Imagine walking into a restaurant where every detail is perfectly curated—the décor, the service, the menu. But something is missing. The atmosphere feels flat, the energy isn’t quite right, and you can’t put your finger on why. Now imagine the same restaurant with music playing softly in the background, perfectly matching the vibe of the space. Suddenly, the place feels alive, inviting, and memorable.

That’s the power of music.

For restaurant owners, music is more than just background noise. It’s a strategic tool that can shape the entire dining experience, influencing how your customers feel, how long they stay, and even what they order. In this article, we’ll explore five key tips on how to use music effectively in your restaurant to enhance the customer experience and boost your bottom line.

Read on to discover how the right soundtrack can turn your restaurant into a place your guests can’t wait to return to.

In this article:

• Matching the music to your brand
• Use music to influence customer behaviour
• Set the volume just right
• Consider the psychological impact
• Ensure you’re legally covered

1. Match the music to your brand

The music you play should align with your restaurant's theme and cuisine. Chris Lucas, CEO and founder of Lucas Restaurants, emphasises that "Music is the centrepiece of any space, be it a restaurant or any other social meeting place." This means that your music should reflect the vibe and identity of your venue, reinforcing the brand experience you aim to deliver.

Tip: Curate playlists that complement your menu and the time of day. Softer tunes for brunch, upbeat tracks for the evening rush, and mellow melodies for late-night dining can help set the right tone.

2. Use music to influence customer behaviour

The right music can do more than just set the mood—it can influence how long customers stay, how much they spend, and even what they order. Research from the UK found that pubs with music playing saw a 48.2% increase in weekend sales compared to those without. This shows that music can be a strategic asset in driving revenue.

Tip: Tailor your music to encourage desired behaviours. Use slower music during off-peak hours to encourage longer stays and additional purchases, and faster tunes during busy periods to keep the flow of diners moving.

3. Set the volume just right

The volume of your music is crucial in creating the right atmosphere. Too loud, and it can drive customers away; too soft, and it might go unnoticed. According to a U.S. study, there's an overwhelming preference for soft music (60-70dB), which is about the same volume as an average conversation. This creates a pleasant background without overpowering your guests.

Tip: Test the sound levels throughout your restaurant to ensure even distribution and that it doesn’t interfere with conversations. The goal is to enhance the experience, not dominate it.

4. Consider the psychological impact

Music has a powerful influence on emotions and mood. Whether you want to create a lively, energetic atmosphere or a calm, intimate setting, the music you choose can help achieve that. One study found that 76% of restaurants that play music matching their menu seem more authentic than those that don’t.

Tip: Choose music that aligns with the mood you want to create. For a lively, social atmosphere, opt for upbeat tracks. For a more intimate dining experience, softer, instrumental music works well.

5. Ensure you’re legally covered

It's not just about picking the right tunes—you also need to be legally covered when playing music in your restaurant. OneMusic provides licences that allow businesses to play copyrighted music while supporting the artists who create it. "We can't overstate how important we think music is to bars and restaurants," says the owner of Dead Ringer in Surry Hills. "We don't play commercial music and are very supportive of our music licence fees going directly to the artists we feature."

Tip: Obtain the necessary music licences and keep them up to date. It’s a small investment that ensures you can continue to use music to enhance your customer experience without any legal issues.

Conclusion: make music work for you

Music isn't just a background element—it's a powerful tool that can transform your restaurant's atmosphere, influence customer behaviour, and enhance the overall dining experience. By matching the music to your brand, setting the right volume, and understanding its psychological impact, you can create an environment that leaves a lasting impression on your guests.

Implement these five tips in your restaurant, and watch how the power of music can elevate your customer experience.