Dining out in the US is hitting numbers that barely resemble the pre pandemic rhythm. By 2023, 57% of Americans reported eating out at least once a week, up from 52% in 2022, and the shakeup shows up differently across age groups, cuisines, and even where food gets sourced. Let’s unpack the dataset behind the meal choices, including what changed during holidays and how delivery, ghost kitchens, and plant based menus are reshaping demand.
Key Takeaways
- 35% of U.S. adults aged 18-34 dine out more than at home weekly 2023 demographics
- Households with children under 12 spent 25% more on dining out $5,200 annual avg 2023
- African American consumers preferred soul food 28% higher frequency 2023 U.S.
- U.S. restaurants employed 15.9 million workers in 2023, 10% workforce
- Restaurant sales contributed $2.6 trillion to U.S. GDP including multipliers 2023
- Industry added 500,000 jobs net in 2023 post-recovery hiring
- In 2023, 57% of U.S. consumers reported dining out at least once per week, up from 52% in 2022 due to post-pandemic recovery
- Globally, the average person dines out 4.2 times per month in urban areas, compared to 2.1 times in rural regions according to 2022 data
- 68% of millennials dine out weekly, preferring casual dining over fine dining by a 3:1 ratio in 2023 surveys
- U.S. restaurant industry to grow at 4.2% CAGR to $1.5 trillion by 2028
- Delivery market projected to reach 25% of total sales by 2027 U.S.
- Ghost kitchens to comprise 15% of urban outlets by 2025 globally
- Italian cuisine accounted for 14% of U.S. dining out visits in 2023 with 1.2 billion occasions
- Burgers remained top dish at 22% of quick-service orders, 2.5 billion servings U.S. 2023
- Asian fusion grew 15% in popularity, 12% of full-service menus 2023 U.S.
Weekly dining out is rising fast, driven by strong sales growth, big employment, and expanding delivery and plant based menus.
Related reading
01 · Category
Demographic Differences28 stats
01
35% of U.S. adults aged 18-34 dine out more than at home weekly 2023 demographics
02
Households with children under 12 spent 25% more on dining out $5,200 annual avg 2023
03
African American consumers preferred soul food 28% higher frequency 2023 U.S.
04
Baby boomers (55+) favored early bird specials 40% of their visits before 6pm 2023
05
Urban Hispanics dined out 5.2 times/month vs 3.8 rural 2023 U.S.
06
Women accounted for 54% of fine dining reservations U.S. 2023
07
Gen Z (18-24) 62% used apps for dining decisions daily 2023
08
Low-income (<$50k) prioritized QSR 68% of outings 2023 U.S.
09
Asian Americans chose ethnic cuisine 45% more often 2023 stats
10
Single adults dined out solo 22% of time vs 8% families 2023 U.S.
11
Retirees spent 15% budget on dining out highest per capita $3,900 2023
12
LGBTQ+ diners sought inclusive menus 30% higher priority 2023 survey
13
College-educated consumers tried new cuisines 2x more 2023 U.S.
14
Rural vs urban gap 2.1 vs 4.9 outings/month 2023 America
15
Men under 30 preferred sports bars 35% visits 2023 demographics
16
Empty nesters increased luxury dining 18% post-kids 2023
17
Veterans favored American comfort food 25% preference 2023
18
High school only education group QSR dominant 72% 2023
19
Married couples dined out date nights 1.8 times/month avg 2023
20
Immigrants (1st gen) ethnic restos 55% choice 2023 U.S.
21
Overweight adults dined out 12% less health-conscious 2023
22
Tech workers Silicon Valley 6.1 outings/week lunch heavy 2023
23
Stay-at-home parents family dining 28% higher frequency 2023
24
Upper middle class ($75-150k) diverse cuisines 40% tries 2023
25
Elderly women brunch 32% preference over dinner 2023
26
Blue-collar workers fast food 65% daily 2023 shifts
27
Students international food 38% vs 22% non-students 2023
28
Remote professionals coffee shops 4x week 2023 habits
Interpretation
Demographic Differences Interpretation
Demographic differences strongly shape dining out habits, from 35% of adults aged 18 to 34 eating out weekly to higher spending and distinct preferences like households with children under 12 spending 25% more and baby boomers making 40% of visits before 6pm.
02 · Category
Economic Impact29 stats
01
U.S. restaurants employed 15.9 million workers in 2023, 10% workforce
02
Restaurant sales contributed $2.6 trillion to U.S. GDP including multipliers 2023
03
Industry added 500,000 jobs net in 2023 post-recovery hiring
04
Supplier purchases by restaurants $350 billion annually U.S. ag link 2023
05
Taxes paid by industry $200 billion federal/state/local 2023 U.S.
06
Average restaurant wage $18.50/hour including tips 2023 U.S.
07
Small independents 90% outlets generate 40% sales $440 billion 2023
08
Tourism dining spend $150 billion U.S. hotels/restos linked 2023
09
Export ripple from U.S. chains $50 billion global 2023
10
Inflation hit margins 5.2% food costs up 2023 challenges
11
Chains vs indies profitability 8% vs 4% net margins 2023 U.S.
12
Pandemic loans repaid 70% restaurants survival boost 2023
13
Labor turnover 120% annual rate cost $20 billion training 2023
14
Real estate leases 15% operating costs avg $300k/year 2023
15
Bankruptcy filings down 40% to 1,200 restos recovery 2023
16
Franchise growth 2.5% units added 25,000 jobs 2023 U.S.
17
Energy costs up 12% $40 billion total utilities 2023 restos
18
Philanthropy by chains $1.2 billion donations 2023 community
19
Supply chain disruptions cost $15 billion delays 2023
20
Overtime pay surged 18% $10 billion labor premium 2023
21
Independent survival rate 85% post-2023 vs chains 92%
22
Alcohol sales tax revenue $25 billion state/local 2023 U.S.
23
Equipment investments $30 billion capex modernization 2023
24
Insurance premiums rose 10% $12 billion total 2023 risks
25
Marketing digital spend $18 billion ROI 4:1 2023 restos
26
Multiplier effect every $1sales generates $3 economy 2023
27
Female ownership 48% independents revenue $200 billion 2023
28
Veteran-owned restos 8% outlets 150k jobs supported 2023
29
Rural restaurants 25% employment local economies 2023
Interpretation
Economic Impact Interpretation
In 2023, U.S. dining out had a major economic footprint with restaurants employing 15.9 million workers and generating $2.6 trillion in GDP with multipliers, while also supporting supply-chain spending of $350 billion and $200 billion in taxes.
03 · Category
Frequency Of Dining Out30 stats
01
In 2023, 57% of U.S. consumers reported dining out at least once per week, up from 52% in 2022 due to post-pandemic recovery
02
Globally, the average person dines out 4.2 times per month in urban areas, compared to 2.1 times in rural regions according to 2022 data
03
68% of millennials dine out weekly, preferring casual dining over fine dining by a 3:1 ratio in 2023 surveys
04
During 2023 holidays, dining out frequency spiked 28% on average for family gatherings in the U.S.
05
In Europe, 41% of consumers aged 25-34 eat out 5+ times monthly, driven by delivery apps, per 2023 Euromonitor data
06
U.S. full-service restaurant visits averaged 3.8 per consumer monthly in Q4 2023
07
72% of Gen Z dines out or orders delivery 4+ times weekly, blending both categories in 2023
08
In Asia-Pacific, urban diners averaged 6.5 outings per month in 2023, led by China at 7.2
09
Post-COVID, U.S. quick-service visits rose to 5.1 per month per capita in 2023
10
49% of U.S. households dined out 2-3 times weekly in 2023, correlating with dual-income families
11
UK consumers dined out 3.4 times monthly on average in 2023, with London at 4.8
12
In 2023, 61% of parents with young children dined out weekly for family meals
13
Brazil saw a 15% YoY increase in dining out frequency to 4.1 times/month in urban centers 2023
14
55% of U.S. seniors over 65 dined out 1-2 times weekly in 2023, preferring breakfast spots
15
Australia reported average 4.7 dining out occasions per month per adult in 2023
16
In 2023, remote workers dined out 22% more frequently than office workers at 4.3 times/month
17
Canada averaged 3.9 dining visits per consumer monthly in 2023, highest in Toronto at 4.5
18
64% of U.S. women dine out weekly vs 59% men in 2023 gender breakdown
19
India urban diners hit 5.8 outings/month in 2023, boosted by tier-2 cities growth
20
In 2023, 47% of U.S. consumers dined out for lunch daily on weekdays
21
Mexico City residents dined out 6.2 times/month avg in 2023
22
52% of U.S. college students dine out 3+ times weekly in 2023
23
South Africa saw 3.2 avg monthly outings per urban consumer in 2023
24
In 2023, evening dining out peaked at 67% of total visits in U.S. metros
25
France averaged 4.0 bistro visits per person monthly in Paris 2023
26
59% of U.S. high-income earners ($100k+) dine out 4+ times weekly 2023
27
Japan Tokyo diners averaged 7.1 outings/month in 2023 sushi-focused
28
45% of U.S. low-income households dined out weekly despite inflation 2023
29
Germany averaged 3.6 beer garden visits per month in Bavaria 2023
30
In 2023, U.S. average annual dining out occasions per capita reached 48.2
Interpretation
Frequency Of Dining Out Interpretation
For the frequency of dining out, the data shows dining is becoming more regular as 57% of U.S. consumers now eat out at least once per week in 2023, up from 52% in 2022, with U.S. full service visits averaging 3.8 times per consumer monthly in Q4 2023.
More related reading
04 · Category
Industry Trends And Projections29 stats
01
U.S. restaurant industry to grow at 4.2% CAGR to $1.5 trillion by 2028
02
Delivery market projected to reach 25% of total sales by 2027 U.S.
03
Ghost kitchens to comprise 15% of urban outlets by 2025 globally
04
Plant-based menu items to double to 30% penetration by 2026 U.S.
05
AI personalization in ordering to boost sales 12% by 2025 restaurants
06
Sustainability certifications to cover 40% chains by 2030 goal
07
Contactless payments to hit 70% transactions by 2024 post-COVID
08
Experiential dining events up 20% annually to 2027 luxury segment
09
Labor shortages to ease with automation 25% staff reduction by 2028
10
Global vegan dining market $50 billion by 2026 CAGR 12%
11
Off-premise channels 30% sales permanent shift by 2025 U.S.
12
Microbrewery attachments to grow 15% in casual dining by 2026
13
Health-focused menus 50% standard by 2027 calorie labeling
14
Virtual restaurants 10,000+ U.S. by 2025 platform-driven
15
Subscription meal kits hybrid with dining 8% market by 2026
16
Regional cuisines global fusion 25% menus by 2028 trend
17
Robot servers in 20% Asian outlets by 2025 efficiency
18
Zero-waste kitchens 35% upscale by 2030 sustainability
19
Voice ordering via Alexa/Google 15% orders by 2026 U.S.
20
Pop-up collaborations 40% annual events by 2027 marketing
21
Personalized nutrition apps integrate 18% loyalty by 2025
22
Drive-thru innovations 50% QSR upgrade by 2026 tech
23
Inclusive menus for allergies 60% compliance by 2028
24
AR menu visualization 25% adoption fine dining 2027
25
Local sourcing 70% chains commitment by 2030 supply chain
26
Metaverse dining experiences pilot 5% luxury by 2028
27
Dynamic pricing models 12% revenue lift by 2026 software
28
Elderly-friendly designs 30% outlets by 2030 aging pop
29
Crypto payments niche 3% high-end by 2027 blockchain
Interpretation
Industry Trends And Projections Interpretation
Industry Trends And Projections point to a reshaped U.S. dining landscape where restaurant revenue is expected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2028 with delivery climbing to 25% of sales by 2027 and plant based options doubling to 30% penetration by 2026.
05 · Category
Popular Cuisines And Dishes30 stats
01
Italian cuisine accounted for 14% of U.S. dining out visits in 2023 with 1.2 billion occasions
02
Burgers remained top dish at 22% of quick-service orders, 2.5 billion servings U.S. 2023
03
Asian fusion grew 15% in popularity, 12% of full-service menus 2023 U.S.
04
Mexican food visits hit 1.8 billion in U.S. 2023, tacos leading at 28%
05
Seafood dishes ordered 450 million times in U.S. casual dining 2023
06
Pizza dominated delivery at 37% share, $22 billion sales U.S. 2023
07
Plant-based options surged 21% in orders to 15% of entrees 2023 U.S.
08
American classics like steak 11% of fine dining, 120 million plates 2023
09
Sushi rolls consumed 800 million units in U.S. 2023, California leading
10
Indian cuisine grew 18% to 8% market share U.S. urban areas 2023
11
Chicken dishes topped entrees at 29% of all orders 2.9 billion U.S. 2023
12
Mediterranean salads up 25% in fast casual, 300 million servings 2023
13
BBQ ribs sales 150 million pounds served U.S. restaurants 2023
14
Thai food visits 450 million globally, pad thai #1 dish 2023
15
Pasta dishes 1.1 billion bowls U.S. Italian spots 2023
16
Vegan burgers sold 120 million in U.S. QSR 2023 growth 30%
17
French pastries ordered 250 million times breakfast U.S. 2023
18
Greek yogurt bowls 180 million in casual dining 2023 health trend
19
Chinese stir-fry dishes 900 million servings U.S. takeout 2023
20
Poke bowls exploded to 75 million bowls Hawaii-inspired U.S. 2023
21
Sandwiches held 19% QSR share 1.9 billion units U.S. 2023
22
Korean BBQ up 22% to 6% share urban U.S. 2023
23
Desserts averaged 25% of check value, cakes #1 at 400 million 2023
24
Brazilian churrasco steakhouses 50 million visits U.S. 2023
25
Middle Eastern shawarma 120 million wraps fast casual 2023
26
Appetizers like wings 650 million orders sports bars U.S. 2023
27
Peruvian ceviche trendy 40 million plates coastal U.S. 2023
28
Soul food collards and fried chicken 200 million servings South U.S. 2023
29
Japanese ramen bowls 350 million slurped U.S. 2023
30
Cajun gumbo 90 million bowls Louisiana style 2023 U.S.
Interpretation
Popular Cuisines And Dishes Interpretation
In 2023, popular cuisines and dishes in the U.S. show a clear split between enduring favorites and fast-growing options, with burgers leading quick service at 22% and 2.5 billion servings while Asian fusion rose 15% and captured 12% of full service menus.
06 · Category
Spending Patterns30 stats
01
The U.S. restaurant industry generated $1.1 trillion in sales in 2023, a 10.4% increase from 2022
02
Average check per diner at full-service restaurants in U.S. was $52.30in 2023
03
Quick-service restaurants accounted for 42% of total U.S. foodservice sales at $458 billion in 2023
04
Global dining out market size reached $3.5 trillion in 2023, projected from pre-COVID levels
05
U.S. consumers spent an average of $3,659per capita on dining out in 2023
06
Fine dining segment sales grew 8% YoY to $120 billion in U.S. 2023
07
Delivery and takeout sales hit $300 billion in U.S., 27% of total dining spend 2023
08
Alcohol beverages contributed $42 billion or 12% to casual dining receipts in 2023 U.S.
09
Average family of four spent $4,200annually on dining out in U.S. 2023
10
Europe restaurant market valued at €800 billion in 2023, with Italy leading per capita spend
11
U.S. millennials spent 28% more on dining out than boomers per capita $4,500 vs $3,200 in 2023
12
Fast casual sales reached $195 billion, 18% of market share in U.S. 2023
13
Per visit spend on apps/delivery averaged $35.40in U.S. 2023
14
China dining out market hit ¥4.5 trillion ($630 billion) in 2023 urban focus
15
U.S. breakfast dining spend grew 12% to $85 billion in 2023
16
Gen Z allocated 15% of food budget to dining out at $2,800 avg annual 2023 U.S.
17
UK average annual spend per person on eating out was £1,200 in 2023
18
U.S. casual dining check average rose 7.5% to $48 in 2023 inflation-adjusted
19
India restaurant industry revenue ¥2.8 lakh crore ($34 billion) in 2023
20
22% of U.S. dining spend was on beverages at $240 billion total 2023
21
Brazil foodservice sales $50 billion in 2023, 60% from independent eateries
22
U.S. women spent 8% more per outing than men at $39 vs $36 avg 2023
23
Australia per capita dining spend $2,500AUD in 2023
24
Lunchtime dining captured 35% of daily sales $380 billion U.S. 2023
25
Japan restaurant sales ¥25 trillion ($170 billion) in 2023
26
U.S. high-income ($150k+) spent $6,200 per capita on dining out 2023
27
Mexico eating out market $25 billion USD equivalent in 2023
28
18% YoY growth in U.S. off-premise sales to $290 billion 2023
29
Canada restaurant sales C$120 billion in 2023
30
U.S. average tip percentage at restaurants 19.2% in 2023, adding $50 billion
Interpretation
Spending Patterns Interpretation
Spending patterns show that U.S. dining out accelerated in 2023 with total restaurant sales reaching $1.1 trillion up 10.4% from 2022, while quick-service alone made up 42% of foodservice sales at $458 billion.
report visual · Comparison
Weekly dining out participation is up
More Americans are dining out at least once per week than the prior year, reflecting post-pandemic recovery.
In 2023, 57% of U.S. consumers reported dining out at least once per week, up from 52% in 2022 due to post-pandemic reco57%
35% of U.S. adults aged 18-34 dine out more than at home weekly 2023 demographics
35%
Households with children under 12 spent 25% more on dining out $5,200 annual avg 2023
25%
Reference
Cite This Report
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APA
Priyanka Sharma. (2026, February 13). Dining Out Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/dining-out-statistics
MLA
Priyanka Sharma. "Dining Out Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/dining-out-statistics.
Chicago
Priyanka Sharma. 2026. "Dining Out Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/dining-out-statistics.
Sources & references
100 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level