OpenTable Research Finds Gen Z Expanding Valentine's Day Celebrations Beyond Romance
OpenTable research indicates that Gen Z is leading a trend toward more inclusive Valentine's Day celebrations, with a majority of Americans planning to dine out and a new list of the Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in America released for 2026.
According to new research from OpenTable, Valentine's Day dining in the United States is shifting beyond traditional romantic celebrations, with a growing focus on broader relationships and group gatherings. The research, based on a survey of 1,509 American consumers conducted between December 20, 2025, and January 2, 2026, found that 57% of Americans believe Valentine's Day is becoming more about celebrating all relationships, a trend most pronounced among Gen Z respondents at 70%.
The data shows that 52% of Americans plan to dine out on Valentine's Day. Additionally, 60% of Gen Z and 41% of all Americans are likely to celebrate the holiday with friends rather than a romantic partner. Dining on Galentine's Day (February 13) increased by 34% year-over-year, according to OpenTable data. Among those celebrating Galentine's or Palentine's Day, 43% reported plans to "soft-launch" a new friendship.
Solo dining is also gaining acceptance, with 58% of Americans viewing solo dining on Valentine's Day as more socially acceptable than in previous years. This sentiment is higher among Gen Z (69%) and Millennials (68%). OpenTable reported a 35% year-over-year increase in solo reservations for Valentine's Day.
Group dining is becoming more common, with 41% of Americans open to double dates at restaurants for Valentine's Day, and this figure rises to 50% among Gen Z.
The research also examined dining preferences and behaviors. 55% of Americans consider shared food preferences or dining styles important in relationships, with 67% for Gen Z and 62% for Millennials. The study identified key dining "red flags," including rudeness to staff (79%), bad manners (77%), and lateness (65%), while "green flags" included leaving a generous tip (68%), complimenting service (64%), and offering to cover the bill (65%).
The survey found that Americans spend an average of two hours and 14 minutes searching for a Valentine's Day dining venue. Last year, 24% of OpenTable reservations for Valentine's Day were made within 48 hours of the holiday, and 14% within 24 hours. OpenTable reported that more "Notify Me" alerts were set for Valentine's Day than for any other holiday in 2025.
