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OpenTable Research: Gen-Z Ushers in New Era for Valentine's Day Centered on Broader Celebrations of Love
52% of Americans plan to dine out this Valentine's Day – discover how diners are celebrating and explore OpenTable's Top 100 Romantic RestaurantsSAN
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[{"type":"text","content":"52% of Americans plan to dine out this Valentine's Day – discover how diners are celebrating and explore OpenTable's Top 100 Romantic RestaurantsSAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- According to new OpenTable research, Valentine's Day dining is continuing to expand beyond tradition, as diners reimagine the holiday to celebrate more than just romantic connections. In fact, 57% of Americans believe Valentine's Day is becoming more about celebrating all relationships than just romantic, a trend led by 70% of Gen Z.* The research also shows culinary compatibility emerging as a point of interest, with 55% of Americans saying shared food preferences play a meaningful role in connection.*Highlights from the research, alongside OpenTable data, revealed:The new dining landscape:Friendship gets the spotlight: Last year, dining on Galentine's Day (February 13) increased 34% year-over-year per OpenTable data,** as consumer research revealed 60% of Gen Z and 41% of all Americans are likely to celebrate Valentine's Day with friends instead of a romantic partner this year.* As the holiday broadens in meaning, 43% of those celebrating Galentine's or Palentine's Day this year say they'll be soft-launching a new friendship.*Solo dining = self love: More than half of Americans (58%) view solo dining on Valentine's Day as more socially acceptable than year's past, a belief most prominent among Gen Z (69%) and Millennials (68%).* Last year, solo reservations on OpenTable rose 35% year-over-year, reinforcing the trend's momentum.**V-Day goes group: 41% of Americans would consider going on a double date at a restaurant this Valentine's Day. This jumps to 50% among Gen Z, showing how younger diners are expanding the holiday to be more a more group-friendly, experience-first occasion.*How relationship dynamics play out in restaurants:Culinary compatibility: 55% of Americans say it's important to share food preferences or dining styles with their partner, including enjoying the same food and/or sharing plates. This rises 67% among Gen Z and 62% among Millennials.*Dining red vs. green flags: It's not just about what's on the plate, it's about how you behave at the table. Some of the biggest dining red flags include rudeness to staff (79%), bad manners (77%) and lateness (65%), while leaving a generous tip (68%), complimenting service (64%), and of...