Eating out has become more than just a convenience. It’s a lifestyle, a social ritual, and for many countries around the world, a significant chunk of household budgets. While some nations prefer the comfort of home-cooked meals, others have embraced the culture of dining at restaurants, cafes, and fast-food chains with remarkable enthusiasm. The reasons vary, from urbanization and hectic work schedules to a deep-rooted appreciation for culinary experiences. Let’s dive into which countries are leading the charge when it comes to spending money on eating out, and what drives their dining habits.
United States: The Undisputed Leader in Restaurant Spending
The United States leads global consumer spending on restaurants and hotels with a staggering 1.4 trillion U.S. dollars, making it the world’s largest market for dining out. In 2023, the per-capita spending on Food Away From Home reached USD 4,485, up from USD 4,004 in 2022, representing a significant increase year over year. Americans have truly made eating out a core part of their lifestyle, with restaurants claiming more than half of all food spending.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that 2023 marked an all-time high for the share of food dollars spent away from home at 55.1%, versus 44.9% on food at home. This represents a fundamental shift in how Americans approach meals. Americans dine out 3 times per month on average and order delivery even more frequently – an average of 4.5 times per month, according to research by US Foods. The rise of delivery apps, fast-casual dining, and the return of experiential dining post-pandemic have all contributed to this spending boom. What’s striking is that even in the face of inflation and economic uncertainty, Americans remain committed to their restaurant habits.
China: A Rising Giant in Foodservice Expenditure
China stands as the second-largest market globally for restaurant and hotel spending. Following the United States, China records 884.3 billion U.S. dollars in consumer spending on restaurants and hotels, reflecting the nation’s massive population and rapidly growing middle class. China’s food service market is set to reach over $863 billion by 2024, driven by urbanization and changing consumer preferences among younger generations.
The dining culture in China has evolved dramatically over recent decades. Urban consumers are increasingly treating restaurants as social hubs rather than just places to eat. In China, urban consumers are rapidly increasing their restaurant expenditure as incomes rise and dining out becomes more socially normalized. While per-capita spending remains lower than in Western markets, the growth trajectory is impressive. The proliferation of food delivery platforms and mobile payment systems has made eating out more convenient than ever before. From street food vendors to upscale dining establishments, China’s foodservice landscape is diverse and expanding at breakneck speed.
Japan: Where Dining Out Is an Art Form
Japan has long been celebrated for its exceptional culinary culture, and this appreciation translates into substantial spending on eating out. The Japanese market represents one of Asia’s most mature and sophisticated foodservice industries. Though specific recent spending figures vary by source, Japan consistently ranks among the top global spenders on restaurants per capita.
After accounting for gravity factors, the most popular cuisines globally are Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, and American, with Japanese cuisine being a major cultural export. Domestically, dining out is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, from casual ramen shops to high-end kaiseki restaurants. The country’s emphasis on quality, presentation, and seasonal ingredients drives consumers to seek out restaurant experiences regularly. Urban centers like Tokyo and Osaka boast some of the world’s highest restaurant densities, reflecting the population’s willingness to spend on dining experiences. The post-pandemic recovery has further boosted spending, with both locals and returning tourists filling restaurants.
United Kingdom: A Nation That Loves Its Takeaways and Pubs
The United Kingdom topped the rankings in 2023 for Accommodation and Food Services Revenue in Europe, generating €123 billion. The UK’s foodservice market was valued at $102.75 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $152.48 billion by 2030, indicating robust growth ahead. British consumers have embraced eating out with particular enthusiasm, despite economic pressures.
The UK dining scene is incredibly diverse. Within the UK, 68% of consumers prefer contactless payment and digital ordering options, and spending on dining out returned to 95% of pre-pandemic levels with 12.4% growth in 2022, according to the UK Office for National Statistics. From traditional pub meals to trendy fast-casual concepts and fine dining, Brits are spending across all segments. Fast-food restaurants saw a 13% rise in spending between 2022 and 2024, whilst chicken shops saw an 11% increase. London alone makes up over a fifth of all UK delivery occasions, highlighting how urban populations particularly drive restaurant spending. The convenience culture, combined with a strong café and pub tradition, keeps the UK firmly among the world’s biggest spenders on eating out.
Germany: Europe’s Manufacturing Powerhouse Dines Out
Germany occupied the second spot in Europe’s ranking for Accommodation and Food Services Revenue in 2023, following the United Kingdom. Germany’s foodservice market is forecast at $139.43 billion in 2025, expanding at a CAGR of 6.08% to $187.31 billion by 2030. The German market demonstrates steady, consistent growth driven by urbanization and increased consumer demand for convenience.
Germans have traditionally been known for their home cooking culture, yet that’s shifting. Full-service restaurants still dominate, but delivery and quick-service formats are gaining ground rapidly. Full-service restaurants held the largest market share at 40.1% in 2022, but cloud kitchens are the fastest-growing segment at a CAGR of 6.37%. Tourism also plays a significant role, with Germany recording around 163 million tourist arrivals in 2022, many of whom contribute to restaurant revenues. The country’s strong economy and relatively high wages enable consumers to allocate substantial portions of their budgets to dining out, supporting a vibrant and diverse restaurant industry.
France: The Birthplace of Fine Dining Culture
France, synonymous with culinary excellence, remains a major player in restaurant spending. France occupied the fourth spot in Europe’s ranking for Accommodation and Food Services Expenditure in 2023. The French foodservice market reached $91.3 billion in 2024, with projections to $125.5 billion by 2033, and in 2023, France dominated the European food service market with an 18.2% market share.
French dining culture is legendary. From neighborhood bistros to Michelin-starred establishments, food is treated as an experience rather than mere sustenance. The French restaurant industry is being driven by an increased focus on health, conscious eating, and digital ordering services. Even as health consciousness grows, the French haven’t abandoned their love affair with restaurants. The country’s emphasis on quality ingredients, regional specialties, and the social aspect of meals ensures that dining out remains a cherished part of life. Whether it’s a quick café lunch or a leisurely dinner, the French continue to spend significantly on restaurant experiences.
Spain: Where Tapas Culture Drives Dining Spending
Spain followed closely behind the UK in Europe for Accommodation and Food Services Expenditure in 2023, occupying the second position. Spain was the largest market for restaurant spending in Europe, accounting for 24 percent of spending in 2017, demonstrating consistent leadership in the sector. Spanish dining culture is deeply social, with meals often stretching over hours and involving multiple courses.
Spain’s tapas culture encourages frequent restaurant visits, as small plates are designed for sharing and sampling. In 2018, the share of household expenditure devoted to catering services was largest in Ireland at 14.4%, followed by Spain with 13.0%. This high percentage reflects how integral eating out is to Spanish life. From bustling tapas bars in Madrid to beachside chiringuitos in Andalusia, Spaniards embrace dining out as a core social activity. The country’s strong tourism industry also contributes significantly to restaurant revenues, with millions of visitors each year seeking authentic Spanish culinary experiences.
Italy: La Dolce Vita Includes Frequent Dining Out
Italy’s foodservice market is substantial and growing rapidly. Italy’s foodservice market is estimated at $109.4 billion in 2025, with a forecast to $175.1 billion by 2030, growing at about 9.86% CAGR. Italy occupied the third spot in Europe’s ranking for both Revenue and Expenditure on Accommodation and Food Services in 2023, underscoring its importance in the European dining landscape.
Italian food culture doesn’t just influence the world, it thrives at home too. Pizza holds the biggest market share of the Italian restaurant market with over 40,000 FSR and QSR establishments across the country, while bars and pubs make up over 74% of outlets. Cafés constitute another 25% of the market, highlighting Italy’s legendary café culture. From morning cappuccinos to aperitivo hour and multi-course dinners, Italians spend generously on dining experiences. The emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and regional specialties keeps restaurant culture vibrant. Tourism further amplifies spending, as Italy remains one of the world’s most visited countries, with travelers eager to experience authentic Italian cuisine.
Ireland: Leading Europe in Household Restaurant Spending
Ireland stands out in Europe for dedicating the highest share of household budgets to eating out. Ireland devoted the largest share of household expenditure to eating out in 2018 at 14.4 percent, surpassing all other European Union nations. This represents a remarkable commitment to dining out, especially considering Ireland’s relatively smaller population compared to larger European countries.
The Irish dining scene has flourished in recent years, with Dublin and other cities seeing an explosion of restaurants, cafes, and gastropubs. The largest increase in catering services expenditure between 2008 and 2018 was recorded in Malta, followed by Ireland with +2.9 percentage points, showing sustained growth in dining habits. Irish consumers’ willingness to spend on food away from home reflects both rising incomes and changing lifestyles. Urban professionals with busy schedules increasingly rely on restaurants for convenience, while the country’s thriving pub culture and emphasis on social gatherings further drive spending. The growth of food delivery platforms has made eating out even more accessible.
Canada: North America’s Second-Biggest Dining Spender
Americans spend approximately $3,000 to $4,000 per capita annually on dining out, while Western Europeans spend around $2,500 to $3,500, and Canada falls into a similar spending bracket as other developed Western nations. Canada spends 9.1% of household income on food, positioning it among countries with relatively low food expenditure shares, which often correlates with higher spending on eating out.
Canadian dining habits mirror those of their American neighbors in many ways, with a strong embrace of convenience and variety. From Tim Hortons coffee runs to upscale farm-to-table restaurants, Canadians enjoy a diverse foodservice landscape. The country’s multicultural population drives demand for diverse cuisines, from Vietnamese pho to Ethiopian injera. Urban centers like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal boast vibrant restaurant scenes that attract both locals and tourists. The rise of food delivery apps and ghost kitchens has further boosted spending on food prepared away from home, making Canada a significant player in the global dining economy.
Australia: Where Café Culture Meets Beach Vibes
Australia has cultivated one of the world’s most dynamic café and restaurant cultures. While specific aggregate spending figures place Australia behind the top tier, per-capita spending remains impressive. Australia spends 9.8% of household income on food, similar to other developed nations with strong eating-out cultures. Australian cities, particularly Melbourne and Sydney, are renowned globally for their coffee culture and innovative dining scenes.
Australians dine out frequently, treating cafés as second homes and restaurants as gathering places. The country’s mild climate encourages outdoor dining year-round in many regions, and the emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients drives consumers to seek out restaurant experiences. Brunch culture is particularly strong, with weekend queues at popular cafés becoming a social norm. The Asian influence on Australian cuisine, combined with farm-to-table movements and a growing focus on sustainability, keeps the restaurant scene fresh and exciting. Food delivery has also exploded in popularity, with platforms enabling Australians to enjoy restaurant-quality meals at home.
Singapore: Small Nation, Massive Appetite for Dining Out
Singapore punches far above its weight in restaurant spending. Singapore spends the second lowest amount of household income on food at 6.7%, indicating that while a small share of income goes to food overall, this reflects high income levels rather than low spending. Singapore is constantly growing with a 23.1% market share in the Asia Pacific food service sector due to rising personal disposable income, increasing health awareness, time scarcity and lifestyle changes.
This tiny city-state has one of the world’s most vibrant food cultures, from hawker centers offering affordable local dishes to upscale restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs. Singaporeans eat out frequently, driven by limited home cooking space, long work hours, and an incredible diversity of culinary options packed into a small area. The government actively supports food culture, even granting UNESCO recognition to hawker culture. China’s Luckin Coffee expanded by more than 20 outlets in Singapore in less than a year, while South Korea’s Compose Coffee and Canada’s Tim Hortons have entered, and Indonesia’s Kopi Kenangan made its debut with 50 outlets, showing intense competition for dining dollars. Singapore’s dining expenditure continues to grow as the population embraces both traditional and international flavors.
