There’s truly nothing like sharing a delicious meal with good friends at a vibrant restaurant. This past year saw many new dining trends emerge, from the rise of the espresso martini to the resurgence of the communal table.
OpenTable, a global leader in restaurant technology, has had its finger on the pulse and has identified the trends that defined the Canadian dining scene this year based on dining data and consumer research.
These trends are based on an analysis of aggregated, anonymized data from OpenTable customers over the past year. You can find a full methodology of OpenTable Dining Data and Consumer research here.
Now, pull up a chair and tuck in! Warning: this story might induce cravings for delicious meals or last-minute reservations.
The more the merrier
Canadians are social butterflies, apparently. According to OpenTable, group dining parties of six or more people saw an increase year-over-year, rising by 28 per cent. The trend of large parties is expected to continue, with OpenTable’s consumer research revealing that 26 per cent of Canadians would like to see more group and private dining in 2026.
“With 70 per cent of Canadians sharing that dining out is a way for them to feel connected to others, we want to continue finding ways to meet our diner’s needs,” said OpenTable Canada’s Senior Country Director, Matt Davis.
Additionally, over a third of Canadians polled said they’d prefer group dining over solo dining. For those looking for the perfect setting to connect with friends over the holidays and beyond, OpenTable recently released its Top 100 Restaurants of 2025 in Canada list, including group dining hot spots such as Lee Restaurant, Osteria Giulia, and Amal Restaurant.
To make it easy as pie, you can use OpenTable’s all-in-one marketplace for private and group dining to browse dining rooms, semi-private spaces, and large tables — and check out restaurant details like menus, capacity, and ambiance.
Happy hour reigns supreme
Happy hours across the country, specifically dining from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., saw a 30 per cent increase since the year prior, according to OpenTable data.
The experts at OpenTable suggest this stat indicates diners prefer earlier nights and more bang for their buck. Moreover, 42 per cent of Canadians would like to see more happy hour and value promotions in 2026.
Looking for a great spot to post up for a happy hour deal? Prime spots on OpenTable’s top list include The Chase with Friday half-price bubbles and oysters.
Menu matters
The menu trends for 2025 showed important insights into what we actually eat. Beloved cuisines are becoming even more popular — OpenTable reported a 68 per cent dining increase for Asian cuisine and a 52 per cent dining increase for Greek cuisine year-over-year.
Top restaurants that offer Asian cuisine include Sunnys Chinese and DaiLo, with Mamakas Taverna offering some of the best Greek eats in the city.
Nostalgia is also on the menu, with Canadians indicating they are craving cozy classics like grilled cheese, apple pie, and chicken pot pie. Have you tried Aloette’s Apple Pie Sunday? Delicious!
When it comes to drinks, trending keywords from OpenTable diner reviews showed a 58 per cent increase in ‘spritz’ year-over-year. And the ever-popular espresso martini? That saw an increase of 38 per cent year-over-year.
Counter culture
Restaurant design is proving to be an important aspect to Canadian diners — there was a 78 per cent increase in countertop dining, year-over-year.
Why? OpenTable suggests these seats offer a front-row view of the kitchen action, while making it easier for solo diners to strike up a conversation and feel part of the buzz.
If this sounds like the type of dining experience you’re looking for, check out Grey Gardens for great front row views.
Rise of Gen Z
Gen Z is leading the evolution of the Canadian dining scene, emerging as true industry drivers.
OpenTable found that 60 per cent plan to dine out more in 2026, while 50 per cent have designated restaurants, cafés, bars, and pubs that they call their “third place” beyond home and work.
What’s on the menu for 2026
Hungry for more? Next year is looking even more pleasing for diners, with 39 per cent of Canadians thinking they will spend more on dining at restaurants.
When it comes to the type of dining, it’s not just about the food — people are craving an experience. According to the research, 25 per cent of Canadians would like to see more experiential dining in 2026, while 32 per cent said they are more likely to dine at a restaurant when it’s hosting a pop-up, collab, or special event.
Make your own dining trends with OpenTable
What will 2026 have in store for you? If you’re looking to discover new places to eat or book the perfect private event or group dinner, OpenTable is the ultimate tool for planning.
Visit OpenTable to learn more and get hungry for 2026.
