Samantha Stobo and her friend enjoyed a two-week trip to Italy, but Stobo found the country’s late dining culture less appealing. At 32, she prefers to dine at 5:30 PM, a stark contrast to the Italian norm, where dinners begin after 8 PM. Stobo believes that earlier dining times might promote better health, noting studies that suggest eating close to bedtime can disrupt circadian rhythms and contribute to obesity.
Recent data from the reservation app OpenTable indicates a growing interest in early dinners among younger generations, with 53% of Gen Z and 51% of millennials in the U.S. expressing preference for early seating. From January to August 2025, early dining at 5 PM increased by 11% compared to the previous year, while the 6 PM time slot rose by 8%. In New York, 5 PM dining surged by 20%.
Cheryl Paniagua, Vice President of restaurant sales at OpenTable, suggested this trend may stem from factors such as the return to office work, evolving health priorities, and strategic reservations at less busy times. Many young people are exercising more regularly and drinking less, and they may prefer going to bed earlier to accommodate their new routines.
Historically, dinner customs have varied significantly among cultures; for instance, Spaniards typically dine around 10 PM, while Swedes prefer 6 PM. A recent survey found that 34% of U.S. adults favored a 6 PM dinner, compared to 21% who preferred dining at 5 PM, with only 14% eating after 8 PM.
Food historian Julia C. Skinner noted that attitudes towards dinner times have shifted, particularly due to changes in work-from-home dynamics post-COVID. In this context, some establishments are adjusting their offerings to cater to early diners, while challenges such as booking competition remain present. As more young patrons embrace earlier meals, the evolving dining landscape reflects broader societal changes in lifestyle and preferences.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/sep/19/gen-z-early-dinner