Summer is the season for restaurant owners to shine. Warm weather means people are eager to get out and enjoy good times with friends and family. And what’s the one thing that brings everyone together? Food.
Want to make your restaurant the go-to spot this summer? The place where everyone rushes to grab the best seat for delicious food and a fantastic atmosphere? Then, it’s time to try out these essential summer menu ideas.
This article will discuss some amazing ideas for creating a summer-friendly menu for your restaurant.
Don’t wait. Summer is right around the corner, so get ready to implement these ideas and make this summer your restaurant’s best season yet.
Use Local & Fresh Ingredients
Have you ever noticed how locally grown, seasonal food tastes better? That’s because it doesn’t have to travel far to reach you. Short transit times mean farmers can harvest at peak ripeness when flavours are at their best.
Take advantage of this by incorporating fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs into your summer menu. By sourcing local ingredients, you can cut costs and highlight local flavours.
Depending on your location and climate, some summer favourites to consider include:
- Fruits like watermelon, mangoes, peaches, and berries for delicious juices, smoothies, etc.
- Vegetables like cherry tomatoes, avocados, bell peppers, arugula, sugar snap peas, cabbage, and zucchini to prepare fresh and healthy salads and other vegetarian dishes.
- Herbs like basil, dill, mint, rosemary, oregano, and cilantro should be used in salads.
Offer Delicious Grilled Meat
Summer in the UK means it’s grilling time. Embrace this beloved tradition by adding grilled, charbroiled, or smoked dishes to your menu. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly grilled food to evoke that summer feeling.
From classic grilled burgers, pork chops, and barbecued chicken to vegan-friendly options like mushroom caps, sweet potatoes, and grilled vegetables, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Consider setting up a grill outside your restaurant to tempt passersby with the irresistible smells of summer. With the scent of charred goodness in the air, customers will line up to savour your delicious offerings.
Don’t Forget The Cold Sides
When the weather heats up, balance out your menu with refreshing cold sides to give your guests a break from the heat. Here are some options to consider:
- Coleslaw
- Pasta salad
- Cold potato salad
- Fresh fruit
- Mixed green side salads
You can also offer them delicious and refreshing cold soups. Classics like Gazpacho, cucumber soup, and vichyssoise will keep your customers cool and satisfied.
To make the meal more enjoyable, consider soup recipes that include fresh herbs, colourful vegetable garnishes, creamy goat cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. These little touches can elevate your cold soups and make them even more irresistible on a hot summer day.
The best thing about these cold sides? You can prepare them ahead of time, making it easier to handle the lunch or dinner rush. Just remember to keep them refrigerated to keep them fresh and safe to eat.
Have Some Seafood in Your Menu
Seafood dishes are always a hit because they are light, flavourful, and perfect for summer. You can enhance their appeal by pairing them with fresh herb or citrus sauces and marinades.
For the health-conscious diners, include a variety of seafood options on your menu. Grilled fish, shrimp, crab cakes, and scallops are all great choices.
If your restaurant is located near the coast, use locally caught seafood for maximum flavour and freshness. It’s a win-win for both your customers and your business.
Don’t Forget The Cool Beverages
When the sun is blazing, and the air is thick with heat, there’s nothing quite like cooling down with a refreshing drink in hand. Summer is the prime time to showcase your twist on classic beverages like iced tea, iced coffee, lemonade, or root beer.
You can elevate these timeless favourites by adding sliced lemon or other fruits, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or sorbet, and serving them in stylish glasses.
And don’t just stop there. Get creative and craft enticing cocktails and mocktails using your own blend of fresh herbs, fruits, and veggies.
Consider naming some drinks after iconic landmarks or local celebrities for an extra touch of hometown pride. It’s a fun way to celebrate your community while treating your customers to something special.
Feature Mouthwatering Fresh Desserts
Choosing the right desserts for a warm-weather menu can be tricky. You want sweet treats that are light and refreshing, not heavy or overly sugary.
The solution? Focus on desserts that highlight fresh fruits.
Consider options like strawberry shortcake, cherry pie, and parfaits. For a cooler option, serve sorbet, granitas, or ice cream.
Other delightful choices include frozen lemonade pie, gourmet ice cream sandwiches, flaky pastries, and lemon tarts.
These delicious desserts produce the fresh and summery flavours your customers crave on a hot day.
Wrapping Up
This summer, make your restaurant the go-to destination for delicious food and a fantastic atmosphere. With these essential summer menu ideas, you can attract customers looking for a refreshing and flavourful dining experience.
By using local and fresh ingredients, you’ll create dishes bursting with seasonal flavours. From grilled favourites to refreshing cold sides and beverages, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Don’t forget to tantalise your customers’ taste buds with mouthwatering desserts featuring fresh fruits. These sweet treats are the perfect way to end a summer meal, whether it’s strawberry shortcake, sorbet, or lemon tarts.
If you are planning to design a menu just for the summer, don’t look further than ChefOnline Print Media. Our creative and expert team will ensure an attractive, top-notch menu that will leave a lasting impression on your brand.
