New Year’s Eve: A Record Average Spending of €65 Per Guest at Restaurants
The French reaffirm their love for festive dining out, with average spending up by 6.5% compared to 2023.
Overview
According to a study by Sunday, French diners spent an average of €65 per person at restaurants on New Year’s Eve 2024, up from €61 the previous year. This increase highlights a renewed enthusiasm for celebrating outside the home despite economic challenges. Among regions, Île-de-France stood out with an average spend of €77, followed by Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (€69) and Nouvelle-Aquitaine (€68). Notable moments included impressive bills, such as a record €7,549 in Île-de-France.
The study also sheds light on key consumption trends, including higher festive spending, tipping habits (6% of the bill on average), and regional behaviors, such as diners in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) spending the most time at the table (2 hours and 50 minutes on average).
Key Takeaways
• National average spend: €65 (+6.5% vs. 2023).
• Highest-spending region: Île-de-France (€77).
• Highest individual bill: €7,549 (Île-de-France).
• Average dining time: 2h07, with PACA setting the record (2h50).
• Tipping: 6% of the bill, with a peak tip of €58 in Île-de-France.
• Average party size: 3.2 guests, with a record of 32 people in PACA.
Analysis and Insights
Evolving festive dining habits:
The 6.5% rise in average spending reflects a growing preference among French diners for more premium dining experiences. New Year’s Eve is increasingly seen as a strong social and culinary marker, representing a return to shared pleasures after years of restrictions and economic uncertainty.
Grand meals: tradition meets modernity:
Large gatherings in PACA (with a record of 32 guests) showcase the enduring appeal of convivial meals, often lasting longer (2h50 on average). In contrast, regions like Hauts-de-France opt for shorter, more intimate meals (1h40). These differences highlight diverse sociocultural dynamics and the need for restaurateurs to adapt their offerings to local dining rhythms.
Regional disparities reflect local expectations:
Île-de-France leads in spending (€77), reaffirming its status as an economic and gastronomic hub. Conversely, regions like Bourgogne-Franche-Comté or Brittany show more modest averages, reflecting a preference for accessible yet high-quality dining. This polarization can guide restaurateurs toward more refined segmentation of their offerings.
The resurgence of dining out as a festive tradition:
Beyond the numbers, these insights underscore the revaluation of restaurants as spaces for celebration and connection. Dining has become an immersive experience where ambiance, service, and cuisine play pivotal roles. This shift raises questions about the future of traditional formats and the rise of more personalized or themed dining experiences.
A Window into Deeper Transformations
This festive moment highlights profound changes, positioning restaurants as hubs for socializing and indulgence. It offers a valuable lens to anticipate long-term trends, such as the growing importance of customer experience and the social and emotional dimensions of dining.
Alice Polack
