Ecosystem restoration is often conducted to promote ecosystem services that are valued in natural habitats. However, it is unknown whether restoration sites can provide the same services as natural habitats, or how long these take to develop. Here, we conceptually explore trends in ecosystem service development in intertidal ecosystems. We examine how environmental, biological and climatic conditions can transform restoration pathways and ecosystem service production. We discuss the synergies and trade-offs between developing ecosystem services that should be considered for “optimal” restoration outcomes. Improved consideration of ecosystem service trends, mediating factors and interactions will help improve quantification and accurate prediction of changes in intertidal ecosystem services post-restoration. This has broad implications for environmental economic accounting in restoring ecosystems, promoting future restoration projects.