SevenRooms Data Reveals How AI, Luxe Experiences and Personal Connections Are Reshaping the Future of Australian Dining

Two in three restaurants have already adopted AI, with 99% of those that have already seeing benefits

Three in four Australians say they’re more likely to return to a restaurant after a unique experience, and are willing to pay more for them

82% of consumers value personal interactions, which they say can often be the deciding factor in whether they return

SYDNEY (17 April 2025) – SevenRooms, the leading CRM, marketing, and operations platform for the hospitality industry, today released its annual Australia Restaurant Trends Report, revealing how rising AI adoption and growing demand for personalised, luxe experiences are reshaping the future of dining. Based on surveys of both Australian consumers and hospitality operators, the report explores how evolving diner behaviours, AI and other technological advancements are reshaping the future of hospitality.

The report reveals that Australian diners are craving more than great food; they’re seeking elevated, personalised, and memorable experiences. From AI-assisted bookings and curated offerings beyond the dining room, to marketing that feels personal, restaurants are embracing tech and automation to unlock loyalty and grow smarter, more profitable businesses. With the rise of SuperHuman Hospitality™ – technology and automation in service of more personalised hospitality – AI investment is surging, with 99% of operators who deploy AI already seeing benefits, including heightened productivity and increased loyalty and revenue.

“Hospitality is both an art and a science, and we’re seeing firsthand how embracing the science enables the art,” said Allison Page, Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer at SevenRooms. “Operators are using tech, data and AI to streamline service and scale personalized experiences in ways that weren’t possible before. This report is a roadmap for how restaurants can deliver more memorable moments while running smarter, more profitable businesses.”

“Australian diners are looking for more than a meal today. They want elevated, luxury experiences paired with exceptional hospitality,” said Paul Hadida, Managing Director, APAC GTM, SevenRooms. “By adopting smarter systems and offering tailored experiences that extend beyond the dining room, restaurants can exceed rising expectations, foster deeper guest connections and build lasting loyalty. Those that embrace AI and automation, not to replace, but to enhance the human touch, in areas like reservations, marketing and guest feedback, will be best positioned to thrive. With strong adoption rates and clear ROI already emerging, we expect even more venues to invest in tech that powers the future of hospitality.”

Top 2025 Report Findings

INNOVATION: AI is driving results, but the booking gap remains

65% of restaurants are already using AI, with 99% of those already seeing measurable benefits.

AI is being used most commonly in marketing (46%), customer service (37%), and data analytics (36%).

Other use cases include dynamic pricing (18%), staff hiring and training (20%), revenue management (21%), devising menu items (25%) and processing reservations (27%).

Restaurants say the most common benefits are quicker decision-making, improved efficiency, improved customer service and satisfaction, and enhanced forecasting.

74% of diners are comfortable with AI-assisted reservations, but only 27% of operators are currently using AI for this purpose.

38% of consumers are open to AI helping them modify or book reservations when running late.

EXPERIENCE-LED DINING: Unique experiences increase loyalty, and diners are willing to pay

74% of consumers say they’re more likely to return to a restaurant after a unique experience.

Diners are willing to pay more for experiences like customised tasting menus (57%), commemorative menus (47%), and curated platters (56%).

Experience-led offerings such as live music, holiday menus, and cooking classes drive repeat visits and revenue.

Most Australians are willing to spend up to $97 per person for a meal out, and while economic concerns are present, Aussies are splurging on upgraded experiences and meals out.

PERSONALISATION: Technology can scale the human touch, if operators use it right

82% of consumers value personal interactions, and a welcoming atmosphere can often be the deciding factor in whether a guest returns.

Simple but meaningful interactions, such as a personal welcome from the host or a chef stopping by the table, can leave a lasting impression.

Venues are using AI to track customer preferences, ensuring that special requests, such as dietary needs or seating preferences, are remembered for future visits.

However, 41% of operators struggle with knowing who and how to personalise their experiences, while 29% lack the right tools for personalisation.

55% of consumers want birthday and anniversary promotions from restaurants, but 45% of operators don’t offer them.

AI-powered reservation systems help diners book or modify their reservations effortlessly through text messages or web chats, offering a seamless experience that meets customer expectations.

COMMERCE RISING: Beyond the plate, restaurants are unlocking new revenue opportunities

77% of consumers would purchase non-meal items like cookbooks or pantry items from a restaurant, highlighting the growing retail trend and restaurants focusing on diversifying their revenue streams.

Popular items include pantry staples (34%), at-home meal or cocktail kits (22%), home or kitchenware (17%), cookbooks (19%), online classes or workshops (16%) and food subscriptions (15%).

DISCOVERY: Google beats influencers as diners discover differently

95% of Aussie diners use online resources like Google, social media, and media sites to discover new restaurants.

73% of Gen Z diners use social media to find new restaurants, though only 8% discover restaurants through influencers.

42% of operators plan to invest in brand collaborations in 2025, as the influencer trend fades.

With 34% of consumers discovering restaurants on Google, 42% of operators are investing in organic Google strategies, and 48% in paid Google Ads for 2025.

89% of consumers are willing to sign up for marketing updates, with Millennials showing the highest interest (97%).

Partnerships with local businesses and offering exclusive perks (like recipes or wine clubs) are the top incentives for signing up for restaurant marketing programs.

THE EVOLVING ROLE OF TEXT AND EMAIL: Communication preferences in 2025 and beyond

47% of consumers prefer connecting with restaurants via text, with a 24X average ROI for text marketing campaigns.

74% of consumers prefer email for marketing promotions, with an 11X higher revenue generated from targeted, automated emails compared to mass sends.

Operators are prioritising social media (86%) and email (85%) for marketing, but only 38% are planning to invest in text marketing in 2025.

The full 2025 Australia Restaurant Trends Report is available for download here.

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About SevenRooms

SevenRooms is a CRM, marketing and operations platform for growing restaurants in the hospitality industry. From Michelin star gems to local favorites, the all-in-one platform helps restaurants increase sales and profit, grow guest relationships, and streamline operations while delighting guests. The full suite of products includes CRM, reservations, waitlist and table management, revenue management, reputation management, email and text marketing, and marketing automation. Founded in 2011 and venture-backed by Amazon, Comcast Ventures and PSG, SevenRooms has more than 13,000 dining, hotel F&B, nightlife and entertainment clients globally, including: Australian Venue Co., Merivale, Solotel, Trippas White Group, Delia Group, Crown Resorts, Trader House, Lucas Restaurants, Marriott International, MGM Resorts International, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Jumeirah Group, Applejack Hospitality, Trippas White Group, ALH, Wolfgang Puck, Michael Mina, Union Square Hospitality Group, Dishoom, and Live Nation. www.sevenrooms.com.

Research Methodology

Australian consumers: SevenRooms partnered with Censuswide Research, a third-party, professional research and consulting organisation. Total sample size was 1,000 Australian consumers. Fieldwork was undertaken between December 27, 2024 and January 6, 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Australian adults (aged 16+).

Australian operators: SevenRooms partnered with Censuswide Research, a third-party, professional research and consulting organisation. Total sample size was 258 Australian operators (hospitality decision-makers). Fieldwork was undertaken between December 24, 2024 and January 15, 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of Australian hospitality operators.

SevenRooms platform data: Anonymised internal data representative of Australia-based restaurants using the SevenRooms platform.

Media Contact

Bianca Esmond | SevenRooms

e: bianca@sevenrooms.com

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