Easter 2025 dining trends: Aussies ditch fine dining for takeaway, toasties, and early starts

New data released by Australian payments platform Zeller has revealed that while Aussies were happy to spend more per meal over the long weekend, they overwhelmingly chose cheaper, more relaxed dining options. Takeaway led the charge with a 17 percent spike in spending compared to an average weekend, while fine dining saw only modest growth.

In a clear sign of changing dining habits, breakfast emerged as the surprise winner of the Easter period. With a 22 percent increase in morning meal outings compared to last year, the data suggests Aussies are trading in dinner dates for smashed avo and oat lattes. In contrast, dinner bookings dropped 16 percent year-on-year, confirming a shift toward daytime dining.

Across the board, diners spent 7 percent more per meal, even though they were choosing lower-cost venues. But it seems not all Australians approached Easter dining equally: Victorians splashed out, spending nearly 30 percent more per meal than their New South Wales counterparts, who were the most budget-conscious.

Easter Saturday proved the most popular day to eat out, with an average of 130 diners per venue—up 3 percent from last year.

The findings align with a broader shift in hospitality trends. A new SevenRooms report found that nearly half of Australians (46 percent) favour casual venues over formal or high-end experiences. In fact, Aussies are more than twice as likely to regularly visit a neighbourhood favourite or family-friendly venue (26 percent) than a fine-dining or award-winning restaurant (10 percent).

The message is clear: in 2025, Australians are still indulging—but in more laid-back, local ways.