Crafting a meal that’s truly memorable means engaging all five senses to fully immerse patrons in your unique dining experience.
Sight:
Captivate diners with lighting
and décor, vibrant colors and
thoughtful plating.
Sound:
Curating background music that complements the restaurant’s theme can enhance the atmosphere. Further, studies indicate that soundscapes affect dining speed and choices, with tailored audio potentially increasing customer satisfaction.2
Smell:
Open kitchens or the use of aromatic ingredients can entice patrons upon entry, setting positive expectations. Engaging the sense of smell can also evoke memories, further enriching the dining experience.
Taste:
Taste is heightened when other senses are engaged. Combining flavors with sensory stimuli can enhance flavor perception by up to 60%.3
Touch:
High-quality utensils and varied food textures can make the experience more engaging. Consider changing up the weight and material of cutlery to influence perceptions of the meal.
2Why the Best Restaurants Cater to All Five Senses, FSR, 2023
3The Art of Storytelling in Sensory Dining: Creating Unforgettable Culinary Experiences, 2024
Build Business with Added Touches.
Experiential and
Immersive Dining:
Integrate theatrical elements, such as interactive visual projections and thematic performances to further captivate your diners.
Flexible and
Adaptable Spaces:
Designing multifunctional areas with modular furniture and moveable partitions allows for easy adaptation to different events or times of day.
Local and
Artisanal Touches:
Custom-made furniture, locally sourced décor and artwork create a sense of community and authenticity that diners appreciate.
Open Kitchens
and Chef’s Tables:
Showcasing the culinary process through open kitchens and allowing your diners to be at the front seat of your kitchen builds an element of trust and transparency. Most important, it adds an additional element of entertainment.4
4Top Six Restaurant Design Trends for 2024: A Guide for Restaurateurs, Restaurant Business, 2024.
“How do you make something memorable? Everything starts with deliciousness. Every ingredient in a dish is like a chapter in a book. And if you line up the ingredients really well, you tell an amazing story.”
John Coletta,
Executive Chef at Quartino
“A sensory technique that’s underutilized? Sizzle is not one that you see a lot. A little sizzle or flair or some sort of theatrics will always elevate a dining experience.”
Debbie Gold
Corporate Chef at AMDP
“How to pop your plate or give it that sensory feeling? If I’m getting a chilled dessert, even the fork should be cold.”
Charu Pant
Executive Chef at St. Mary’s College
“We put all our life, all our feelings, all our emotions on the plate. Every guest matters. Every second matters. You might not get a second chance to make someone’s day.”
Jeffrey Quasha
Senior Director of Innovation
at Morrison Healthcare