Summer food trends 2024: fresh ideas for your restaurant menu

With summer in full swing, the restaurant industry is abuzz with fresh and inspiring new culinary trends to capture the spirit of the season. 

From vibrant colours to seasonal ingredients, following food and drink trends can elevate your menu offerings and attract a wide range of customers. 

In this article, we will explore four important summer food trends shaping the industry in 2024 and discuss how TheFork Manager can help you leverage them to your advantage.

Global fusion cuisine

This summer, embrace the fusion of diverse culinary traditions to create exciting and unique flavour profiles. Combining elements from different cuisines allows for a delightful fusion experience that tantalizes the taste buds. 

Experiment with creative ingredients, cooking styles and flavour combinations such as Japanese miso reductions, Korean tacos, Mediterranean-inspired poke bowls, or Greek tahini for a radical twist. 

Did you know that there is a growing mainstream demand for West African dishes?

TheFork Manager enables you to highlight new fusion dishes on your menu, attracting food enthusiasts eager to explore new and innovative tastes. Why not try creating a mouth-watering visual menu for your online profile that will get those guests through the door?

Farm-to-fork approach and high-protein dishes

Gut health has been a major focus for 2024 summer food trends, and when temperatures rise, customers often seek lighter and healthier meal options. 

Clients are often conscious of their dietary choices, and will opt for locally sourced, fresh, and seasonal ingredients. To give them more energy throughout the day, customers may also favour less sugary, high-protein foods.

In line with these common health considerations, sustainable restaurants are becoming increasingly popular. They are centred on consumer preferences, boost the local farming scene, and create seasonal summer menus with plant-based dishes as well as meat and fish alternatives. 

Try experimenting with a vast array of flavours and textures. TheFork Manager's menu management feature allows you to showcase your specialities, enticing foodies looking for a light and refreshing dining experience.

Plant-based options

Plant-based food is an essential cornerstone of summer food trends in 2024. Oats and almond milk are being used as key ingredients in frozen desserts. Their texture and flavour cater to the increasing number of customers following vegetarian, vegan, and flexitarian diets while also making delicious additions to any meal. From grilled veggie skewers to plant-based burgers and sausages, these alternatives offer delicious and sustainable options for summer gatherings. 

TheFork Manager's menu customisation feature lets you clearly highlight your plant-based barbecue offerings, attracting health-conscious customers seeking flavourful and eco-friendly options.

Exotic frozen treats

Beat the summer heat with exotic and refreshing frozen treats that go beyond traditional ice cream flavours. 

Experiment with unique and extreme combinations like the ‘Swicy’ food trend of 2024, a mash-up of sweet and spicy. Some ideas from us include:

• Spicy dragon fruit
• Spicy pineapple
• Spicy strawberry
• Mango-chilli sorbet

The sweetness of seasonal fruit pairs perfectly with chilli, creating a surprising and tasty effect. For a more exotic and less tongue-tingling approach, perhaps opt for classic pairings, such as coconut-lime popsicles. 

TheFork Manager's menu management feature allows you to promote your speciality frozen treats, capturing the attention of dessert lovers and those seeking a fruity respite from the summer sun.

Al fresco done properly

Now that we’ve got the menu sorted, it’s time to give guests the best dining experience for enjoying summer flavours in the sun! With TheFork Manager, you can make your terrace bookable in a flash. This will ensure a seamless and efficient experience for both customers and restaurant staff. 

Guests can easily make a reservation to get their perfect spot in the open air, while the restaurant will also improve table occupancy, and be better prepared for their arrival, helping to battle those summer rushes. 

Moreover, booking through TheFork opens up a world of possibilities for restaurants to attract a wider audience, reaching potential customers who are actively searching for outdoor dining options. 

Whether it's a leisurely brunch or a romantic dinner, making your terrace bookable on TheFork is a recipe for success and an invitation for guests to savour every moment under the sun.

Leveraging summer food trends for success

Embracing these exciting summer food trends in 2024 will set your restaurant apart and help attract a diverse range of customers seeking memorable dining experiences. By leveraging TheFork Manager's features, such as menu customisation and dish spotlighting, you can effectively showcase your unique offerings and drive customer engagement. 

Stay ahead of the game, embrace the summer flavours, and let TheFork Manager help you unlock the full potential of these trends for your restaurant.

If you're not yet working with TheFork but like the sound of more helpful restaurant management advice, leave your details here. We’ll be happy to tell you all about it.

If you're already partnered with TheFork and want to know more about how to set up outside seating, or something else summer-related, our support team is available. If you have any questions, you can contact our experts via live chat in the TheFork Manager dedicated area. Of course, you can always reach out to your dedicated Account Manager.