Welcome back to more intriguing trends shaping the food retail and dining industries in Europe and the US. The culinary world is ever-evolving, and 2024 is no exception. This year, it’s all about elevating casual dining, merging tradition with innovation, and turning food into an experience. From gourmet bar snacks in London to artisanal ice cream in New York, we explore the imaginative ways chefs and entrepreneurs are redefining what it means to eat and gather.
Gourmet Bar Snacks in London
London’s bar culture has undergone a remarkable transformation, with bar snacks stepping into the spotlight as culinary creations in their own right. Gone are the days when a bag of crisps or a bowl of peanuts would suffice. Today, bars across the city are tantalising diners with inventive small plates that rival full restaurant menus.
At Artesian, Marylebone’s award-winning cocktail bar, the kitchen offers a katsu sando crafted by Michelin-starred chef Angelo Sato. Perfectly fried chicken meets pillowy bread in a combination that feels indulgent yet approachable—a quintessential bar snack that complements Artesian’s curated cocktails. Meanwhile, Kol Mezcaleria, tucked beneath the renowned Kol restaurant, experiments with quesadillas that change with the seasons. A current favorite features Kentish Oaxacan cheese and a kick of charred scotch bonnet crème fraîche, bringing a unique twist to a familiar format.
At Little Mercies in Crouch End, simplicity meets sophistication with their potato fondue—a dish that turns humble Pink Fir potatoes into a rich, truffle-laden experience. It’s this creative use of ingredients and attention to detail that has elevated London’s bar snacks into a new culinary genre, offering food enthusiasts a reason to linger long after the first round of drinks.
Pétanque and French Bistro Vibes in Spitalfields
In the heart of London’s bustling Spitalfields neighbourhood, Boulebar is breathing new life into the city’s social dining scene. This venue combines pétanque, a traditional French boules game, with a bistro-inspired menu, creating an experience that feels both nostalgic and novel.
The venue features ten indoor pétanque lanes, welcoming seasoned players and curious newcomers alike. Friendly staff guide guests through the rules, making it an accessible option for anyone looking for a fun, interactive outing. But the games are only half the story. Boulebar’s food and drink offerings bring a slice of France to the heart of London, with cheese boards, pâtés, and charcuterie as the stars of the menu. Pair these with a crisp glass of crémant or a pastis-based cocktail, and you’ve got a night out that feels as indulgent as it is effortless.
This unique blend of leisure and gastronomy taps into a growing appetite for experiences that go beyond just eating or drinking. With its lively atmosphere and rich menu, Boulebar stands as a perfect example of how dining can double as entertainment.
Culinary Tourism in Milan: Eataly’s Food Theme Park
Italy has long been synonymous with culinary excellence, and Eataly Milan is taking that reputation to the next level. This sprawling 5000 square meter food theme park offers an immersive journey through Italy’s gastronomic landscape, combining education, entertainment, and indulgence.
Visitors can explore six themed areas dedicated to staples like pasta, dairy, and produce, with live demonstrations and behind-the-scenes tours that showcase the artisanal processes behind Italian cuisine. Truffle Land, a dedicated section for truffle hunts, offers the chance to experience the magic of this coveted ingredient with the help of trained dogs. Beyond that, cooking classes and sustainability initiatives emphasise Eataly’s commitment to preserving Italy’s culinary heritage.
Eataly Milan isn’t just a destination—it’s a celebration of the food, traditions, and innovation that define Italian cuisine. It invites visitors to taste, learn, and connect, ensuring that the country’s culinary legacy continues to thrive in a modern context.
Ice Cream Innovation: Salt & Straw Arrives in NYC
Ice cream is no longer just a sweet treat; it’s a canvas for storytelling, and Salt & Straw is leading the charge. After making waves on the West Coast, the Portland-based ice cream shop has opened its first New York City location on the Upper West Side, bringing its signature mix of whimsical flavors and local collaborations to the Big Apple.
Salt & Straw’s rotating menu of New York-inspired flavors is as eclectic as the city itself. Think cinnamon raisin bagel & schmear or chocolate babka with hazelnut fudge, a nod to the city’s beloved bakeries. For the adventurous, the pastrami on rye ice cream blends mustard custard and sweet paprika, challenging perceptions of what dessert can be. Alongside these are their classic offerings, like honey lavender and sea-salt caramel ribbons, which maintain their reputation as crowd-pleasers.
With its inviting space and emphasis on unlimited sampling, Salt & Straw transforms ice cream into a shared experience. It’s not just about the scoop; it’s about the stories each flavor tells, sparking conversations and drawing connections between food and community.
Creative Pizzas in Williamsburg: Stretch Pizza Expands
Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is known for its eclectic food scene, and the upcoming arrival of Stretch Pizza is set to raise the bar even higher. Chef Wylie Dufresne, renowned for his boundary-pushing cuisine, is bringing his signature take on pizza to this vibrant neighbourhood near Domino Park.
Dufresne’s pizzas are anything but traditional. By blending Neapolitan techniques with inventive toppings, Stretch Pizza transforms the familiar into the extraordinary. Flavours like dan dan chicken, inspired by the bold spices of Sichuan cuisine, and sweet corn with cotija cheese offer something for adventurous eaters and comfort-food lovers alike. The pies reflect Dufresne’s philosophy of drawing inspiration from everywhere—whether it’s New York street food or iconic movie scenes.
With its playful menu and community-focused location, Stretch Pizza promises to become a go-to spot for Brooklynites seeking a dining experience that’s as dynamic as the neighbourhood itself.
Buffalo Milk Gelato: A Texas Treasure in Austin
Austin’s food scene continues to embrace innovation, and the arrival of OroBianco Gelato Truck is a perfect example. Known for its use of water buffalo milk, OroBianco’s gelato stands out for its rich, velvety texture and distinctive flavour. This isn’t just ice cream; it’s a reinvention of a classic dessert, rooted in tradition but made for the modern palate.
The gelato truck, parked on South Congress Avenue, offers a mix of staple and seasonal flavours, from creamy pistachio to maple-bacon bourbon. The farm-to-table ethos is evident in every scoop, with ingredients sourced from local farms and ranches. Owner Phil Giglio’s passion for water buffalo milk has led to a vertically integrated operation, where the animals are raised sustainably on a Texas ranch.
OroBianco’s gelato is more than just a treat—it’s a testament to the possibilities of sustainable farming and the artistry of small-batch production. As the truck draws curious crowds, it’s clear that this creamy innovation is hitting the sweet spot for Austin’s food lovers.
Rooftop BBQ in Nashville: Smoke and Skyline
In Nashville, barbecue gets a modern upgrade with the opening of Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ (called ‘Hell of a Q’) on the rooftop of Chief’s, a six-story live music venue. Helmed by James Beard Award-winning pitmaster Rodney Scott, this new spot blends the smoky charm of Carolina barbecue with the vibrant energy of Nashville’s downtown.
Scott’s menu is a love letter to traditional Southern cooking with a contemporary twist. Dishes like pork skin nachos and smoked chicken wings showcase his mastery of slow-cooked meats, while desserts like banana pudding and apple hand pies provide the perfect sweet finish. Overlooking Broadway, the rooftop venue combines delicious food with live music and a curated selection of local craft beers.
With its lively atmosphere and unmatched views, Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience that celebrates the best of Nashville’s culinary and cultural heritage.
From London’s playful bar snacks to Nashville’s rooftop barbecue, the trends of 2024 highlight a common theme: food as an experience. Whether it’s through creative ingredients, immersive environments, or storytelling, the dining world is proving that the act of eating is about much more than just nourishment—it’s about connection, discovery, and delight.
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