GenZ have ‘menu anxiety’ and it’s stopping them eating out

The only problem is, around any given mixed-generation table there may be some who are acutely uncomfortable with the situation. Gen Z, who are currently aged between 11 and 26 years old, lost out on large gatherings for a handful of the formative years because of COVID and lockdowns, with many still suffering social anxiety as a result.

Studies have found that this has exacerbated itself in professional settings, for example a 2023 report revealed nine in 10 graduates say they avoid in-person work events because of social anxiety, and nearly a quarter are uncomfortable speaking up in team meetings and sharing their ideas.

But this social anxiety is also impacting young people’s social life—according to a recently published study it’s even stopping them enjoying eating out.

The study, conducted by British restaurant chain Prezzo, asked more than 2,000 people about how at ease they felt while eating out. The group that reported the most ‘menu anxiety’ was Gen Z, with 34% of 18 to 24 year olds admitting they ask other people at the table to speak to waiters on their behalf, because they are too nervous to talk.

That’s a significantly higher figure than the average level of anxiety felt by customers, with the overall average of those who feel awkward speaking to waiting staff standing at 21%.

Younger diners said they also wanted to be prepared for the situation. Although around half of customers said they’d check the menu before going out for dinner, almost 40% of Gen Z customers said they simply wouldn’t go out for dinner if they couldn’t check the menu first.

This could be to help combat some of the commonly-listed fears survey recipients had when it came to eating out: being overwhelmed by the amount of choice on the menu, mispronouncing an item and feeling…