Destination Dining and Other Summer 2025 Food Trends

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Food is a driver for travel, according to a seasonal report from Chase Travel and insights from Infatuation’s “ The Spots Of The Summer ”

Seventy-seven percent of respondents are interested in planning trips centered around a destination’s food and restaurant optionsand 70 percent would travel 30 minutes or more to another city for a meal.

“Consumers are increasingly seeking destinations and experiences that take them off the beaten path,” Arden Shore, Editor-in-Chief of The Infatuation, told Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine. “Especially with the younger generation—the data shows that over half (53 percent) of Gen Z travelers are prioritizing food-focused trips, whether it’s a hidden culinary gem or a destination with a noteworthy dining scene. Leaning into the destination, like offering local dishes and ingredients, is a great way to attract guests who are looking to truly experience the locale.”

Other survey highlights:

  • 73 percent of respondents say they are more likely to dine out and 38 percent anticipate spending more than usual on travel in the summer. 

  • Italy is a top food and shopping destination, with 55 percent of respondents eager to travel there for pasta, specifically. 

  • Earlier dinner times are becoming more popular: 51 percent of Gen-X prefer early evening dinner reservations during the summer (5:00pm-6:30pm); meanwhile 57 percent of Gen-Z and 52 percent of Millennials prefer dining between 7:00pm-8:30pm in the summer.

  • Dessert orders rise with the temperatures: 62 percent of respondents are more likely to treat themselves to dessert over the summer.

“People love authentic experiences and being emerged in local culture – that's why you’re seeing top food and destinations like pasta in Italy (55 percent), pizza in New York, and BBQ in Texas (47 percent), followed by Chicago deep dish pizza (37 percent) and Philadelphia cheesesteak (36 percent),” Shore added. :Coastal seafood experiences like lobster rolls in New England and seafood in Seattle share a similar appeal (35 percent).”