How to Choose the Right Music for Your Restaurant
Music isn’t just background noise in a restaurant—it’s a secret ingredient. It shapes the entire dining experience, influencing how guests feel, how long they stay, and even how much they spend. A well-chosen restaurant playlist can turn a simple meal into a memorable event, while a poor one can disrupt the ambiance and drive customers away. In this guide, we’ll explore what music works best for dining spaces and how you can create the perfect sonic atmosphere for your establishment.
Why Music Matters in Restaurants
Imagine walking into a fine dining restaurant with heavy metal blaring, or a lively café with funeral dirges playing. The disconnect is immediate. Music sets the emotional stage. Studies show that:
Mood: The right music can reduce stress, evoke nostalgia, and create a sense of comfort or excitement.
Dining Speed: Upbeat tempos can subtly encourage faster table turnover, while slower, calmer music invites guests to linger over dessert and another drink.
Spend: A pleasant, congruent atmosphere can make patrons more relaxed and willing to indulge in an extra appetizer or a premium bottle of wine.
What Background Music Works Best for Restaurants?
The golden rule for restaurant ambience music is to enhance, not overpower. It should be felt more than it is consciously heard.
Calm & Non-Distracting: The music should provide a gentle acoustic cushion, filling silence without competing with conversation.
Instrumental Focus: While vocals can work, instrumental tracks (jazz, classical, ambient) are often safer as they are less likely to intrude on thought or talk.
Volume & Tempo: Volume should be kept at a level that allows easy conversation (typically around 60-70 decibels). Tempo often dictates energy—slower for relaxed settings, moderately upbeat for casual spots.
What Makes a Good Restaurant Playlist?
A playlist is more than a random collection of songs. It’s a curated journey.
Genre Selection: Choose a core genre that reflects your restaurant’s soul. Is it sophisticated jazz, earthy acoustic, or modern electronic?
Brand Identity Consistency: Your music must align with your theme. A rustic farm-to-table spot might lean on folk and bluegrass, while a sleek urban sushi bar could opt for cool downtempo or Japanese instrumental.
Avoid Explicit Content: This is non-negotiable. Always screen lyrics to ensure they are universally inoffensive and appropriate for all audiences.
Music Types for Different Restaurant Styles
Casual Dining: Aim for broadly appealing, upbeat genres. Think soft rock, indie folk, or classic soul. The vibe should be welcoming and energetic.
Fine Dining: Elegance is key. Opt for classical (e.g., piano, string quartets), smooth jazz, or sophisticated world music. The tempo should be slow to encourage relaxation and luxury.
Cafés: Create a cozy, creative, or slightly eclectic atmosphere. Acoustic covers, lo-fi beats, singer-songwriter tracks, or light bossa nova work perfectly.
Fast Casual: Keep it current and crisp. Upbeat indie pop, curated electronic, or clean top-40 edits can maintain a lively pace without overwhelming.
Examples of Good Background Music
Need inspiration? Here are some universally effective genres and artists to consider:
Jazz: Miles Davis’s cooler sessions, Dave Brubeck, classic vocalists like Ella Fitzgerald (keep volume low).
Acoustic: Instrumental covers of popular songs, artists like José González, or relaxed folk.
Soft Pop: Mellow tracks from artists like Norah Jones, Jack Johnson, or early Beatles.
Lo-fi & Ambient: Perfect for daytime or modern spaces. Provides rhythm without distraction.
Common Mistakes Restaurants Make
Playing Music Too Loud: The #1 offender. If guests have to raise their voices, the music is too loud.
Random Shuffled Playlists: Jarring genre jumps or inappropriate songs break the immersive atmosphere.
Using Copyrighted Music Illegally: Playing from a personal Spotify or Apple Music account is illegal for commercial use and can result in heavy fines. Always use a licensed service.
How to Build Your Restaurant Playlist
Curate by Daypart: Morning might call for calmer, acoustic sounds. Lunch can be slightly more energetic. Dinner shifts should match your intended evening ambiance.
Choose Genre Themes: Create separate playlists for different moods (e.g., “Sunday Brunch,” “Romantic Evening,” “Weekday Lunch”).
Use Licensed Music Sources: Services like Soundtrack Your Brand, Mood Media, or PremiumBusiness from Spotify provide legal, curated music for commercial settings.
Conclusion
Your restaurant playlist is a powerful tool for storytelling and customer experience. It’s an invisible host that greets, comforts, and entertains. By intentionally selecting background music for your restaurant that aligns with your brand and respects the dining space, you create a harmonious environment where both food and company can shine. Invest time in your soundscape—your customers’ ears (and your bottom line) will thank you.
FAQs
What is the best background music for restaurants?
There’s no single “best” genre, as it depends on your restaurant’s style. However, the best music is consistently non-intrusive, legally licensed, and perfectly aligned with your brand’s atmosphere. Instrumental genres like jazz, classical, and ambient are safe, effective choices for many settings.
Can loud music reduce customer satisfaction?
Absolutely. Excessively loud music is a leading cause of guest discomfort. It hinders conversation, increases stress, and can lead to shorter visits and reduced spending. The ambiance should feel welcoming, not overwhelming.
Should restaurants avoid vocals in background tracks?
Not necessarily, but they should be cautious. Vocals can be distracting if they are too prominent or lyrical. If using vocal tracks, opt for songs with softer, blended vocals or in a language that most patrons don’t understand, allowing the voice to act as another instrument.
How often should the playlist be updated?
A good rule is to refresh your core playlists seasonally and rotate in new tracks monthly to avoid repetitive fatigue for staff and regular customers. Daily playlists (e.g., breakfast vs. dinner) should remain consistent in tone.