Restaurant in Australia

Major Trends Fueling the Growth

1. Rise of Food Delivery Apps and Platforms

• Leading platforms such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Menulog dominate the Australian market, making food from a wide range of restaurants accessible in even smaller townships345.

• Uber Eats is especially prominent, consistently achieving millions of monthly visits and a large active user base, while DoorDash and Menulog also command significant market shares4.

• Intense competition drives regular discounts, promo codes, and loyalty programs, all of which appeal to price-sensitive consumers1.

2. New Business Models: Ghost Kitchens & Virtual Brands

• Cloud kitchens (also known as ghost kitchens or dark kitchens)—delivery-only kitchens with no physical storefront—have become a cornerstone of the Australian delivery market6725.

• Restaurants are launching virtual brands out of existing kitchens to test new menus and reach more customers without the overheads of opening new outlets.

3. Hyperlocal and Fast Delivery

• Food delivery is getting faster, with quick commerce (q-commerce) promising deliveries in 10–15 minutes in urban centres61.

• Hyperlocal models, including smaller delivery hubs nearer to customers, are expanding beyond metropolitan areas and enhancing delivery reliability in suburbs and regional towns1.

4. Personalisation and the Power of AI

• Platforms now leverage AI-driven recommendations based on order history, dietary preferences, and time-of-day habits, providing tailored suggestions and offers to increase order frequency and loyalty15.

• Personalised experiences and relevant promotions are key differentiators in a crowded market.

5. Sustainability and Eco-Conscious Ordering

• There’s surging demand for eco-friendly packaging—compostable, recyclable, or reusable containers appeal to increasingly environmentally-conscious Australians65.

• Many restaurants and platforms now highlight their green credentials as part of marketing.

6. Meal Kits and Grocery Delivery

• Meal kit providers like HelloFresh and Marley Spoon are popular among Australians seeking healthy, convenient, and time-saving options for home cooking54.

• Online grocery delivery is also on the rise, expected to grow at over 12% CAGR through 2034; platforms are integrating ready-to-eat and fresh groceries with traditional restaurant meals89.

7. Restaurant-Branded Apps & Direct Ordering

• More Aussies now use restaurant-owned mobile apps and sites. In 2025, 20% of online orders are placed directly via these branded channels10.

• Customers welcome loyalty programs, exclusive deals, and a stronger sense of connection with favorite restaurants.

Consumer Behaviour Insights

• Australians are spending an average of AUD 60 per week on food delivery apps as of 20252.

• Key reasons for ordering include convenience, variety, speed, and the desire for a seamless digital experience.

Most Popular Food Delivery Platforms

The Outlook

• The Australian online food ordering ecosystem is dynamic, with technology, business model innovation, and changing customer preferences shaping the future of dining.

• Speed, sustainability, and personalisation will continue to drive competition and growth, ensuring that food delivery remains a core part of modern Australian life.