Core Insights - OpenTable has released its list of Canada's Top 100 Romantic Restaurants for 2026, based on over 900,000 diner reviews and various metrics [1][19] - There is a cultural shift in how Canadians celebrate Valentine's Day, with 51% indicating it is now about all types of relationships, not just romantic ones [5][8] - Group dining is increasingly popular, with significant year-over-year increases in larger party sizes for Valentine's Day and Galentine's Day [4][6] Group 1: Valentine's Day Dining Trends - Nearly half (49%) of Canadians plan to dine out on Valentine's Day, but 40% find it challenging to secure a reservation, spending an average of 2 hours and 14 minutes searching [2][6] - Dining on Valentine's Day in 2025 saw a 46% increase year-over-year, with a 54% increase during the Valentine's Day weekend [7] - More than half (53%) of single Canadians would consider going to a restaurant for a first date on Valentine's Day, rising to 65% among Gen Z [7][8] Group 2: Changing Celebrations - 37% of Canadians plan to celebrate Galentine's or Palentine's Day, with 59% intending to do so over a meal out [4][5] - The rise in group dining is evident, with a 65% increase in parties of four and an 88% increase in parties of six for Valentine's Day 2025 [4] - Gen Z is a driving force behind the shift in celebration styles, with 59% planning a Galentine's or Palentine's Day celebration, which is 22% above the national average [5] Group 3: Spending Behavior - 33% of Canadians expect to spend more at restaurants for Valentine's Day this year compared to last year [6] - Galentine's Day in 2025 saw a 53% year-over-year increase in dining at restaurants priced $51 and above [6] - The Top 100 Romantic Restaurants list includes various dining options, from intimate settings to group dining spaces, catering to the evolving preferences of diners [5][10]

The New Dining Landscape - Valentine's Day is becoming more inclusive, with over half of Americans planning to dine out this year, reflecting a shift in relationship dynamics [3] - Americans spend an average of 2 hours and 14 minutes searching for the right dining venue for Valentine's Day, with 24% of reservations made within 48 hours last year [3][31] - OpenTable's Top 100 Romantic Restaurants list for 2026 is based on over 9 million diner reviews and various dining metrics [3][32] Relationship Dynamics in Restaurants - Dining on Galentine's Day increased by 34% year-over-year, with 60% of Gen Z and 41% of all Americans likely to celebrate Valentine's Day with friends [6] - More than half of Americans (58%) find solo dining on Valentine's Day more socially acceptable than in previous years, with solo reservations rising by 35% year-over-year [6] - 41% of Americans would consider going on a double date this Valentine's Day, with this number rising to 50% among Gen Z [6] Culinary Preferences and Dining Etiquette - 55% of Americans believe it is important to share food preferences with their partner, a sentiment that rises to 67% among Gen Z [6] - Major dining red flags include rudeness to staff (79%) and bad manners (77%), while green flags include leaving a generous tip (68%) and complimenting service (64%) [6]

Core Insights - OpenTable's 2026 Dining Trends Report reveals significant insights into American dining habits and future trends [1] Industry Overview - Dining out in the US has increased by 8% year-over-year in 2025, indicating a robust recovery and growth in the restaurant sector [1] - Americans are projected to dine out an average of 10 times per month in 2026, highlighting the continued importance of dining out in American culture [1]

Core Insights - New research indicates that 55% of Americans prefer outdoor dining when the weather is pleasant, with 34% willing to dine outside even in unexpected weather conditions [1][3] - OpenTable has identified cities with the highest outdoor dining demand during the summer months, including Austin, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. [1][4] - OpenTable is launching a list of Top Restaurants for Outdoor Dining, based on over 10 million diner reviews and demand metrics [1][4] Company Insights - OpenTable is a global leader in restaurant technology, assisting over 60,000 restaurants worldwide in filling 1.8 billion seats annually [6] - The company aims to enhance the dining experience by providing data-backed lists and curated guides to help diners find suitable outdoor dining options [1][6] - OpenTable's methodology for ranking restaurants includes various metrics such as diner ratings, percentage of five-star reviews, and advance reservations [4] Industry Trends - There is a growing trend among pet owners, with 54% of dog owners having dined with their pets, yet 65% face challenges in finding pet-friendly restaurants [1][3] - The outdoor dining season is particularly significant in cooler climates, indicating a seasonal opportunity for restaurants to increase revenue [1][3] - The demand for outdoor dining options is expected to continue, driven by consumer preferences for dining experiences that include outdoor settings [1][4]

Core Insights - OpenTable's research indicates that 39% of mothers have to book their own Mother's Day meals, highlighting a desire for a stress-free dining experience [1][3] - The annual Top 100 Brunch Restaurants list aims to assist families in planning Mother's Day celebrations, which is the busiest dining day of the year [4] Dining Trends - 44% of mothers feel that having someone else make decisions enhances the specialness of Mother's Day [1] - 30% of mothers are considering dining out alone as part of their Mother's Day celebrations, reflecting a trend towards 'me time' [1] - 29% of families have had to make last-minute reservations within 24 hours of Mother's Day, with a 36% year-over-year increase in the use of 'Notify Me' alerts [3][18] Brunch Preferences - 46% of mothers prefer to start their celebrations early to maximize relaxation time, with a 19% year-over-year increase in brunch reservations at 10 AM [8][16] - Scenic views are a priority for mothers, with 64% desiring a waterfront or scenic view for their Mother's Day meal [8] - A chef's tasting menu is a must-have for 51% of mothers, with a 29% year-over-year increase in OpenTable Experience dining on Mother's Day [8][16] Top 100 Brunch Restaurants - The Top 100 Brunch Restaurants list for 2025 was compiled from over 10 million diner reviews and various metrics, including diner ratings and reservation demand [4][19] - California leads with 22 brunch spots, followed by New York with 12, featuring popular venues like Elena's and The Odeon [4]