Australia Restaurant Industry Guide

essential insights, costs, and trends shaping the Australia restaurant industry

Running a restaurant in Australia comes with its own challenges — shifting dining trends, rising ingredient costs, evolving customer habits, and changing local regulations. Whether you’re serving modern Australian cuisine in Sydney or running a seaside café in Perth, staying ahead requires reliable, up-to-date insights.

This guide brings together everything Australian restaurant owners need in one place — from market overviews and salary benchmarks to delivery platforms and food trends. It’s designed to save you time, support your decisions, and help your restaurant thrive in a fast-moving and competitive industry.

We created this page because informed decisions start with accurate data. Australia’s restaurant scene is diverse, creative, and constantly evolving. Whether you’re opening your first venue or managing a growing chain, this guide will help you stay informed, compliant, and ready for what’s next in the Australian hospitality market.

This guide was last updated on: November 19, 2025

Restaurant Market Insights Across the Australia

Australia’s restaurant industry is vibrant and varied, with each major city offering its own dining culture, customer behavior, and pace of growth. From Sydney’s fine-dining and multicultural food scene to Melbourne’s café-driven neighborhoods and the Gold Coast’s tourism-focused venues, every region presents unique opportunities. Below is a quick look at six of the country’s most active restaurant hubs — Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and the Gold Coast — showcasing where the strongest developments and dining trends are shaping Australia’s culinary landscape.

Sydney

Australia’s Culinary Capital

Population: ~5.5 million

Number of Restaurants: 3,400+

Restaurant Density: Low

(emerging market with low restaurant presence)

Dining Personality: A global dining hub driven by tourism, diversity, and high culinary standards.

Emerging Trend: Growing focus on sustainable sourcing and digital menu adoption.

Melbourne

Trend-Driven and Culturally Diverse Dining

Population: ~5.4 million

Number of Restaurants: 3,300+

Restaurant Density: Low

(emerging market with low restaurant presence)

Dining Personality: Creative and café-focused, blending global trends with local flair.

Emerging Trend: Rising demand for plant-based and globally inspired menus.

Brisbane

Growing Family and Outdoor Dining Scene

Population: ~2.6 million

Number of Restaurants: 5,500+

Restaurant Density: High

(competitive market with diverse dining options)

Dining Personality: Casual and family-friendly, with a love for outdoor dining.

Emerging Trend: Expansion of alfresco dining and casual fusion concepts.

Perth

Emerging Market with Local Roots

Population: ~2.15 million

Number of Restaurants: 1,350+

Restaurant Density: Low

(emerging market with low restaurant presence)

Dining Personality: Locally rooted and evolving, mixing tradition with modern dining.

Emerging Trend: Increasing use of local produce and eco-friendly packaging.

Adelaide

Affordable, Community-Focused Dining

Population: ~1.4 million

Number of Restaurants: 2,000+

Restaurant Density: Moderate

(growing market with rising dining demand)

Dining Personality: Community-minded and affordable, celebrating local flavors.

Emerging Trend: More interest in seasonal menus and regional wine pairings.

Gold Coast

Tourism and Resort Dining Hub

Population: ~750,000

Number of Restaurants: 3,000+

Restaurant Density: Extremely High

(oversaturated market with fierce competition)

Dining Personality: Tourism-driven and beach-inspired, known for vibrant resort dining.

Emerging Trend: Premium beachfront dining and wellness-focused cuisine on the rise.

Food Delivery & Ordering Platforms in Australia

Food delivery apps play a key role in Australia’s dining industry, linking restaurants of all sizes with customers across cities and regional areas. They help venues reach new audiences, boost online visibility, and maintain steady orders. Below are the most popular platforms Australian restaurants use to grow and manage their delivery business.

Uber Eats

Australia’s leading delivery app known for fast service and wide restaurant choice.

Coverage: Nationwide (all major cities)

Commission Range: 25% – 30% per order

DoorDash

Expanding quickly with flexible delivery options and local restaurant support.

Coverage: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth

Commission Range: 20% – 30% per order

Menulog

Trusted local platform offering low commissions and broad customer reach.

Coverage: Nationwide

Commission Range: 10% – 25% per order

Choosing the Best Online Menu for Your Restaurant in Australia

Running a restaurant in Australia means adapting quickly to changing diner expectations. Guests now prefer to browse menus on their phones — before visiting, while seated, or when ordering online. A well-designed digital menu doesn’t just display your dishes; it strengthens your brand, saves time, and delivers a smoother experience for every customer.

Look for the following features:

• Instant updates so prices, photos, and items can be changed in seconds.
• Multi-language menus to serve both locals and international visitors.
• Allergen and dietary badges for transparency and customer trust.
• QR-code access for quick and easy viewing at the table.
• Clean, mobile-friendly design that showcases your food beautifully.
• Smart tools and analytics that help boost sales and online engagement.

Many restaurants still rely on printed or PDF menus that quickly go out of date. Modern online menus let you update content anytime, cut printing costs, and keep your listings consistent across websites and delivery apps — helping your business stay efficient and competitive.

How Menuviel Helps Australian Restaurants

Australia Food & Dining Trends

Australia’s dining scene is constantly evolving, shaped by cultural diversity, regional produce, and shifting consumer preferences. From casual takeout favorites to wellness-focused meals, Australians are exploring a wide variety of cuisines and dining styles. The insights below are based on the latest Google search data, showing which foods and restaurant types are currently capturing the most attention from diners across the country.

Most-Searched Foods and Cuisines in the Australia

Restaurant Salaries and Staff Wages in the Australia

The table below provides an overview of average monthly salaries for common restaurant roles across Australia. These estimates are based on market data and hospitality industry reports from major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Figures represent gross pay before tax and do not include bonuses or tips, which may vary depending on location, venue type, and experience.

Useful Links for Australia Restaurant Owners

The links below connect restaurant owners in Australia with verified government portals, regulatory bodies, and professional associations. From food safety and business registration to tax obligations and training resources, these official sites help restaurants stay compliant, informed, and connected across the country’s fast-moving hospitality industry.

Free AI Tools and Expert Resources for Restaurants in the Australia

Explore free digital tools and practical resources designed to help Australian restaurant owners save time, improve menus, and boost online visibility. Each AI tool below was created by Menuviel to support everyday restaurant operations — from writing better dish descriptions to managing customer feedback and optimizing food photos. You’ll also find a selection of expert blog articles with insights, strategies, and local market guidance tailored for Australia’s hospitality industry.

Restaurant Menu Item Description Generator

Create engaging and customer-friendly dish descriptions in seconds.

Restaurant Google Review Reply Generator

Respond to customer reviews quickly with professional, AI-crafted replies.

Restaurant New Menu Item Advisor

Discover fresh dish ideas and menu additions tailored to your location and concept.

Food Delivery App Review Responder

Reply to delivery app reviews fast and effectively to protect your reputation.

Restaurant Menu Success Calculator

Analyze your online menu with AI. Gain valuable insights and actionable tips.

Coming Soon

Restaurant Menu Item Photo Optimizer

Enhance food photos instantly for menus, websites, and social media.

Coming Soon

Restaurant Instagram Post Generator

Generate ready-to-use images and captions to boost your restaurant’s visibility.

Coming Soon

Blog Posts for Restaurant Growth in the Australia