According to a recent Skift Megatrends report, the way we dine is changing. Though dining and culinary culture constantly evolves, there has been a particular focus on dining in recent years, to the point where it has become the main event of a day or night out, a vacation or business trip.

Restaurants are no longer somewhere to grab a quick bite, but destinations in and of themselves. In what Skift calls The Bourdain Effect, food is now a major hook in travel and trip planning. More and more travellers note food as the main reason for choosing new destinations.

Traditional dining experiences give way to creative and immersive dining, with over-the-top themes and distinctive offerings as restaurants strive to create a character for their brand and space.

The culinary scene today features unique food combinations, a focus on local sourcing, innovative cocktail and meal pairings, reversed meal orders and more tapas-style sharing, as opposed to the traditional three-course meal.

Digital technology plays a large role in this culinary evolution. Countless resources are available including Uber, OpenTable, Foursquare and Airbnb Trips, which provide directions, quick and easy reservation services and personalized recommendations based on individual preferences on everything from level of formality to cultural style and location. With these apps and digital services, it’s easier than ever to discover new, unique dining options anywhere in the world.

Culinary culture also experienced a significant return to aesthetics with more photo-worthy plates and sustainability on the rise. Restaurants around the world are turning to hyper-local sourcing, with in-house vegetable and herb gardens, on-site beer brewing and house-distilled and -infused liquor.

Have you personally noticed changes in how you dine? Are there any particular trends in dining you like or dislike? Email us and let us know. Please include your full name and location with your email.