17 Copycat 1970s Restaurant Recipes That Still Steal the Show

The 1970s marked a golden era for American dining out, when restaurants became entertainment destinations and chefs weren’t afraid to be bold, creative, and downright theatrical with their presentations. This revolutionary decade gave us some of the most memorable restaurant dishes in culinary history—from flaming tableside preparations that wowed diners to elaborate surf-and-turf combinations that epitomized fine dining excess. These copycat recipes capture the essence of that groovy restaurant scene, where dining was as much about the experience as it was about the food.

Brennan’s Bananas Foster

Brennan’s Bananas Foster
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in the rich flavors of Brennan’s Bananas Foster, where caramelized bananas dance with vanilla ice cream. This New Orleans classic combines warm, buttery rum sauce with cool, creamy sweetness for a dessert experience that’s simply unforgettable.

Get the recipe -> Brennan’s Bananas Foster

Caesar Salad Dressing

Caesar Salad Dressing
Image Credit: Stetted

Experience the ultimate homemade Caesar dressing—creamy, garlicky, and bursting with flavor. This simple recipe combines rich anchovy, mayo, and parmesan for a classic taste that elevates any salad. Skip the store-bought version and create restaurant-quality dressing at home!

Get the recipe -> Caesar Salad Dressing

Orange Julius

Orange Julius
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in this homemade Orange Julius recipe that brings the classic mall favorite to your kitchen. Creamy, refreshing, and perfectly sweet, this nostalgic treat is surprisingly easy to make whenever citrus cravings strike.

Get the recipe -> Orange Julius

Copycat McDonald’s Big Mac

Copycat McDonalds Big Mac
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Master the art of McDonald’s iconic burger at home with our perfect copycat recipe. The secret sauce steals the show, capturing that unmistakable flavor you crave. Every element is meticulously recreated for an authentic fast-food experience without leaving your kitchen.

Get the recipe -> Copycat McDonald’s Big Mac

Shoney’s Hot Fudge

Shoney’s Hot Fudge
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in this homemade version of Shoney’s iconic dessert! Layers of rich devil’s food cake, creamy vanilla ice cream, and decadent hot fudge combine to create a showstopping treat perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion worth celebrating.

Get the recipe -> Shoney’s Hot Fudge

Long John Silver’s Fish Batter

Long John Silvers Fish Batter
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Dive into the crispy, golden perfection of homemade Long John Silver’s fish batter. This copycat recipe delivers that signature crunch and flavor you love from the restaurant, but from the comfort of your kitchen. Simple ingredients transform ordinary fish into an extraordinary meal.

Get the recipe -> Long John Silver’s Fish Batter

Burger King Whopper

Burger King Whopper
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Savor the iconic flame-grilled taste of fast food royalty in your own kitchen. This authentic copycat uses fresh ingredients to recreate that classic Whopper experience, delivering all the smoky, juicy goodness you crave—but even better than the drive-thru original.

Get the recipe -> Burger King Whopper

Wendy’s Chili Recipe

Wendys Chili Recipe
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

This spot-on replica captures Wendy’s iconic chili with its perfect thick texture and distinctive flavor profile. Every spoonful delivers the comforting taste that loyal fans have come to crave from the famous fast-food staple.

Get the recipe -> Wendy’s Chili Recipe

Beef Wellington

Beef Wellington
Image Credit: xoxoBella

Transform your Christmas dinner with a show-stopping Beef Wellington. This decadent holiday centerpiece wraps tender beef tenderloin in rich mushroom duxelles and flaky pastry for an unforgettable feast that will impress your guests and create lasting memories.

Get the recipe -> Beef Wellington

Veal Parmesan

Veal Parmesan
Image Credit: Or Whatever You Do

Indulge in a comforting Italian-American classic where tender breaded veal cutlets meet melted cheese and tangy marinara sauce. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of crispy texture and savory flavors that will transport you straight to your favorite family restaurant.

Get the recipe -> Veal Parmesan

Authentic Italian Chicken Cacciatore

Authentic Italian Chicken Cacciatore
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Discover the rich flavors of this authentic Italian classic. Juicy chicken simmered with earthy mushrooms, ripe tomatoes, and robust wine creates a hearty sauce that’s pure comfort. Serve over your favorite pasta or rice for a satisfying meal that transports you to the Italian countryside.

Get the recipe -> Authentic Italian Chicken Cacciatore

Brown Derby French Onion Soup Recipe

Brown Derby French Onion Soup Recipe
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Savor the timeless comfort of Classic French Onion Soup from the legendary Brown Derby restaurant. This exquisite recipe combines rich beef and chicken broths with perfectly caramelized onions, all crowned with a golden, bubbling cheese topping that delivers pure culinary satisfaction.

Get the recipe -> Brown Derby French Onion Soup Recipe

Chef Salad

Chef Salad
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in a timeless classic with our traditional chef salad topped with homemade French dressing. This simple yet satisfying combination makes for a perfect lunch or dinner option that’s both nutritious and delicious.

Get the recipe -> Chef Salad

Veal Scallopini alla Mushrooms

Veal Scallopini alla Mushrooms
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

Achieve that coveted smoke-kissed flavor impossible to replicate in an oven – the taste that prompts questions from everyone. The mahogany skin and woody aroma will have neighbors peering over fences as it cooks to perfection.

Get the recipe -> Veal Scallopini alla Mushrooms

Perfect Grilled Rack of Lamb

Perfect Grilled Rack of Lamb
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

Transform your backyard into a high-end steakhouse with our foolproof grilled rack of lamb. Our precise temperature technique and signature seasoning blend deliver restaurant-worthy results at a fraction of the cost. Even self-proclaimed “lamb skeptics” become instant converts after one perfectly tender, flavorful bite.

Get the recipe -> Perfect Grilled Rack of Lamb

Chateaubriand Roast

Chateaubriand Roast
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

Transform your dinner into a gourmet experience with this classic French technique. Our foolproof roasting method delivers juicy, pink meat from edge to edge, creating an elegant centerpiece worthy of your most special occasions.

Get the recipe -> Chateaubriand Roast

Copycat Shoney’s Strawberry Pie

Copycat Shoneys Strawberry Pie
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Experience the nostalgia of Shoney’s famous strawberry pie, where juicy fresh berries nestled in sweet glaze create a dessert that captures the essence of warm seasons. This simple yet stunning treat brings restaurant-quality indulgence to your table.

Get the recipe -> Copycat Shoney’s Strawberry Pie

About Stephanie Manley

Stephanie Manley is the creator of CopyKat.com. She has been recreating copycat recipes since 1995. Learn more about Stephanie Manley.

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