"The Secret Ingredient to a Memorable Dining Experience: The Human Touch"
When we visit a restaurant, we often expect a memorable dining experience that is defined by the perfect combination of design, food quality, and service. However, achieving this elusive balance can be a challenging feat for many restaurant owners.
As a brand developer and experience creator, I've spent a lot of time exploring the intricacies of what makes a successful restaurant. Recently, I came across the "Alexander the Guest" channel on YouTube, curated by the co-owner of the Michelin-starred restaurant "42" in Hungary, which shed some valuable insights on what truly sets apart the best restaurants in the world.
Two videos in particular, "Sketch" and "Mirazur," piqued my interest. While Sketch has a reputation for its unique concept and design, Mirazur boasts the culinary expertise of one of my favorite chefs, Mauro Colagreco. But here is what struck me most.
Design and concept are essential for creating a standout experience, but they're not enough on their own. Food quality and service are also crucial components. The restaurant Sketch, for example, has an amazing design, but the service was lacking, and the food quality was not up to par. In contrast, Mirazur managed to strike the perfect balance between design, food quality, and service, making it an unforgettable dining experience. But there is one more component that make Mirazur stand out from the crowd — PEOPLE, not service. While in Sketch people seem to be well trained, but a little “artificial” in Mirazur I saw happy and nice faces that were not trying to play by the rules, but just were themselves.
Human touch, hospitality, and ambiance are what truly elevates a dining experience to new heights. Even if a restaurant lacks in design, service quality, and branding (I don’t like to admit it, but it is true), having PEOPLE working for you, not just well-trained robotic staff, can make all the difference. Personal connections and interactions are what create lasting impressions, making the dining experience truly memorable.
As restaurant owners, it is essential to focus not just on the aesthetics, food, and service but also on creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes your guests feel at home. A great dining experience is about more than just the food on the plate. It is the culmination of design, food quality, service, and the human touch that makes a lasting impression on your guests.
When we visit a restaurant, we often expect a memorable dining experience that is defined by the perfect combination of design, food quality, and service. However, achieving this elusive balance can be a challenging feat for many restaurant owners.
As a brand developer and experience creator, I've spent a lot of time exploring the intricacies of what makes a successful restaurant. Recently, I came across the "Alexander the Guest" channel on YouTube, curated by the co-owner of the Michelin-starred restaurant "42" in Hungary, which shed some valuable insights on what truly sets apart the best restaurants in the world.
Two videos in particular, "Sketch" and "Mirazur," piqued my interest. While Sketch has a reputation for its unique concept and design, Mirazur boasts the culinary expertise of one of my favorite chefs, Mauro Colagreco. But here is what struck me most.
Design and concept are essential for creating a standout experience, but they're not enough on their own. Food quality and service are also crucial components. The restaurant Sketch, for example, has an amazing design, but the service was lacking, and the food quality was not up to par. In contrast, Mirazur managed to strike the perfect balance between design, food quality, and service, making it an unforgettable dining experience. But there is one more component that make Mirazur stand out from the crowd — PEOPLE, not service. While in Sketch people seem to be well trained, but a little “artificial” in Mirazur I saw happy and nice faces that were not trying to play by the rules, but just were themselves.
Human touch, hospitality, and ambiance are what truly elevates a dining experience to new heights. Even if a restaurant lacks in design, service quality, and branding (I don’t like to admit it, but it is true), having PEOPLE working for you, not just well-trained robotic staff, can make all the difference. Personal connections and interactions are what create lasting impressions, making the dining experience truly memorable.
As restaurant owners, it is essential to focus not just on the aesthetics, food, and service but also on creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes your guests feel at home. A great dining experience is about more than just the food on the plate. It is the culmination of design, food quality, service, and the human touch that makes a lasting impression on your guests.