The restaurant landscape has evolved dramatically, and so have diner preferences. As we dive into 2025, food and beverage industry data reveals fascinating shifts in what customers are actually ordering when they sit down to eat. From comfort food classics getting modern makeovers to global flavors going mainstream, this year's most-ordered entrées tell the story of an industry in transition.
Based on comprehensive ordering data from major delivery platforms, POS systems, and industry surveys, we've identified the 18 entrées dominating restaurant sales across America. These dishes represent more than just popular picks: they're indicators of broader food and beverage trends shaping menu innovation and customer expectations.
Global Favorites Taking Center Stage
1. Burrito Bowls
Claiming the top spot for the second consecutive year, burrito bowls remain the undisputed champion of restaurant ordering. Uber Eats data shows these customizable Mexican-inspired dishes account for nearly 12% of all entrée orders. Their success lies in personalization: diners can build exactly what they want while restaurants maintain operational efficiency.
2. Korean BBQ Bowls
Korean BBQ has exploded from niche to mainstream, with orders up 340% since 2023. The combination of umami-rich marinades, perfectly grilled meats, and Instagram-worthy presentation makes this a winner across demographics. Bulgogi beef and galbi short ribs lead the charge.
3. Banh Mi Entrée Plates
Vietnamese cuisine's breakout star, banh mi has evolved from sandwich to full entrée experience. Restaurants are deconstructing the classic sandwich into shareable plates featuring Vietnamese pâté, pickled vegetables, and artisanal breads with fermented hot sauces.
4. Ramen Bowls
No longer just college food, elevated ramen has become a legitimate dinner destination. Tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu broths with premium toppings like chashu pork, soft-poached eggs, and nori are driving consistent traffic to restaurants nationwide.
5. Thai Curry Dishes
Red, green, and panang curries continue their upward trajectory, appealing to diners seeking bold flavors and customizable heat levels. The trend toward Southeast Asian cuisine shows no signs of slowing.
American Classics Reimagined
6. Elevated Mac & Cheese
Comfort food with a twist, featuring truffle oil, lobster, short rib, or unique cheese blends. This childhood favorite has grown up and commands premium pricing while maintaining mass appeal.
7. Gourmet Burgers
The burger remains America's sweetheart, but 2025's versions feature grass-fed beef, artisanal buns, and creative toppings. Smash burgers and flame-grilled preparations are particularly popular.
8. Nashville Hot Chicken
The spicy fried chicken phenomenon continues expanding beyond Nashville, with restaurants nationwide adding their own heat-forward interpretations to menus.
9. BBQ Ribs & Brisket
Traditional barbecue is experiencing a renaissance, particularly flame-cooked preparations. Texas-style brisket and Kansas City ribs are driving traffic to both dedicated BBQ joints and casual dining establishments.
10. Lobster Rolls
This New England classic has achieved national status, appearing on menus from California to Florida. Both Connecticut-style (warm with butter) and Maine-style (cold with mayo) versions are popular.
Plant-Forward & Health-Conscious Options
11. Buddha Bowls
These nutrient-dense combinations of grains, vegetables, proteins, and sauces appeal to health-conscious diners while offering restaurants high-margin opportunities through creative presentations.
12. Cauliflower Steaks
The vegetable-as-entrée trend continues with cauliflower steaks leading the charge. Roasted, grilled, or served with bold sauces, this preparation satisfies both vegetarian and omnivorous diners.
13. Mushroom Pasta
Featuring varieties like trumpet, shiitake, and maitake mushrooms, often with truffle accents, these dishes capitalize on umami flavors while offering sophisticated vegetarian options.
14. Quinoa Power Bowls
Protein-packed quinoa serves as the base for customizable bowls featuring seasonal vegetables, nuts, seeds, and house-made dressings.
Seafood & Premium Proteins
15. Salmon Dishes
From cedar-plank preparations to Asian glazes, salmon remains a reliable menu performer. Its health halo and versatility in preparation styles make it a safe bet for restaurants.
16. Chicken Tikka Masala
Indian cuisine's most popular export continues strong performance, offering familiar flavors with exotic appeal. The creamy tomato-based curry satisfies both adventurous and conservative palates.
17. Fish Tacos
Originally a California coastal specialty, fish tacos have achieved nationwide popularity. Light, fresh preparations appeal to health-conscious diners while offering restaurants good margins.
18. Puerto Rican Pork Chop
Emerging as a breakout dish, these oversized cuts with peppery marinades represent the growing influence of Caribbean flavors in American dining.
What's Driving These Trends
Several factors influence 2025's most-ordered entrées. Customization remains king: dishes that allow personalization consistently outperform static menu items. Global flavors are no longer exotic; they're expected, especially among younger diners who view authenticity as crucial.
The flame-cooking revival is particularly noteworthy. Diners increasingly prefer charcoal-grilled and wood-fired preparations over electric cooking methods, associating smoky flavors with quality and tradition. This trend is especially strong in barbecue markets, where traditional techniques are experiencing renewed appreciation.
Health consciousness without sacrifice drives many choices. Modern diners want nutritious options that don't compromise on flavor or satisfaction. Plant-forward dishes that deliver on taste and presentation are winning over omnivores, not just vegans and vegetarians.
Social media influence cannot be understated. Dishes that photograph well and tell a story consistently outperform equally delicious but less photogenic alternatives. The visual component of dining has become integral to menu development.
Strategic Implications for Restaurants
For food and beverage directors and restaurant managers, these trends offer clear direction for menu innovation and procurement decisions. The data suggests several strategic approaches:
Embrace customization wherever operationally feasible. Bowls, build-your-own concepts, and modular menu items consistently outperform fixed dishes.
Invest in global flavor development. Staff training on authentic preparations and ingredient sourcing for Korean, Vietnamese, and other international cuisines pays dividends in customer satisfaction and differentiation.
Consider cooking method upgrades. Flame-cooking equipment investments show strong ROI through premium pricing opportunities and customer preference alignment.
The most successful restaurants balance trendy offerings with reliable classics, ensuring broad appeal while staying current with evolving tastes. Menu engineering should consider not just food costs but also Instagram-ability, customization potential, and alignment with broader food and beverage trends.
Understanding what drives today's most-ordered entrées helps food service industry professionals make informed decisions about menu development, ingredient procurement, and staff training priorities. These 18 dishes represent more than popular choices: they're roadmaps to restaurant success in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
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Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine's "Top 40 Under 40" for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
