Menu trends to watch
Restaurants are tilting toward comfort, wellness and value in 2026 — expect nostalgic favorites, global flavors and smashed burgers to dominate menus according to the NRA’s What's Hot forecast ( ). The trend thread also highlights operators balancing indulgence with healthier options as diners chase both familiarity and better‑for‑you choices (x.com).
The National Restaurant Association released its 2026 What’s Hot Culinary Forecast on Nov. 19, 2025, drawing on a survey of “hundreds of culinary professionals” conducted in October 2025. (restaurant.org) The forecast’s Top 5 dishes for 2026 are listed as smashed burgers, elevated instant noodles, Caribbean curry bowls, smoothie bowls and miso‑glazed proteins. (go.restaurant.org) The report’s Top 10 overall trends include local sourcing, value menus and options, clear menu labeling, allergen‑friendly menus and global comfort foods among other items. (go.restaurant.org) The forecast calls out smashed burgers as a social‑media‑driven revival and cites operator experiments such as smashed‑burger tacos as examples of how restaurants are riffing on the format. (go.restaurant.org) The document identifies protein as a leading ingredient trend — noting chefs are adding protein to unexpected items “from your coffee to your pancakes” — and highlights rising interest in low‑alcohol drinks and cleaner recipes. (go.restaurant.org) Industry signal: the National Restaurant Association Show’s 2026 FABI Awards named 28 product winners and 10 “FABI Favorites,” with judges calling out protein‑forward items, global flavors and textural innovation that mirror the forecast’s themes. (restaurantbusinessonline.com)
