What are the most popular pop-up menu items?

Mar 27, 2024 | 4 min read

Pop-up restaurants have taken the culinary world by storm, offering a unique dining experience with a rotating menu that caters to diverse tastes. The charm of such establishments lies in their ability to provide a fusion of classic favorites and innovative culinary creations. The most popular menu items in these pop-up restaurants often include grilled ribeye steak, pan-seared salmon, truffle mac and cheese, chicken Caesar salad, Margherita pizza, shrimp scampi pasta, and vegetable stir-fry. Each of these dishes has its unique appeal and can be adapted to cater to various dietary preferences and meal types.

Grilled ribeye steak

Grilled ribeye steak is a crowd-pleaser in pop-up restaurants due to its versatility and universally appealing taste. It is popular for dinner, and its hearty nature makes it a favorable choice for both dining in and delivery. The grilled ribeye steak can be served in various forms, such as the classic bone-in or prime ribeye, ribeye steak salad, or even as a breakfast option with eggs. Unique twists like ribeye tacos or steak fajitas add an element of fun and interactivity to the dining experience, making it a popular choice for pop-up restaurants.

Pan-seared salmon

Pan-seared salmon is another favored dish in pop-up restaurants, popular among seafood lovers and health-conscious diners alike. This dish shines during lunch and dinner services and holds up well for delivery. The classic pan-seared salmon with lemon-butter sauce is a hit, while variations like bourbon glazed salmon or Panang salmon cater to those seeking an adventurous taste. Fusion dishes like salmon tempura roll or seared salmon sushi integrate global flavors, making pan-seared salmon an exciting addition to any pop-up restaurant menu.

Truffle mac & cheese

Truffle mac & cheese offers a luxurious twist on a comfort food classic, making it a popular choice for pop-up restaurants. This dish is a hit for dinner and is also a popular choice for delivery, given its ability to travel well. Basic truffle mac & cheese is a must-have, while variations like bacon truffle mac & cheese or lobster truffle mac & cheese add a gourmet touch. Vegan truffle mac & cheese ensures inclusivity, and bite-sized truffle mac & cheese bites make for a delightful starter or snack.

Chicken Caesar salad

Chicken Caesar salad is a staple in most pop-up restaurants due to its universal appeal. It's a popular choice for lunch and dinner and is particularly favored by health-conscious diners. The classic chicken Caesar salad is a must, while variations like grilled or Cajun chicken Caesar salad add a unique twist. Vegan Caesar salad caters to plant-based diners, and chicken Caesar salad wraps offer convenience for those on the go, making them a popular choice for delivery.

Margherita pizza

Margherita pizza is a timeless favorite, making it a popular choice for pop-up restaurants. This dish is a hit for lunch, dinner, and even late-night snacks. It's also a popular choice for delivery due to its portability. The classic Margherita pizza is a must, while variations like Margherita Sicilian pizza or gluten-free Margherita pizza cater to different preferences. Fusion options like Margherita calzone or Margherita flatbread add a unique twist, ensuring a wide appeal.

Shrimp scampi pasta

Shrimp scampi pasta is a beloved dish in pop-up restaurants, popular for both lunch and dinner services. This dish is a popular choice for delivery, given its ability to maintain its integrity during transit. The classic shrimp scampi pasta is a must, while variations like shrimp fra diavolo pasta or Cajun shrimp pasta offer a unique flavor profile. Creamy shrimp Alfredo pasta or light shrimp pesto pasta cater to different tastes, ensuring a well-rounded menu.

Vegetable stir-fry

Vegetable stir-fry is a versatile dish that caters to a wide range of dietary preferences, making it a popular choice for pop-up restaurants. This dish shines during lunch and dinner services and holds up well for delivery. The classic vegetable stir-fry is a staple, while variations like tofu stir-fry or garlic stir-fry add a unique twist. Fusion options like vegetable fried rice or cashew stir fry integrate global flavors, making vegetable stir fry an exciting addition to any pop-up restaurant menu.

The information presented in this article is based on a comprehensive study of Otter’s internal menu data for pop-up restaurants, and does not represent a guarantee.

Mar 27, 2024 | 4 min read

About Otter

Otter helps your restaurant business grow. Here a few of our key results:
  • Increase revenue up to 10% with Marketing*
  • Reduce storefront downtime by up to 50% with Live Alerts*
  • Increase sales up to 50% with Digital Dine-In's QR code ordering*
  • Reduce missed orders to less than 1% with Order Manager's Auto-Accept feature*
  • Supercharge your food business with our all-in-one restaurant POS system*
* Results based on typical Otter customer performance

DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general informational purposes only and the content does not constitute an endorsement. Otter does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information, text, images/graphics, links, or other content contained within the content. We recommend that you consult with financial, legal, and business professionals for advice specific to your situation.

Request a demo

Subscribe to the monthly newsletter →