A Systematic Literature Review on Sustainability in Fine-Dining Restaurants

Abstract

This study conducts a systematic literature review to synthesise academic research on sustainability practices in fine-dining restaurants. With the growing importance of environmental, economic, and sociocultural sustainability in gastronomy, this review explores how fine-dining establishments conceptualise and implement sustainable practices. Guided by the PRISMA 2020 framework, 28 peer-reviewed articles indexed in Scopus and Web of Science were analysed and selected on the basis of language, accessibility, and thematic relevance. Thematic analysis revealed four dominant themes: environmental sustainability, customer attitudes, gastronomic innovation, and sociocultural sustainability. Key tensions were identified, including the balance between creative freedom and ethical sourcing, as well as the challenges of integrating exclusivity with ecological responsibility. Moreover, underexplored areas such as AI-supported menu engineering, energy efficiency, and resilience during crises emerged as promising directions for future research. These findings were interpreted through systemic transition theory and sustainable gastronomy frameworks, offering a multidimensional perspective that goes beyond purely environmental approaches. This review represents the first comprehensive synthesis focusing exclusively on fine-dining sustainability, mapping both theoretical and practical blind spots. By integrating underrepresented perspectives, it advances conceptual understanding while providing actionable insights. The study contributes to academic debates and offers guidance for chefs, managers, and policymakers aiming to align luxury gastronomy with long-term sustainability goals.