Biting into Branding: Restaurant Design Trends for 2025

In a world where dining out is as much about the vibe as it is about the food, great branding is the appetizer to every meal. The visual identity of a restaurant can be the deciding factor behind reserving a table or scrolling on past. That’s why VistaPrint rounded up the hottest brand design trends tipped to be spicing up 2025. The team has drawn insights from its community of 1.4M freelance designers to predict 2025’s hottest hospitality trends that restaurant, bar, pub, hotel, cafe and club owners should be aware of to stay up-to-date and connected to consumers. 

Hand-Drawn Logos: A Taste of Personality

There’s something irresistible about a logo that feels like it was sparked by a moment of inspiration, and this is reflected in a trend towards hand-crafted typography and textures in 2025 logo design. Jeni's Ice Creams gets it just right with its hand-drawn logo, which feels as though it was doodled at a flour-covered kitchen table. The playful curves and uneven lines exude a homemade authenticity, perfectly matching the brand’s artisanal approach to ice cream.

On the flip side, Superiority Burger, a cult-favorite vegetarian spot, leans into smudged, jagged and imperfect text in its branding. Its logo looks like it was stamped on in a hurry — and that’s exactly what makes it cool and memorable. Against a backdrop of polished, synthetic design this tactile, more nonchalant approach to branding speaks to consumers craving a more personal touch. The directness and raw edges in this design show the clientele that the brand’s focus is on food, not frills – and that’s a recipe for success.

Layered Flavors, Layered Design: Scrapbooking

For brands looking to combine some playful touches with intention, the “Structured scrapbook” design trend offers the perfect mix of nostalgia and contemporary design. Cafe Gratitude does this masterfully on its website, layering elements like stickers and polaroid-style photos to create a feeling that is nostalgic and fresh. Scrolling through the brand’s website feels like flipping through a memory book, making the café feel warm and personal, while also imprinting a sense of the brand’s philosophy throughout.

Similarly, HomeState, the Tex-Mex hero, incorporates childlike textures and doodles on its website. Quirky illustrations – like a cape-clad potato superhero and cowboy boot-wearing taco – evoke a lighthearted, playful culinary destination that appeals to all ages, whether they’re a child or a child at heart.

Not Quite Minimalism: Simplicity with a Dash of Style

Although daring, unconventional designs might steal some of the spotlight this year, simplicity will still be in style. Sailor, a chic New York restaurant, pairs a clean, minimalist logo with detailed hand-drawn illustrations of its exterior. The result? A branding approach that feels classy yet approachable, just like their intimate dining space.

Atoboy, another NYC gem, takes a similar approach. Its website leans into minimalist branding with bold typography, understated colors, and clean lines, creating a refined yet modern aesthetic. The pops of underlining electric blue and ample white space feel modern and pristine, but never sterile. This conveys a confidence and intentionality, reflecting the restaurant’s trend-setting approach to Korean-inspired cuisine. 

From smudged logos to scrapbook-inspired websites and not-quite minimalism, restaurant branding is no longer just about looking good — it’s about telling a story. These 2025 trends have the power to capture the essence of an eatery, reflect their personality and invite diners to become part of their world – for the night, or maybe for years to come. So, whether you’re a fan of playful collages or prefer the quiet elegance of minimalism, one thing is clear: great design is always on the menu.