2026 Restaurant Trends
The National Restaurant Association’s 2026 forecast highlights comfort foods, wellness-forward options, global flavors and value-forward items like smashed burgers as top menu drivers for the year (x.com). Operators leaning into those themes are seeing more foot traffic and catering demand. (x.com)
The National Restaurant Association published the 2026 What’s Hot Culinary Forecast on Nov. 19, 2025, drawing on a survey of roughly 300 culinary professionals conducted in October 2025. (prnewswire.com) The association’s Top 10 overall trends list singles out local sourcing, clear menu labeling, expanded allergen‑friendly options, “cleaner” recipes with fewer additives, and proteins-as-add‑ons as menu priorities for 2026. (restaurant.org) The report names specific rising menu items — including Caribbean curry bowls, elevated instant‑noodle dishes and a continued shift toward low‑ and no‑alcohol beverages — across its dishes and beverage categories. (restaurantnewsresource.com) Menu data show smash burgers are not just a buzz term: Technomic Ignite tracked a 21.9% increase in menu descriptions using “smash” or “smashed” between Q3 2023 and Q3 2024. (nrn.com) Operators are also eyeing catering as a revenue channel: TouchBistro’s State of Restaurants research found about 54% of operators planned to add catering services, making catering a leading growth strategy heading into 2025. (marketingdev.touchbistro.com) Recent trade recognition at the 2026 National Restaurant Association Show — where 28 products won FABI Awards and judges highlighted protein-forward and global-flavor products — echoed the forecast’s emphasis on protein and flavor escapism. (restaurantbusinessonline.com) Major chains and casual brands have been testing smash‑style burgers on menus, with chains such as Chili’s and Sonic among those adding smash items as part of broader menu refreshes. (adage.com)
