Grandmacore Comfort Food Trend Surges

Nostalgic, slow-cooked meals and authentic family-style menus are gaining popularity at restaurants across the country.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The 'Grandmacore' trend is reshaping the dining experience, with restaurants embracing nostalgic comfort food, slow-cooked meals, and authentic family-style menus. This style, inspired by the cozy and flavorful cooking of grandmothers, is gaining traction as younger adults seek out comforting experiences reminiscent of their childhoods.

Why it matters

The 'Grandmacore' trend reflects a broader shift towards nostalgia and authenticity in consumer preferences. As people look for ways to find comfort and connection in uncertain times, the homey, slow-cooked meals and family-style dining experiences offered by these restaurants are resonating with diners. This trend also highlights the enduring appeal of traditional cooking methods and recipes passed down through generations.

The details

The 'Grandmacore' style extends beyond just the food, with restaurants also embracing the cozy, vintage aesthetic through their decor and ambiance. Some establishments even feature rotating groups of real grandmothers who come in to cook, with menus based on their personal recipes. These 'Nonna-style' restaurants serve authentic Italian or Southern comfort food, such as slow-cooked meals, homemade pasta, and sauces made with love. Examples of such restaurants include Pepp & Delores in Cincinnati, Monell's in Nashville, and Lambert's in Sikeston, Missouri.

  • The 'Grandmacore' trend has been gaining momentum in recent years, with Yelp identifying it as a hot trend for 2026.

The players

Pepp & Delores

A restaurant in Cincinnati that serves authentic Italian and Southern comfort food, with a focus on slow-cooked meals and homemade recipes.

Monell's

A restaurant in Nashville that offers a rotating menu of Southern comfort food, prepared by a rotating group of real grandmothers.

Lambert's

A restaurant in Sikeston, Missouri, that captures the cozy, homey vibe of 'Grandmacore' dining.

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The takeaway

The 'Grandmacore' trend reflects a growing desire among consumers for authentic, comforting dining experiences that evoke the warmth and familiarity of home-cooked meals prepared by grandmothers. As people seek solace in uncertain times, this nostalgic style of cooking and dining is resonating with diners and driving a surge in popularity for restaurants that embrace this cozy, homespun aesthetic.