Most of us enter a restaurant with a clear idea: good food and a pleasant atmosphere. But while the menu is obvious at first glance and the ambience quickly catches the eye through lighting and restaurant furnishings, one crucial factor often goes unnoticed – the acoustics. Sound design is as integral to the restaurant experience as the food itself, and yet it is often neglected by many restaurateurs.
Noise level: When noise impairs the taste experience
Who hasn’t experienced it? You’re sitting in a busy restaurant, trying to have a conversation with the person opposite you, but the constant clinking of dishes, loud laughter and the general noise level make any conversation difficult. Studies show that noisy environments can affect not only our well-being, but also our taste experience. A study by Oxford University found that loud noises impair the ability to recognize certain flavours. Sweet and salty flavors in particular are muted by high noise levels.
The volume in the room can also have a significant influence on how long guests stay. In very loud environments, guests eat faster, drink less and are more likely to leave the restaurant. A quiet, well thought-out sound design, on the other hand, encourages longer, relaxed meals and therefore higher spending per table.
The psychology of sound: how music controls mood
Acoustic management in restaurant interior design: the fight against noise
Many restaurants face acoustic challenges, especially if they are located in rooms with high ceilings, hard floors or glass walls. These materials reflect sound and amplify noise instead of absorbing it. The result is a constant echo and a high noise level that detracts from the experience.
One solution is the targeted use of sound-absorbing materials that are part of a well-designed restaurant interior, such as carpets, acoustic panels and curtains. Some innovative restaurants have employed specialist acoustic designers to control noise and create a more pleasant atmosphere. Eleven Madison Park in New York, for example, has brought in a team of sound designers to optimize the restaurant’s acoustics. By integrating sound-absorbing materials and adjusting the music volume, a harmonious balance between conversational noise and background music was created.
Restaurant interior design: Sound design as a differentiating feature
For many restaurants, sound design is not only a tool to create a pleasant atmosphere, but also a means to stand out from the competition. A well thought-out sound design in the restaurant interior can be a trademark that keeps guests coming back. In the Noma restaurant in Copenhagen, for example, the sounds of nature are carried over into the dining area – the rustling of leaves, the sound of the wind and the rippling of water create a multi-sensory experience that underlines the concept of “Nordic Cuisine”.
The Berlin restaurant Katz Orange also follows this approach: the focus here is on creating an intimate atmosphere by deliberately keeping the noise level low. Soft furniture, curtains and wooden elements help to dampen the sound and create a pleasant, quiet environment in which guests feel comfortable.
The acoustics of a room play a much bigger role than many people think. It can have a positive or negative impact on the dining and drinking experience and often determines whether guests return. For restaurants that want to offer an all-round successful experience, it is therefore essential to take the sound design in the restaurant interior just as seriously as the food on the menu. Well thought-out acoustics not only contribute to hospitality, but also create the emotional connection that keeps guests coming back.
Another physical aspect of a restaurant visit that influences the guest experience is the choice of table. Find out more about this in our article: Basics of Restaurant Design: How Seating Choices Influence Guest Behavior
