What’s Next for Plant-Based Dining? Top Restaurant Trends 2025
What’s new in plant-based restaurants? Here’s what to expect in 2025.
Tessa ZuluagaAuthor
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| Built for RestaurantsPlant-based dining isn’t a new concept in 2025. New York City alone is home to 122 fully vegan establishments. However, as this dietary preference continues to grow in popularity, trends have started to emerge. While the early 2020s saw a surge in fully vegan establishments, the current trend reflects a more diverse approach to plant-based menus.
This article delves into the key trends shaping plant-based restaurants today. Let’s get into it.
The state of plant-based dining
In 2024, the plant-based food market reached $8.1 billion, signaling just how mainstream alternative dining has become. Restaurants are expanding their menus well beyond basic veggie burgers to include globally inspired dishes, plant-based proteins, and creative vegetable-forward entrees that appeal to every type of diner.
This shift is driven by health-conscious consumers and sustainability-driven diners who are pushing operators to innovate with both flavor and presentation while maintaining transparent sourcing. Dairy alternatives have seen the strongest adoption, with plant-based milk becoming a staple in homes, coffee shops, and restaurant beverage programs alike. Today, oat and almond milk can be found on almost every coffee shop menu.
Top plant-based restaurant trends in 2025
1. Dual-menus
The initial wave of plant-based dining was characterized by a commitment to veganism as a moral and environmental imperative. However, as consumer preferences have evolved, many restaurants are rethinking this approach.
Eleven Madison Park in New York City, a Michelin-starred restaurant, made headlines by reintroducing meat and seafood to its menu after a four-year period as a fully vegan establishment. Chef Daniel Humm cited the need for inclusivity and financial sustainability as primary reasons for this shift, acknowledging that the exclusive vegan menu had unintentionally alienated some guests and impacted business, particularly in private bookings and wine sales.
This move reflects a broader trend in the industry where restaurants are adopting dual-menu systems, offering both plant-based and traditional options to cater to a wider audience. This approach allows establishments to maintain their commitment to plant-based cuisine while also appealing to diners with varying dietary preferences.
2. Embracing whole-plant ingredients
A significant shift in the plant-based sector is the movement towards using whole-plant ingredients in menu offerings. Consumers are increasingly seeking natural, minimally processed foods, and restaurants are responding by incorporating ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, quinoa, and seasonal vegetables into their dishes.
Bonberi Mart is a plant-based convenience store located in New York City. Please look at that chickpea tuna melt! C’mon now!
This trend aligns with the "Rethinking Plants" movement, which emphasizes authenticity and simplicity in plant-based cooking. By focusing on whole-plant ingredients, restaurants not only meet consumer demand for cleaner labels but also enhance the nutritional value and flavor profiles of their dishes.
3. Diversifying plant-based proteins
The diversification of plant-based proteins is another notable trend in 2025. While soy protein was once the dominant choice for meat substitutes, alternatives like pea, lentil, chickpea, and bean proteins are gaining popularity due to their versatility and nutritional benefits. These proteins are being used in a variety of applications, from burgers and sausages to dairy-free cheeses and yogurts.
Superiority Burger does a lot of things right. Their burger happens to be one of them. It’s shaped from ground chickpeas, red quinoa, roasted carrots and walnuts, and a few other ingredients.
4. Incorporating global flavors
Plant-based restaurants are increasingly drawing inspiration from global cuisines to create diverse and exciting menus. Latin American, Middle Eastern, and Asian flavors are being infused into plant-based dishes, offering bold and authentic tastes that appeal to adventurous diners.
For instance, Latin-inspired plant-based chorizo and tacos are gaining popularity, while Middle Eastern spices like za'atar and harissa are appearing in plant-based snacks and dishes. Asian influences are also evident in the use of umami-rich ingredients like miso and fermented soy products.
Beyond Sushi is a vegan restaurant that offers inventive sushi and globally inspired cuisine. It’s a great spot if you’re craving sushi but want more options than a sweet potato roll.
5. Focusing on health and wellness
Health and wellness concerns can be a motivator for consumers to join the plant-based diet bandwagon. Restaurants are responding by offering menu items that are not only plant-based but also fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, such as B12, calcium, and vitamin D. Additionally, probiotic-rich options like plant-based yogurts and fermented foods are gaining popularity due to their benefits for gut health.
Happier Grocery’s iconic beverage bar features many drinks with added benefits, such as this Coffee Bean Collagen Whip Cold Brew.
6. Plant-based desserts
When dining out, no one should have to skip dessert. Restaurants have been getting extra creative with plant-based and gluten-free desserts, discovering that dairy-free and egg-free confections can rival traditional desserts in both taste and presentation. This plant-based dessert revolution is transforming restaurant menus as chefs unlock new creative possibilities beyond conventional ingredients.
Check out this beautiful vegan, gluten-free Tiramisu from Soda Club in New York City.
Leading establishments are also embracing innovative ingredients like aquafaba (chickpea liquid) for creating silky mousses and perfect meringues, cashew cream for rich cheesecakes, and coconut milk for decadent ice creams.
Plant-based is growing 🌱
The plant-based restaurant trends of 2025 reflect a dynamic and adaptive industry that is responding to consumer demands for inclusivity, authenticity, and innovation. By reimagining plant-based dining, restaurants can position themselves for success in the evolving culinary landscape.
As the plant-based movement continues to grow, it is clear that the future of dining is not about rigid ideologies but about offering delicious and sustainable options that cater to a wide range of preferences and values. Get your veggies in!
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