Gen Z emerges as next year’s key dining segment

Dining out increased 17% YoY in 2025.

More Australians believe they will spend more when dining out in 2026, with Gen Z diners leading the way, a report by OpenTable revealed.

In 2025, the report said that there had been an increase of 17% in dining out year-on-year 2025, with average spend increasing 15% YoY.

37% of Aussies think they will spend more on dining out at restaurants in 2026. Out of these, nearly six in 10 Gen Z diners believe that they will be spending more when eating out in 2026 than in 2025, marking their significance as a consumer segment in the next year.

Millennials (29–44) follow closely, with 52% anticipating higher spend next year, ahead of Gen X (45–60) at 38% and Baby Boomers (61–79) at 24%.

In a separate report, YouGov revealed that attracting Gen Z consumers requires a balance between quality and value.

72% of Gen Z consumers are influenced by food quality/ taste. Price consciousness is also prevalent amongst Gen Z, with 65% influenced by how much their meals cost.

Gen Z consumers also look at service quality, location, and type of cuisine.