Menu Trends for Autumn 2023

Autumn is a popular time of the year with so many people. After the scorching heat of summer in Malta, the cooler temperatures come as a welcome relief. The temperatures are still quite high and even the sea is still warm enough for a regular dip if that takes your fancy.

After the summer madness, it is also the time to take a look around your restaurant, and make a plan for the coming months. Your menu should evolve, balancing popularity with profitability, allowing space for favourites and also innovations. Autumn means new seasonal produce is now available and you may wish to adapt your menu to make the best out of these new goodies on the market. This makes sense economically, as seasonal produce tends to be more cost-effective, giving a better profitability. At the same time, refreshing and re-energising your menu is a new opportunity to delight your guests, giving your regular clients a new reason to visit and can also possibly attracting new clients.

Here are some menu trends that you can jump onto, spicing up your offering

1. Yummy Pumpkin Pumpkin is a firm favourite for autumn, and this ingredient is incredibly versatile and can be incorporated in both savoury and sweet dishes. Let your imagination run riot with soups, sauces, delish vegetarian options and even desserts and sweets based on this popular gourd. You can even introduce special seasonal items such a pumpkin spice latte that will excite your guests and get them looking forward to such treats from one year to another.

2. Other Autumn Favourites Other autumn seasonal items are broccoli, artichokes, brussels sprouts, beans, mushrooms, beetroot, aubergines, chayote (ċentinarja), endives, fennel, Jerusalem artichokes….then there are the fruits….pomegranates, oranges, mandarins, grapefruit, winter melon, so you can really go all out with your imagination!

Now is a great time to include these and other fresh seasonal produce, into your offerings. You can offer new salads and sides, or adapt existing entrees with seasonal ingredients, and this will give your menu a fresh new look.

Exalting these flavours by including them in your food and beverage menu gives a little something for everyone. If it fits with the concept of your outlet, you may even wish to consider offering a whole range of drink and / or food items to give your guests a selection for them to experiment.

3. Shout it out!

Once you have come up with your seasonal menu items, it’s important to spread the word about your innovations through your marketing. A picture says a thousand words, so good quality photography will be key. Reach out in any way possible, using your social media channels to create a buzz and create awareness. Limited time offers may also be useful to encourage people to visit you this season.

4. Presentation is key!

Whatever your offering, it is always important to plan how you will present your dish or beverage. . The way food is presented plays a vital part in the experience of the diner, and in the story that is being told by the chef. It evokes emotions and sensations and is a promise to diners, showcasing the chef’s personality.

Will you use a special plate of type of dish, or a dedicated glass for that drink? Make sure this that is an integral part of your planning process as it will establish the image you want to communicate.

Need some ideas of tools available to present your food and drinks? We can help! Call us on +356 2157 7305, send an email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or message us on Facebook! We’d love to hear from you.