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CONSUMER DINING INSIGHTS

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2024 DINING TRENDS

58% of Aussies plan to eat more healthily as their New Year’s resolution in 2024.

As we enter the new year, many people choose to make resolutions to improve eating habits – this list, compiled from analysing diner reviews, can help you find healthier options when eating out. 

 

Explore Restaurant Options

It’s all about balance – there are different ways to eat out more healthily without sacrificing flavours

Many Aussies are doubtful they will keep to their healthy eating resolutions in 2024, with 40% reporting they’re likely to give up on their resolutions before the 3-month mark. Although it may seem challenging at times, there’s an array of things you can do to remain on track without forgoing dining out!” said leading Australian dietician, Susie Burrel.

Navigating a restaurant menu to select healthier options can be as simple as adding a side of vegetables or salad to your main for a more balanced and mindful dining choice.

To help Aussie make more informed choices while dining out, Susie Burrel also provided some simple tips to help diners navigate a menu at restaurants:

  1. Don’t be afraid to indulge – We all love to indulge once in a while and there’s no reason you can’t, but when treating yourself, try swapping out the burger bun for a lettuce wrap, or even go bunless so you can indulge smartly.
  2. Grilled is good – Ditch the deep-fryer and embrace the grill, especially for your mains, where grilled proteins like seafood or chicken can pack incredible flavour, while being nutritious.
  3. Sides can be sensational – Adding the humble side of vegetables or salad to your main is key to maintaining a balanced diet – top tip, be sure to order dressings on the side so you can choose how much to add to your meal.
  4. Portions, Portions, Portions – Size can make all the difference, so when you can, opt for lighter, smaller portions, such as ordering more entrees rather than another main.
  5. Delicious and nutritious – Sushi can be a great healthy option for dining out as it is rich in protein and Omega-3 while also being versatile, with a number of lean chicken and vegetable options available

 

Susie Burrell is one of Australia’s leading dietitians and is known for her extensive knowledge of food, eating behaviour and weight control. Susie holds an Honours degree in both Nutrition & Dietetics & Psychology and a Masters of Coaching Psychology. Seen on the breakfast show Sunrise, 9 Honey, Body + Soul and SMH.

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New Year Resolution

ic_edit-1 38%

of Aussies have lied once or more than once about their New Year’s resolution.

Healthier Choices

ic_menu_healthy-choices 25%

of Aussies do not find it easy to make healthy food choices at restaurants.

Healthier Dining Habits

ic_home_healthy-dining-habits 61%

of Aussies eat out less when trying to eat healthily and 28% think there are not many healthy restaurants in their area.

Veganuary

ic_dietary_veganuary 43%

of Aussies will consider going vegan or vegetarian as part of Veganuary or a healthier diet in 2024.

January Spending

ic_price_range_january-spending 43%

of Aussies plan to spend more in restaurants this January vs last year, at an average of $70 per meal, per person.

January Dining

ic_experiences_january-dining 41%

of Aussies plan to visit restaurants more in January 2024 vs January 2023.

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Australia Survey Methodology*
An online survey was conducted by PureSpectrum, among 2000 consumers in Australia who enjoy going to restaurants in their spare time. The data has been weighted proportionately by major cities for direct comparison. Australia was included as one of eight markets in a multimarket study surveying 16000 participants on the topic of healthy eating and healthy restaurants. The research fieldwork took place between November 13th – 27th, 2023.

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TOP LIST

Introducing OpenTable’s new Top 50 Restaurants with Healthy Bites list, based on diner reviews

With 62% of Australians finding it difficult to discover healthy restaurants – this is a great resource to help you discover new restaurants with healthier options in your area, backed by diner reviews and diner metrics including ratings and the percentage of restaurant reviews where diners tagged the restaurant as “healthy”.

 

See the list →

Methodology of the Restaurant List*

INSPIRATION

More restaurants with healthy bites ideas

From vegan and plant-based, to seafood-focused and farm-to-table venues, there are a great number of restaurants in Australia that bring an energetic spin on health-conscious plates and satiating dishes that surprise, delight and satisfy.

Melbourne’s eco-conscious crowd loves Green Acre Pizza Bar for its sustainably sourced vegan pizzas and local brews. Credit: Green Acre Pizza Bar - Book on OpenTable

12 vegan-friendly restaurants in Melbourne great for all types of eaters

Melbourne’s restaurants were quick to embrace plant-based menus when they became all the rage circa 2014. So it’s no surprise that the city was named the fourth most vegan-friendly city in the world. Read on for a guide to the most enticing vegan and vegetarian-friendly Melbourne restaurants.

Cosmopolitan plant-based small plates and Australian wines are served at Dead Ringer in Surry Hills. Credit: Dead Ringer - Book on OpenTable

10 of the best vegan restaurants in Sydney to try right now

Veganism is a full-fledged way of life for many Sydneysiders — and a part-time pursuit for others. Read on for a guide to Sydney’s best vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants.

Lona Misa reveals how rich and flavourful plant-based meals can be. Credit: Lona Misa - Book on OpenTable

The 10 best vegetarian restaurants in Melbourne to book right now

Embracing the city’s gastronomic diversity, there are gems blending global influences and local produce, crafting dishes that redefine vegetarian and vegan dining. Prepare to discover Melbourne’s finest vegetarian restaurants, where each dish is a testament to creativity and taste, promising an unforgettable dining odyssey.

Expect locally sourced ingredients, creative dishes and tasty vegan flavours at Green Fields. Credits: Green Fields - Book on OpenTable

The best vegan restaurants on the Gold Coast to try ASAP

Restaurants are expanding vegan and vegetarian alternatives beyond simple salads, helping accommodate everyone’s dietary needs at group get-togethers. The best vegan restaurants on the Gold Coast use the abundant produce the region offers and serve it in fresh, creative ways.

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ic_specials_fillDiscover new restaurant ideas for a mindful meal on OpenTable now.

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Methodology of the Restaurant List*

OpenTable’s Top 50 Restaurants with Healthy Bites in Australia list is generated from over 300,000 OpenTable diner reviews and dining metrics from October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023. Restaurants with a minimum threshold of diner reviews were considered and evaluated by a compilation of unique data points, including diner ratings, the percentage of five star reviews, the number of alerts set, the percentage of reservations made in advance and direct searches. Metrics were weighted to comprise an overall score. The qualified restaurants were then ranked by the percentage of reviews with the tag “healthy”. The resulting list appears A-Z, not in ranked order. The cuisine category is self-determined by restaurants.