“A way to a person’s heart is through their stomach.”
AS a food enthusiast and an architect, I always observe the design of any restaurant I visit locally and abroad, in addition to the plating served by the chefs wherever we dine. As our cravings empower us to choose our go-to resto, the lighting, layout and design can play a pivotal role in driving our appetite to a different level of appreciation of the cuisine from an architectural perspective.
As a frequent restaurant goer, I observed that the primary elements of a restaurant’s design include lighting, furniture, colors, smell, acoustics, and overall architectural interiors. Aside from the ingredients of the dishes on each menu, these abovementioned elements are necessary to fulfill the holistic satisfaction of every diner, which will give them a dining experience that will turn them into loyal customers.
A brandy and wine restaurant in Belgrade, Serbia. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
What makes a restaurant a dining experience to remember? In the age of social media, the interior and exterior of a restaurant should serve as its silent salesperson and an invisible receptionist that will take us to the cuisine and hospitality they represent. The lighting tells if the restaurant offers either formal or casual dining. The furniture, seating and textiles can tell us the level of comfort they want us to experience, whether they want you to stay, relax and order more, or simply eat and go.
The presence or absence of tablecloths can tell you the restaurant’s price range. Even the uniforms and warmth of their personnel, from the chef to the service staff, dictate the overall branding of a restaurant. These also influence whether we leave a big tip or not.
The colors of the interiors are equally important. From a positive psychological perspective, according to Karen Haller, a Behavioral Design Consultancy in the UK, the usage of the color red grabs everyone’s attention and makes them feel excited. Yellow, on the other hand, gives friendly and happy vibes.
The consultancy also said the combination of these two colors suggests speed. Just look at the fast-food chains around us. Meanwhile, from being a matcha or vegan color, green suggests we relax and chill. We see this trend in most cafes.
Acoustics is another aspect of interiors that shows a restaurant’s brand. Do diners have to speak loudly or maintain hushed tones? Does the acoustics tell if the restaurant is casual or formal?
Ultimately, aside from the food, the architectural interiors can dictate the restaurant’s branding and, more importantly, the overall guest experience.
This is a principle that I see every time I enjoy another amazing dinner experience with my loved one — which, as of this writing, I am doing.
Ar. Vanessa V. Lagman-Ledesma has held many positions at the UAP. She is currently the UAP’s national president’s chief of staff. A graduate of Bachelor of Science in Architecture at the University of Santo Tomas, she specializes in Commercial and Residential Architecture Design, and is a certified foodie and art enthusiast.
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