Why Ambiance is Important in Fine Dining

Posted by Karen Erdelac on Aug 21, 2014

Fine Dining AmbianceWhen selecting a fine dining restaurant, customers don’t look only for delicious food; they choose restaurants that offer a combination of great food, awesome service, and pleasing ambiance. If you’re a restaurant owner who’s trying to grow your business, read on to discover three things that affect your fine dining restaurant's atmosphere and our tips for creating an environment that keeps customers coming back.

Lighting

Improving the lighting is simple and an effective way to add some dazzle to your fine dining restaurant. Lighting isn't just important because of how it affects ambiance - poor lighting can also interfere with the appearance of food and beverages.For example, in the wrong light, green vegetables can take on a blue cast while meat can appear gray under harsh overhead lighting.

If you want to grow your business by creating ambiance, skip harsh overhead lighting and instead create a warm, welcoming space by using a combination of light fixtures placed at various heights.


Begin by defining separate spaces and determining the amount of light that is optimal in each. For instance, you can install a large, interesting light fixture in your reception area to simultaneously provide the hostess with much-needed light and create an appealing entryway. In addition, you can install low-hanging adjustable lighting at each table so it can be changed depending on the time of day, seasonal light, and occasion.

Music

Selecting music for your fine dining establishment is about far more than personal taste. In fact, it's as much science as art. Research shows that classical music, as opposed to pop music or no music at all, actually encourages people to order more in restaurants.

You are already appealing to customers’ senses of taste and sight, but to grow your business, consider tweaking what your customers hear. Select music that appeals to your target customers and complements your restaurants personality. Then, play it at a volume that allows customers to engage in conversation without hearing noises from the kitchen and surrounding tables. This may require a sound system with strategically spaced speakers and multiple zones.

Finishing Touches

Unique surroundings make for a memorable dining experience. If your restaurant is set in a charming area with a beautiful or interesting view, be sure to incorporate plenty of windows. Or, if your restaurant isn't in a particularly noteworthy setting, create a focal point of your own. Add a fireplace, large-scale artwork, or even a water feature to create the ambiance that customers expect of a fine dining establishment.

If you want to grow your business, consider your fine dining restaurant’s ambiance. At the end of the day, the winning recipe for restaurant success involves not only tasty food and drinks, but also an environment that leaves customers feeling like they’ve found something special. finediningambiance2

Invest in the ambiance of your fine dining restaurant and create an atmosphere that will keep customers coming back.

 

Topics: Growing Your Business, Restaurant