8 Menu Ideas for New Restaurants

If you’re a business owner and have spent a lot of time and money building a stunning new restaurant, then you surely want to attract attention and create an ambiance to get it noticed. One of the best ways to do so is with great menus.

Your menu is one of the most effective marketing tools you have as a restaurant. Many people decide to visit a new restaurant when they look at the menu and realize it includes the type of food they want.

Keep this information in mind as you build your menu. Here are the eight menu ideas for new restaurants that can make marketing your new food business easier.

1. Cedar Plank Salmon

Cedar plank salmon is a nutritious and delicious meal that could be a menu staple in new restaurant dishes. Salmon served on a cedar plank has an amazing and subtle smoky flavor that enhances the fish. Guests can savor the tender texture of the fish and the smokey cedar plank aroma it has.

Preparing the salmon on a cedar plank also helps keep it from drying out. The restaurant could serve the salmon with vegetables, grains, or legumes. For added flavor, a variety of herbs and spices may be used, or a light citrus glaze of teriyaki or honey mustard.

The restaurant may also offer a variety of sides or accompaniments such as brown rice, quinoa, couscous, or a garden salad. To make it an even more desirable meal, offer a white or red wine or a refreshing fruit juice of the day.

2. Braised Chicken Legs With Grapes and Fennel

This dish is created using juicy chicken legs brined in a flavorful mixture combining fennel and other herbs and seared until golden and succulent. Then it is braised in a mixture of red wine, chicken stock, and fresh grapes, that meld together in one harmonious pan.

The result is robust and succulent chicken, home to a blend of sweet and savory flavors. Served alongside a crisp green salad and a side of roasted potatoes, this meal is sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. Delicious, hearty, and unique, this dish is the perfect addition to any restaurant menu.

3. Seared Scallops With Brown Butter

This is made by grilling buttery scallops in a skillet until nicely seared, and then drenched in a rich, brown butter sauce. The tender, juicy scallops and the nutty sauce combine to make a delightful and decadent dish that will satisfy even the most discerning seafood connoisseur.

This dish would make a perfect entrée for a new restaurant, as the simple preparation allows for a speedy cooking and assembly process. The dish could also be served as a simple appetizer or tapas style due to its bite-sized portions.

4. Grilled Pizza

It combines the idea of a wood-fired oven-style pizza with a grill-smoky flavor. It can be served as a large pizza for friends and family to share, cut into smaller slices as an appetizer or entrée item, or individual portions for meals on the go. Toppings can vary from traditional styles to regional and gourmet options.

Sauces such as pesto, Italian red sauce, and spiced olive oils can be used to complement the smoky flavors of the grilled pizza. Offer a build-your-own pizza with a variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, meats, and cheese choices.

Specialty pizzas with unique flavor combinations could be offered to draw in customers. By incorporating the idea of grilled pizza into a menu, a new restaurant could create an interesting and tasty option.

5. Quick Potato Gnocchi

Quick Potato Gnocchi is a great menu idea for a new restaurant. The meal is simple, yet flavorful; it is easy to whip up quickly and cost-effective. The dish consists of small, pillowy potato dumplings cooked in a fragrant garlic-butter sauce and then topped with cheese, herbs, and lemon zest.

Diners can add extra vegetables or meat if they desire. The restaurant can also serve other gnocchi dishes such as plain potato gnocchi with a creamy sauce, pesto gnocchi, or tomato-based gnocchi.

As an appetizer, diners have the option of ordering a bowl of cheese and herb-filled gnocchi served with marinara sauce. By offering a variety of gnocchi dishes, the restaurant can easily appeal to a wide variety of tastes.

6. Classic Sole Meunière

The combination of the delicate fish and the mild herbs creates a classic taste that can be served with a variety of sides. A menu idea for a new restaurant featuring this classic sole dish would be to offer the traditional version with a selection of sides such as mashed potatoes, vegetables, and a creamy white wine sauce.

The dish can also be served as an entrée by adding jumbo shrimp to the mix for a more complete meal. Finishing off the classic sole would be a drizzle of lemon butter sauce for a burst of intense flavors.

7. Habanero BBQ Shrimp

It begins with wild-caught Jumbo shrimp that are marinated in a sweet and tangy habanero BBQ sauce overnight. The shrimp is then lightly grilled, and finally, served on a bed of jasmine rice and with a side of sautéed greens.

The flavors of the smoky char from the grill, the kick from the habanero, and the sweetness of the BBQ will tantalize the taste buds. The presentation is colorful and eye-catching and will delight the palate with a full sensory experience.

8. Caesar Salad Roast Chicken

When creating a menu for a new restaurant, it is important to consider nutrition for restaurants. The Caesar salad is a good source of B vitamins, protein, and calcium while providing a flavorsome kick of garlic and anchovies.

Roast chicken is a great source of protein and healthy fats, providing more of the nutrition that the body needs. Combining these two items together on the menu would make a great meal that is loaded with flavor.

Knowing the 8 Menu Ideas for New Restaurants

Overall, the most important thing for new restaurants when creating their menu is to make sure it resonates with their concept. Keep it simple, innovate, and always keep the customer’s needs in mind. If you’re looking for menu ideas be sure to do your research and ask for feedback.

With some thought and care, it is achievable to serve up a menu that’s delicious and on-trend! Put your menu ideas into action today and start your success story.

Check out our other blog posts for more health and lifestyle tips.