3 restaurant design trends taking over in 2025 | By Carrie Nielsen, NCIDQ, ASID

The restaurant experience is evolving as diners look for more value, connection, and memorable experiences.

In her recent FastCasual byline, JCJ’s Carrie Nielsen, Director of Hospitality Interior Design, explores three trends shaping restaurant design in 2025:

Elevated Experiences: Restaurants are creating memorable moments through interactive elements, open kitchens, tableside service, and creative beverage programs, making the overall experience just as important as the meal itself.

Indoor-Outdoor Integration: Large windows, retractable doors, greenery, and natural materials are helping blur the boundaries between inside and out. Rose Kitchen & Bar at Canopy by Hilton Boston is one example of how these elements can create a stronger connection to the surrounding environment.

Flexible Dining Environments: Restaurants are increasingly designed to accommodate different dining styles throughout the day. At 155 on Portland at Pennyweight Hotel, varied seating options support everything from quick visits to longer, more relaxed dining experiences.

Together, these trends reflect a broader shift toward flexible, immersive, and experience-driven restaurant design.