The restaurant industry is ever-evolving, and keeping up with the latest dining ware trends can be challenging. But, one aspect that often gets overlooked is the role of dinnerware. The right plating can significantly impact the overall dining experience for your customers, making it an essential element of your restaurant’s success.
So, what’s hot in the world of restaurant dinnerware?
With the help of Steelite International and our team of experts, we’ve put together a guide that will help you take your dining experiences to the next level, from menu ingredients to the final plating.
Why Restaurant Dinnerware Matters
The restaurant plates you choose can have a significant impact on the overall customer experience. Here’s why:
- Perceived Quality: High-quality, stylish dinnerware can elevate customers’ perceptions of your restaurant. Elegant plates and bowls create a sense of sophistication, luxury, and attention to detail, while chipped or low-quality dishes can detract from the dining experience.
- Aesthetics: The appearance of your dinnerware can enhance or take away from the visual appeal of your culinary dishes. Choose plates and bowls that complement the colors and textures of your food to create a visually striking presentation.
- Sensory Experience: The feel and weight of your dinnerware can contribute to the overall sensory experience of dining. For example, heavy, stoneware plates can create a sense of grounding and stability, while lightweight porcelain plates may feel more delicate and refined.
- Brand Identity: Your choice of tableware should reinforce your restaurant’s brand. For a rustic eatery, stoneware or earthenware might be ideal, while a modern restaurant might opt for sleek, minimalist designs.
Choosing the Right Plating for Your Menu
Selecting the perfect table setting is more than just an aesthetic choice—it’s about creating an atmosphere that complements your culinary creations and leaves a lasting impression.
Below are some things to consider as you make the best choice for your table settings.
Mix and Match: Break away from traditional, perfectly matched sets. Embrace an eclectic mix of colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique and inviting tablescape.
Bold and Vibrant: Incorporate vibrant colors to add personality to your table. Bold hues like teal, coral, or mustard yellow can be paired with neutral tones for a balanced look.
Texture & Contrast: Combining various textures helps create depth and visual interest. Mixing smooth porcelain with rugged stoneware or delicate glassware with robust ceramics can enhance your guest’s experience.
Share Plates: Large platters and bowls designed for sharing are becoming increasingly popular. Try including a variety of small dishes or ramekins for individual servings to cater to different dining styles.
Outdoor Dining: If your restaurant offers outdoor service, you’ll want to choose durable, weather-resistant materials like melamine or stoneware. And add a little fun with brightly colored pieces to enhance the outdoor experience.
Cocktail Culture: With the rise of mixology, unique glassware can make a big difference. Don’t forget to experiment with different colors, shapes, and textures to elevate your cocktails.
Sustainable Materials: Eco-conscious diners value sustainability. Restaurants should consider table settings made from recycled materials or bamboo to meet this demand.
Presentation: In the age of Instagram and TikTok, presentation matters. You’ll want to choose distinctive plates and bowls that make your dishes stand out on social media.
Tips for Choosing Commerical Dishes
When deciding what table settings to use, you want to balance style, functionality, and creativity. Here’s how to ensure your selections enhance your restaurant’s ambiance and dining experience:
- Align with Your Concept: Ensure your table settings reflect your restaurant’s overall style and personality. Fine dining establishments will have different needs compared to casual cafes.
- Prioritize Functionality: Your table settings should be durable, easy to clean, and appropriate for the dishes you serve.
- Be Creative: Don’t shy away from experimenting. Unique dishes and creative table settings can help your restaurant stand out and keep your guests coming back.
The Finishing Touches
When it comes to the competitive dining scene, every detail matters. From your ingredients to the ambiance, every aspect of your restaurant influences the customer experience. Choose restaurant dinnerware that reflects your brand, enhances the presentation, and contributes to a comfortable dining experience.
Want to enhance your restaurant’s dining experience? Check out these additional resources and see the difference having the right dinnerware can make.
From Atmosphere to the Menu, Find Trends That Matter
The restaurant landscape is always changing. Amid such challenges as a tight labor market and persistent inflation, operators are on the lookout for trends to elevate the dining experience.
Connect to the Customer Experience
From that first impression to the end of meal service, operators should have processes in place. Today’s restaurant customers are paying more, so they expect more. One way to keep them satisfied is by paying attention to the guest experience.
The Art of Presentation
You’re not just setting a table. You’re creating an experience, telling a story, sharing a culture – and food is at the heart of it. Food brings people together and connects them to tradition and inspiration.
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