Singles and groups are more likely than couples to dine out for Valentine’s Day this year, according to OpenTable.
Data from a recent survey conducted by the San Francisco-based restaurant booking site shows that 61% of singles are willing to dine out for a first date on February 14. Men are more gung-ho, with 65% in on the idea, compared to 57% of women. But Gen Z is leading the trend, with 70% in favor.
Double dating is also seeing more traction, as 51% of respondents would consider going to a restaurant with another couple. In Gen Z circles, that number rises to 62%.
Diners are also looking for new experiences this Valentine’s Day; 81% are planning to try a new restaurant over a familiar favorite. And 36% are seeking special occasion spots to make their dinner out more celebratory.
For the unattached, Galentine’s Day on February 13 has grown into a lucrative group dining opportunity for restaurants. Reservations for tables of six or more increased 34% year-over-year on this night before Valentine’s Day, according to OpenTable data. This year, 25% of survey respondents plan to celebrate Galentine’s Day.
“Valentine's Day dining has gone through a major vibe shift over the years, and this year sees a continuation of that, with couples, double dates and groups of friends planning to dine out for the occasion," said Robin Chiang, chief growth officer of OpenTable, in a statement.
For those leaning toward a more traditional Valentine’s Day date, OpenTable has compiled a list of the Top 100 Romantic Restaurants across the U.S., based on over 10 million diner reviews. They run the gamut, from restaurants with spectacular views, to classic steakhouses, Italian trattorias and celebrity chef-driven destinations.
For the consumer data, OpenTable commissioned an online survey conducted by PureSpectrum among 1,513 U.S. consumers. Fieldwork took place between Dec. 24, 2024 and Jan. 2, 2025.
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