Summer Menu Ideas for Restaurants To Try
If you're a restaurant owner or a food lover on the lookout for some fantastic summer dinners, you've come to the right place. We're about to embark on a culinary adventure, exploring the best summer menu planning ideas for restaurants that will make your taste buds tingle.
When the warm weather rolls in, it's all about embracing the flavours of the season. We're talking about fresh and light ingredients bursting with vibrant colours and tantalising aromas. From refreshing salads packed with juicy fruits and crisp vegetables to grilled delights that will transport you to BBQ heaven, we've got a feast of ideas to share with you.
So grab yourself a nice iced tea because it's time to bring the spirit of summer to your restaurant's menu and create memorable dining experiences.
Embrace fresh and light ingredients
🍉 Dive into the refreshing world of watermelon! Slice it up, dice it, or even grill it to add a unique twist. Pair it with tangy feta cheese, crisp cucumber, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a salad that screams summer.
🥗 Create a salad masterpiece with a medley of seasonal fruits and veggies. Think juicy peaches, sweet strawberries, arugula, and crunchy snap peas. Top it off with a zesty citrus dressing for a salad that's as beautiful as it is delicious.
🌽 Corn on the cob becomes a superstar in the summer. Grill it to perfection, then slather it with creamy herb butter and sprinkle it with a touch of chilli for a flavour explosion.
🍓 Don't forget about the strawberries! These juicy gems are perfect for summer desserts. Whip up a simple strawberry shortcake by layering fresh strawberries and sweetened whipped cream between buttery biscuits. It's a classic that never fails to impress.
Grilled delights
🍤 Seafood lovers, rejoice! Marinate some succulent shrimp in a tangy citrus and garlic marinade, then grill them to perfection. Serve them over a bed of mixed greens or toss them into a zesty pasta salad for a light and refreshing summer entree.
🍆 Looking to please the veggie enthusiasts? Grilled vegetables are a fantastic option. Brush slices of zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers with olive oil, sprinkle them with your favourite herbs (like fresh basil or oregano) and spices, then grill them until they're tender and slightly charred. Serve them as a side dish or layer them on a crusty baguette for a delightful vegetarian sandwich.
🍗 Fire up the grill for some tender and juicy chicken kebabs. Thread marinated chunks of chicken breast, colourful bell peppers, and sweet red onions onto skewers, then grill them to perfection. The smoky flavours combined with the vibrant veggies create a delightful summer dish.
🌽 Let's not forget about the king of summer grilling - corn on the cob! Slather it with a mouthwatering garlic and herb butter, sprinkle it with a pinch of smoked paprika, then grill it until it's beautifully charred. It's the perfect side dish for any summer feast.
Chilled soups and gazpachos
Beat the summer heat with a bowlful of chilled goodness! Chilled soups and gazpachos are the ultimate refreshing treats that will keep you cool and satisfied on those scorching summer days.
🥒 Crisp and cool, cucumber gazpacho is a true delight in the summer months. Blend together cucumbers, Greek yoghurt, garlic, and fresh herbs like dill and mint. Season it with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of salt. The result? A light and refreshing soup that will transport you to a breezy summer garden.
🍅 Fresh tomatoes take centre stage in a classic gazpacho. Blend together ripe tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, red onions, and a splash of tangy red wine vinegar. Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of paprika for that extra kick. Served chilled, it's the epitome of summer in a bowl.
🥑 Avocado lovers, rejoice! Chilled avocado soup is here to satisfy your cravings all season long. Puree ripe avocados with vegetable broth, lime juice, and a hint of cilantro. The result is a creamy, velvety soup with a zesty kick that will leave you wanting more.
🍓 For a unique twist, try a chilled strawberry soup. Blend fresh strawberries with a touch of honey, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a splash of yoghurt. The result is a vibrant and fruity soup that captures the essence of summer.
🥣 Presentation is key when serving chilled soups and gazpachos. Serve them in chilled bowls or elegant shot glasses for a visually appealing presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of croutons for added texture and flavour.
Dessert and tasty treats
Save room after dinner or lunch for a sweet finale to your summer feast with these irresistible desserts that celebrate the flavours of the season! Desserts with summer flair are all about capturing the vibrant and juicy essence of summer fruits. Get ready to indulge in these delightful summer menu ideas for restaurants that will have your customers begging for seconds.
🍓 Say hello to strawberry shortcake! Layer fluffy biscuits with luscious strawberries macerated in sugar and a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The combination of sweet, tart, and creamy flavours will transport you straight to summertime bliss.
🍑 Take advantage of the succulent peaches of the season and create a mouthwatering peach cobbler. Baked to perfection with a buttery crust and a hint of cinnamon, this warm and fruity dessert is pure comfort on a plate. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
🍋 Lemons are the stars of summer, and what better way to showcase their tangy goodness to your hungry guests than with a zesty lemon tart? A buttery crust filled with a luscious lemon custard and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar will bring a burst of sunshine to your dessert menu.
🍒 Dive into the world of cherries with a classic cherry pie. Juicy cherries encased in a flaky crust, bursting with flavour and oozing with deliciousness. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream for a nostalgic summer treat.
🥭 Mango madness! Allow your guests to celebrate the tropical vibes of summer with a refreshing mango sorbet. Puree ripe mangoes with a touch of lime juice and a hint of honey, then freeze it to create a delightful and dairy-free dessert that will transport your taste buds to a sunny beach.
Summer drinks
Quench your thirst on those hot days with a sensational cool drink this summer! From refreshing mocktails to vibrant cocktails, we've got you covered with our mouthwatering summer menu ideas for restaurants. Get ready to sip and savour the flavours of the season!
🍹 Cool down with a classic summer refresher – the fruity mocktail! Blend together ripe watermelon, tangy lime juice, and a splash of sparkling water for a thirst-quenching watermelon fizz. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a watermelon wedge for that extra touch of summer vibes.
🍸 Elevate your cocktail game with a vibrant and tropical concoction. Mix fresh pineapple juice, coconut cream, and a splash of rum for a tantalising piña colada. Serve it in a chilled glass, garnished with a pineapple slice and a colourful paper umbrella to transport your customers to an island paradise.
🍋 Citrus lovers, rejoice! Shake up a zesty lemonade with freshly squeezed lemon juice, a hint of sweetness, and a few sprigs of crushed thyme for a sophisticated twist. Serve it over ice with a lemon wheel for a refreshing summer sip.
🌿 Embrace the herb-infused trend with a refreshing cucumber and basil cooler. Muddle fresh cucumbers and basil leaves with a touch of lime juice and simple syrup, then top it off with sparkling water. The result is a crisp and invigorating drink that screams summer.
🍓 Time for some berrylicious goodness! Create a refreshing strawberry mojito by muddling ripe strawberries, fresh mint leaves, and lime wedges. Add a splash of rum and a touch of simple syrup, then top it off with sparkling water. It's a vibrant and fruity cocktail that will have your customers coming back for more.
Take Control with a Responsive Restaurant POS
Host with confidence when you rely on Epos Now’s dedicated restaurant POS. Process multichannel sales (from in-house, takeaway, and delivery) all in one place!
How can a restaurant POS help you this summer?
As the temperatures rise and the demand for outdoor dining soars, a reliable POS system with seamless payment processing can be your secret weapon for streamlining operations and maximising efficiency. Let's explore how a restaurant POS and payment processing services can lend a helping hand this summer and elevate your dining experience.
📊 Efficient order management:
With a robust POS system and integrated payment processing, you can effortlessly manage orders from multiple channels, such as in-house dining, takeout, and delivery. Streamline the ordering process, minimise errors, and ensure a seamless flow of communication between your front-of-house and kitchen staff, while enabling secure and swift payment transactions.
📈 Inventory and ingredient tracking:
Seasonal menu changes and increased demand mean keeping a close eye on your inventory. A restaurant POS system with integrated payment processing enables real-time tracking of ingredients and supplies, preventing shortages and reducing wastage. This helps you maintain optimal stock levels and deliver consistent dining experiences while seamlessly processing payments.
📱 Online ordering integration:
Embrace the growing trend of online ordering with a POS system that integrates payment processing services. Epos Now online ordering allows customers to conveniently place orders through a QR code, expanding your reach and catering to those who prefer takeout or delivery options. Seamlessly sync online orders with your POS or KDS, ensuring accurate order fulfilment, secure payments, and reducing manual effort.
🕒 Staff management and scheduling:
As the summer rush hits, efficiently managing your staff becomes crucial. A POS system with integrated payment processing can assist with staff scheduling, shift assignments, and time tracking. By automating these processes, you can optimise staffing levels, reduce labour costs, and ensure smooth operations during busy periods, all while ensuring seamless payment processing for your customers.
📊 Analytics and reporting:
Gain valuable insights into your business performance with advanced reporting features offered by modern POS systems with integrated payment processing. Analyse sales trends, identify popular menu items, monitor key performance indicators, and track payment transaction data. These insights empower you to make informed decisions, strategize marketing campaigns, and fine-tune your offerings to meet customer demands while ensuring efficient payment processing.
Our sizzling final thoughts...
With these summer menu ideas for restaurants, your culinary journey is set to be a sizzling success. Soak up the warm weather, embrace the flavours of the season, and let your restaurant become a summertime oasis where delicious memories are made. Cheers to a summer filled with culinary adventures and unforgettable moments!
Want to learn more about creating the perfect menu for your business? Check out our additional resources below:
Revamp your hospitality game with Hour Hospitality's cutting-edge POS system! Contact our team of experts today and elevate your business to new heights.
