SevenRooms has released its annual Australia Restaurant Trends Report, which reveals growing demand for personalised, luxury dining experiences in the hospitality industry.
Based on surveys of both Australian consumers and hospitality operators, the report explores how evolving diner behaviours, AI and other technological advancements are reshaping the future of hospitality.
The hospitality CRM, marketing, and operations platform said the report shows Australian diners are craving more than great food; they’re seeking elevated, personalised and memorable luxury hospitality experiences. From AI-assisted bookings and curated offerings beyond the dining room, to marketing that feels personal, restaurants are embracing tech and automation to unlock loyalty and grow smarter, more profitable businesses.
AI investment is also surging, with 99% of operators who deploy AI already seeing benefits, including heightened productivity and increased loyalty and revenue.
“Hospitality is both an art and a science, and we’re seeing firsthand how embracing the science enables the art,” said SevenRooms co-founder and Chief Product Officer Allison Page.
“Operators are using tech, data and AI to streamline service and scale personalized experiences in ways that weren’t possible before. This report is a roadmap for how restaurants can deliver more memorable moments while running smarter, more profitable businesses.”
SevenRooms APAC GTM Managing Director Paul Hadida added: “Australian diners are looking for more than a meal today. They want elevated, luxury experiences paired with exceptional hospitality.
“By adopting smarter systems and offering tailored experiences that extend beyond the dining room, restaurants can exceed rising expectations, foster deeper guest connections and build lasting loyalty.
“Those that embrace AI and automation, not to replace, but to enhance the human touch, in areas like reservations, marketing and guest feedback, will be best positioned to thrive. With strong adoption rates and clear ROI already emerging, we expect even more venues to invest in tech that powers the future of hospitality.”
Top 2025 report findings
AI is driving results, but the booking gap remains
- 65% of restaurants are already using AI, with 99% of those already seeing measurable benefits.
- AI is being used most commonly in marketing (46%), customer service (37%), and data analytics (36%).
- Other use cases include dynamic pricing (18%), staff hiring and training (20%), revenue management (21%), devising menu items (25%) and processing reservations (27%).
- Restaurants say the most common benefits are quicker decision-making, improved efficiency, improved customer service and satisfaction, and enhanced forecasting.
- 74% of diners are comfortable with AI-assisted reservations, but only 27% of operators are currently using AI for this purpose.
- 38% of consumers are open to AI helping them modify or book reservations when running late.
Unique experiences increase loyalty, and diners are willing to pay
- 74% of consumers say they’re more likely to return to a restaurant after a unique experience.
- Diners are willing to pay more for experiences like customised tasting menus (57%), commemorative menus (47%), and curated platters (56%).
- Experience-led offerings such as live music, holiday menus, and cooking classes drive repeat visits and revenue.
- Most Australians are willing to spend up to $97 per person for a meal out, and while economic concerns are present, Aussies are splurging on upgraded experiences and meals out.
Technology can scale the human touch, if operators use it right
- 82% of consumers value personal interactions, and a welcoming atmosphere can often be the deciding factor in whether a guest returns.
- Simple but meaningful interactions, such as a personal welcome from the host or a chef stopping by the table, can leave a lasting impression.
- Venues are using AI to track customer preferences, ensuring that special requests, such as dietary needs or seating preferences, are remembered for future visits.
- However, 41% of operators struggle with knowing who and how to personalise their experiences, while 29% lack the right tools for personalisation.
- 55% of consumers want birthday and anniversary promotions from restaurants, but 45% of operators don’t offer them.
- AI-powered reservation systems help diners book or modify their reservations effortlessly through text messages or web chats, offering a seamless experience that meets customer expectations.
Beyond the plate, restaurants are unlocking new revenue opportunities
- 77% of consumers would purchase non-meal items like cookbooks or pantry items from a restaurant, highlighting the growing retail trend and restaurants focusing on diversifying their revenue streams.
- Popular items include pantry staples (34%), at-home meal or cocktail kits (22%), home or kitchenware (17%), cookbooks (19%), online classes or workshops (16%) and food subscriptions (15%).
Google beats influencers as diners discover differently
- 95% of Aussie diners use online resources like Google, social media, and media sites to discover new restaurants.
- 73% of Gen Z diners use social media to find new restaurants, though only 8% discover restaurants through influencers.
- 42% of operators plan to invest in brand collaborations in 2025, as the influencer trend fades.
- With 34% of consumers discovering restaurants on Google, 42% of operators are investing in organic Google strategies, and 48% in paid Google Ads for 2025.
- 89% of consumers are willing to sign up for marketing updates, with Millennials showing the highest interest (97%).
- Partnerships with local businesses and offering exclusive perks (like recipes or wine clubs) are the top incentives for signing up for restaurant marketing programs.
Communication preferences in 2025 and beyond
- 47% of consumers prefer connecting with restaurants via text, with a 24X average ROI for text marketing campaigns.
- 74% of consumers prefer email for marketing promotions, with an 11X higher revenue generated from targeted, automated emails compared to mass sends.
- Operators are prioritising social media (86%) and email (85%) for marketing, but only 38% are planning to invest in text marketing in 2025.
The full report is available here.
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