We’ve been having a lot of conversations—with diners, with restaurant teams, and within our own crew—and one thing keeps coming up: the way people dine out is changing. These days, it’s not just about what’s on the plate, but how it got there. Guests want to feel good about what they’re eating, from the ingredients to the impact. And honestly, we’re right there with them.
For restaurant owners and operators, this shift is a big opportunity. It’s no longer an endless loop of chasing trends—although there is certainly still pull to this. It’s connecting with guests who come back because they have the same values, and they feel seen, heard, and taken care of.
This aligns with how we’re seeing more places step up with plant-forward menus, thoughtful drink programs, and transparency that makes people feel confident in their dining choices.
From small cafes to full-service venues, the ones leaning into these changes are creating dining experiences that stick. In this article, we’re sharing some of the healthy restaurant trends we’re loving lately, and why they matter to both your business and your guests.
What are healthy restaurant trends?
When we talk about healthy restaurant trends, we’re not just referring to tossing a few salads onto the menu and calling it a day. It’s about understanding and embracing what today’s diners really want: nutritious, planet-friendly, and mindful dining experiences.
Guests are increasingly paying attention to not just what’s on the plate, but how it got there—and they’re rewarding venues that get it right.
The change wasn’t just about trendy ingredients—it was about responding to what guests truly wanted, and it paid off.
From salad sides to mains center stage, healthy restaurant trends also bring serious upsides:
- Stronger community connections: Sourcing locally and reducing waste builds goodwill with guests and suppliers alike.
- Boosting your brand’s reputation: Diners love to support venues that align with their values—and they’ll tell their friends.
- Protecting your bottom line: Sustainable practices and wellness-forward menus aren’t just good for the planet; they can also improve margins and bring in new, loyal customers.
8 healthy restaurant trends to keep your venue sustainable
From plant-based dishes to wellness-focused dining, embracing these trends can significantly boost a restaurant’s appeal. Here’s why they matter, and how adopting them can help keep your venue both sustainable and profitable.
1. Plant-based menus and alternative diets
We’ve definitely noticed more restaurants stepping up their game when it comes to plant-based, gluten-free, and vegan options—and honestly, we’re here for it. In fact, nearly 48% of US restaurants now offer plant-based dishes, which tracks with what we’ve been seeing on menus lately.
A few years ago, there was a local spot we used to frequent for its burgers and fries. But then they introduced some plant-based options, and we gave them a try. Their jackfruit tacos? Game-changer. We were so impressed by the flavour and how satisfying they were that we started ordering them regularly—even ahead of the classic burger we’d always loved.
From where customers sit, it’s not just about having a couple of plant-based dishes as an afterthought. The key to making them truly standout is using real, minimally processed ingredients like mushrooms, legumes, and fresh, seasonal veggies. When done right, these dishes can be just as hearty and delicious as any traditional option.
One thing that stands out to us, though, is how much of a difference the team makes. If you’re offering plant-based dishes, it’s crucial that your staff knows them inside and out. When the team speaks confidently about these options, it makes a big difference, especially for diners who might be new to plant-based meals.
2. Wellness dining experiences
When customers dine out, they’re not just looking for a meal—they’re seeking a holistic experience. Over the years, we’ve seen more restaurants embrace the concept of wellness dining, going beyond food to create an environment that supports overall well-being.
Customers enjoy dishes featuring immunity-boosting ingredients, adaptogens, and fermented foods—like grain bowls with kimchi or a turmeric latte. But it’s not just about the food; the ambiance plays a huge role, too.
One of our favourite spots really nailed it by revamping their space with natural decor, air-purifying plants, and a focus on low-tox kitchen practices. It wasn’t just the menu that stood out—it was the overall vibe that made us feel like we were nourishing our bodies in every way possible.
For restaurants: Think of wellness as more than just a menu concept. Incorporate it into the entire experience. With natural decor and a mindful atmosphere, you’ll create a more memorable dining experience that brings guests back time and time again.
3. Hyperlocal and seasonal sourcing
Diners have become more mindful of where their food comes from, and they love seeing restaurants that highlight local sourcing.
Many of the venues we work with make a point of showcasing the local farms they work with, and change their menu based on what’s in season. The freshness of the food speaks for itself—it’s clearer, more vibrant, and just tastes better. Plus, customers love knowing that they’re supporting local farmers and reducing the environmental impact of food miles.
If you’re doing this, make sure to highlight your local suppliers. Whether it’s on your menu, website, or social media, sharing the story behind where your food comes from helps build trust and adds authenticity to your brand.
4. Ingredient transparency and clean labeling
Health-conscious diners are becoming serious label readers. Studies show 62% of consumers now inspect ingredient lists carefully. It’s no surprise, really. More customers want to know what’s in their food, where it’s coming from, and how it was prepared.
We’ve definitely noticed more restaurants stepping up their game when it comes to transparency around ingredients, sourcing, and prep methods—and honestly, customers see it too.
Clear labeling of allergens, organic ingredients, GMO-free options, and locally sourced dishes makes a huge difference in building trust. It’s reassuring when they can make informed choices that align with their personal values.
One venue we know of even goes the extra mile with QR codes on their menus that link directly to detailed ingredient stories and nutritional info. It’s a small touch, but it makes customers feel more connected, and that’s the kind of transparency diners crave.
5. Low-waste, sustainable kitchens
Sustainability isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s also about how restaurants manage waste. Eco-conscious diners are paying closer attention to how their favourite spots handle food waste, packaging, and sustainable practices.
From nose-to-tail and root-to-stem cooking to composting and zero-waste cocktails, there’s a growing trend of restaurants using every part of the ingredient and finding creative ways to minimize waste. It’s impressive when a place makes sustainability a core part of their kitchen operations.
We’re all familiar with the whole BYOC (Bring Your Own Cup) idea these days, but it’s always great to see restaurants embracing it in creative ways. It’s a simple gesture, but it goes a long way in cutting down on single-use plastics—and it definitely makes guests feel good about their dining choices.
6. Plant-based proteins that go beyond alternative meat
Over the past few years, we’ve seen a real shift in the types of plant-based proteins available at restaurants. While we all may still go for the occasional Beyond Meat burger, diners also had the pleasure of tasting more innovative substitutes like jackfruit, mushrooms, tofu, and tempeh.
What customers love about these new options is that they feel more authentic and less like a “substitute” for meat. We’ve also had dishes featuring tofu as the main protein, and the flavour and texture were so good that we honestly didn’t miss the meat.
7. Tech for health-conscious convenience
We’ve seen how tech has really shifted the dining experience for those of us who are more mindful about what we’re eating—and how restaurants that embrace it are seeing great results.
Features like contactless ordering, customizable menus with health-conscious filters, and integrated nutritional info have moved from being “nice-to-haves” to being expected by many guests. Take one of our favorite lunch spots, for example: they recently added an allergen filter to their ordering system, and it made such a difference. No more awkward questions or guesswork—we could easily choose meals without any worries.
We’ve also noticed more restaurants getting creative with their takeout and delivery packaging. While it might seem like a small detail, using compostable containers or offering discounts for bringing our own makes customers feel like you care about the bigger picture—and that’s a win.
Now Book It helps make this process even smoother for everyone. From booking a table to pre-selecting dietary preferences or viewing health-focused menu options ahead of time, it’s an experience that makes healthy dining feel effortless. It’s not just about offering healthy choices—it’s about making the entire experience stress-free and seamless for the guest.
8. Mindful beverage lists
As a team that works closely with venues across the industry—and also happens to enjoy a great meal out—we’ve definitely noticed ourselves gravitating toward places with low-ABV options, kombucha on tap, and creative, booze-free cocktails. It’s been refreshing (in more ways than one) to see restaurants treat these drinks with the same level of care and creativity as traditional cocktails.
And it turns out, we’re not the only ones. A recent poll of 1,000 New Zealanders in October 2024 found that 55%—up from 49% in 2021—are now drinking low-alcohol beverages at least some of the time. Plus, according to Stats NZ, beer, wine, and spirits consumption per capita has hit an all-time low, dropping 5% in the past year and following a 12% decline in 2022. From what we see (and sip), this trend isn’t slowing down.
We still talk about a team dinner where the star of the night wasn’t the entrée—it was a house-made botanical soda with local herbs and citrus. It was light, bright, and made us feel like we were indulging without the sluggish aftermath. More spots are leaning into this, and we can’t get enough.
From an industry lens, these kinds of drinks don’t just appeal to the sober-curious crowd—they also create an easy upsell for guests like us who want something a little special without the booze. And when these drinks are tied to local producers or crafted in-house, they become a conversation starter—and a reason to come back.
How to start incorporating healthy trends at your restaurant
Adding healthy trends to your menu doesn’t need to be overwhelming. In fact, some of the most successful rollouts we’ve observed started small and stayed true to the venue’s existing vibe.
Start small, and stay authentic
One of our partner venues introduced just two plant-based dishes and a wellness-focused drink. They didn’t overhaul the entire menu, but those few options quickly became guest favorites. It’s proof that diners can tell when changes are made thoughtfully, not just to follow a trend.
Listen to your guests
When we dive into reservation data, one thing’s clear—guests are vocal about what they want. Using feedback from surveys, past orders, and even servers’ insights lets you test out new items before fully committing. Guests love being part of the process.
Train your team
Staff confidence really makes a difference. As a restaurant owner, you’ve probably seen how a well-informed team can turn a new wellness dish into a guest favorite. One venue we work with started doing quick pre-shift tastings so the staff could speak genuinely and knowledgeably about each new item—and it paid off. Guests picked up on the enthusiasm, and those dishes quickly became top sellers.
Collab with local partners
Local sourcing is a big win. We’ve worked with venues that proudly feature partnerships with nearby farms, brewers, or wellness brands—and their guests love it. Plus, it makes for great storytelling across your website, menu, and social media.
Leverage tech
Tech can really help showcase your health-focused efforts. From digital menus with allergen filters to QR codes linking to ingredient stories, or loyalty perks for choosing eco-friendly dishes. These features not only enhance the guest experience but make your team’s job easier, too.
Promote it!
Lastly, if you’re rolling out healthy trends, make sure guests know about them. Venues that promote new offerings across their website, social media, and in the restaurant tend to see the most success.
Make your venue sustainable for you, and your diners
We’ve had the chance to visit some truly standout venues—places where the food is thoughtfully sourced, the experience feels intentional, and you can tell the team genuinely cares. Those are the spots that stick with guests. They’re where people celebrate milestones, bring their friends, or just unwind on a random Tuesday.
From what we see in the industry every day, this shift isn’t just good for diners, it’s great for business. And it doesn’t stop at the menu. The way guests book, interact, and stay connected with your venue matters too.
If you’re running a venue, it’s a great time to explore how these shifts can fit your business. From the food to the service to how guests book and return again, it all adds up to creating a spot people like us want to keep coming back to.
Now Book It makes that whole journey feel seamless—from the first reservation to building those regulars who feel like part of the family.
