2027 Global Restaurant Trends Forecast

“Wave” no longer captures the enormity, breadth and scope of South Korea’s influence upon every aspect of every part of the restaurant world across every part of the globe (and probably in outer space too). Tsunami is the better descriptor for 2027 and beyond. Sound the sirens.

Visuals, textures, sounds and smells will come together to create multisensory experiences that package all aspects of the dining experience into one sip or bite—from fast food and beverage chains to casual dining and gastropubs. Watch for synesthesia as a food and beverage buzzword in 2027.

Look for restaurant chains to feature duck in simple and casual preparations throughout the year, from Asian-inspired duck wings to sliced duck as a pizza topping or sandwich filling. It’s an approachable protein that still has an air of novelty in many markets—primed for the spotlight.

Packaging that adds convenience, novelty and wow factor to accompany on-the-go occasions will proliferate in the global restaurant landscape. Look no further than the sushi push pop—one of the biggest menu trends of 2026—as proof of concept. Snacking cups, pizza slider boxes and walking taco pouches are also helping set the template for what practical, whimsical innovation will look like in the year to come.

Menus have reached peak protein, and many chains are looking to fiber as the next trendy macronutrient. In 2027, the all-in-on-macros movement will solidify into a mass market strategy, but with an increasingly balanced approach. The contradiction of extreme balance is real, because consumers want it all—nutrients in maximalist portions, all at once.

Charcuterie boards are great, but tomorrow’s trendsetting brands will focus on the meat snacks that guests reach for first—the indulgent and the satisfying. Singular indulgences like a cup of crispy pepperoni, a tray of smoky bacon or a pack of umami-rich chicken skins, enjoyed at the counter with a beer or on the go with a soft drink. Packaging and positioning will make winners stand out.

Expect more Italian pasta classics delivered with Asian influence, bringing trend-forward condiments to a category traditionally built on authenticity. Korean, Chinese and Japanese ingredients will lead the way, but there’s room for Thai, Indian and Filipino as well. Expect simple pastas with bold additions like mala, curry, rose sauce and sambal.

From major global fast-food chains to emerging brands across local markets, mascots will reign supreme in restaurant marketing in 2027. Heavyweights will reach deep into their IP vaults for classic mascots—or even invent some new ones—while upstarts build entire concepts off quirky characters. It’s a fun diversion for weary consumers that connects on-brand marketing with limited-edition foods, beverages and merch.

In the era of revamped, refreshed and revitalized beverage lineups, snacks will become a new focus to maximize between-meal occasions. Think elevated, fresh-made sweet and savory bites designed to perfectly complement high-end refreshers, cloud-topped coconut sippers, ube and matcha lattes, dirty sodas and other of-the-moment midday drinks.

2027 is the year of ice, served up in novel forms, presentations and applications. Several factors and fads are driving the trend—from widespread heatwaves and general consumer shifts toward colder beverages, to fashionable DIY ice cups and emerging preparations like dry iced Americanos. Ingredient of the year.

Acquisitions will heat up in 2027 as mature players look to quickly build scale across international markets by adding growth-oriented concepts. Beverage chains—especially trendy tea and coffee brands from Asia—will be particularly attractive to potential buyers.

Heading into 2027, consumers sharply differentiate what feels real and what doesn’t—especially amid the AI boom and generic content saturation. As heritage ingredients like ube and matcha transform into global trends, operators will dig deeper for what feels real to consumers. Packaging with traditional designs and authentic products will further dispel the appearance of inauthenticity.

Kale and cauliflower are proof that hero veggies can go from fad to mainstay in the restaurant world. In 2027, edamame will emerge as the new rising star of the plant-forward movement, boasting proven trend traits like a vibrant color, a balance between healthful and indulgent and an easy source of added protein. From snacks and drinks to salad additions and pizza garnishes, expect endless uses to appear on menus globally in the coming year.

Be it late summer, early autumn or even mid-spring, chains are starting to fully embrace smaller periods before, after and in the middle of the four traditional seasons. Expect more preparation, ingredient and flavor callouts aimed at bridging the gap between colder and hotter weather, with early fall leading the charge.

Murder mystery dinners, tableside torching, roulette themes—fun and slightly edgy elements of danger will become a feature at some brands in the coming year. Expect experiential, engaging and slightly evocative events that bring an element of perceived risk to the everyday dining occasion.