is more” and “quality over quantity” approach, and we’re excited for this development. 

In 2023, you will see more streamlined menus. The limited food options are more desirable for consumers as they decrease decision fatigue. Restaurants can focus on improving the quality of their fare and reducing food waste due to limited inventory.  

3. Enjoying Guilty-Pleasures, Guilt-Free

Expect to unleash your inner child in the upcoming year. According to a report, 46% of restaurants have had success with comfort food. 

Enjoying a bowl of mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, pizza bites, and chocolate milkshakes will no longer be restricted to lazy meals at home. Instead, you’ll rediscover these classics—albeit remixed versions focused on wellness—in comfortable and picturesque establishments.  

4. Which Cocktails Will Be Back in Style? 

You can expect vintage, whimsical, visually-appealing drinks to make a resurgence. They will be based on classics that have stood the test of time, like dirty Shirleys and whiskey sours

If this study is any indication, these timeless beverages may be served with a twist: an infusion of botanical herbs and extracts. It will make them agreeable to many more palates, and the creativity that comes out of it is inspiring. 

Seafood cocktails that embrace oceanic flavors will also be big in 2023. There will be a lot of playing around with briny ingredients to highlight their appeal. Shrimp, raw oyster, crab claws, and even caviar will be surprising garnishes in micheladas, rye vodka, and more. 

You can also expect rich, custardy sweet, savory, salted egg yolk drinks on more menus, as #saltedeggyolk with 12.3M views on TikTok predicts.  

In Conclusion 

Now that you know about the restaurant trends to expect in 2023, it’s time to enhance your menu conceptualizations for the upcoming year. 

This can be challenging and resource-consuming, which is why you need The Restaurant Group in your corner. We provide expert advice and comprehensive solutions to restaurants of all shapes and sizes to ensure success. 

Interested in working with us? Get a free quote today, and we’ll take it from there.