Shared tables, value dining and a retro revival: 2026 dining trends revealed

OpenTable, a global leader in restaurant technology, has revealed its annual Top 100 Restaurants in the UK list alongside its 2026 dining trends. With dining in the UK up 4% year-over-year (YoY) in 2025, and Brits set to dine out on average six times a month in 2026, dining out is on the menu for the year ahead and restaurants are front and centre. Gen Z are particularly enthusiastic, planning to dine out nine times a month, second only to Millennials at ten.

The dining trends that shaped 2025 and what’s on the menu for 2026, based on OpenTable data and consumer research:

The more the merrier: Almost half of diners (44%) say they’d prefer eating with others over going solo in 2026. Group dining also grew by 5% in 2025 YoY, with the most popular days for group dining on Mother’s Day weekend and major sporting events, including rugby matches.* Looking ahead, the appetite for togetherness shows no sign of slowing down, with more than a third (36%) of Brits wanting to see more group and private dining in 2026. OpenTable’s new private and group dining marketplace is helping to make those shared moments even easier to plan and enjoy.

Happy hour and strategic spenders: Brits are also adjusting how and when they dine. In 2025, dining between 4pm–5pm rose by 6% YoY. When it comes to spending, nearly half (49%) of Brits plan to spend more on dining out in 2026 vs 2025, rising to 70% of Gen Z and Millennials. Despite this, 54% of Brits want to see more happy hours and value promotions in 2026.

“Dining has become about far more than what’s on the plate this year. It’s about connection and creating unforgettable moments together, with new research showing that 79% of Brits say eating out helps them feel more connected to others,” said Sasha Shaker, Senior Director at OpenTable in the UK and Ireland. “With Brits set to dine out six times a month on average in 2026, we’re confident that restaurants will remain at the heart of the UK’s social scene in the year ahead.**”

Bold flavours and retro favourites: When it comes to taste, 2026 is shaping up to be a year that blends global cuisines with nostalgia. Mediterranean (+35%), Greek (+27%) and Contemporary Asian (+21%) cuisines saw the biggest YoY dining increases in 2025, reflecting a growing appetite for bold, vibrant flavours.* However, nostalgia is also making a comeback, with Gen Z diners championing retro comfort classics like Bangers and Mash and Prawn Cocktail as dishes they’d love to see on menus of restaurants in 2026.

One of the most surprising food trends for next year? Sharing plates are becoming less popular as 56% of Brits prefer individual servings. Brits expect to see fried chicken, gourmet burgers, protein-packed dishes, and espresso-based drinks taking centre stage in 2026.

Top 100 Restaurants in the UK for 2025 list

OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants in the UK 2025 list is here to inspire diners where to eat next and to highlight industry dining trends. The list is compiled by analysing more than 780,000 diner reviews, ratings, reservation demand and percentage of five-star reviews among other factors, featuring a list of restaurants perfect for any occasion.

Sasha said: “From exciting new names like Nina in London to much-loved local favourites such as Opheem in Birmingham and Higher Ground in Manchester, the list celebrates the fantastic spots that the UK has to offer. Whether diners are after a happy hour menu, a certain cuisine type or spot for group dining, there’s a place to match every taste and occasion.”

The complete Top 100 Restaurants in the UK for 2025 list can be found here as well as below (listed in alphabetical order by area):

Aberdeen