Can noisy restaurants impact your food taste?

In the world of architecture, the focus often lies on aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. However, one critical aspect that frequently gets overlooked is acoustic design. The way sound interacts with a space can significantly influence the experience of its occupants, and when it comes to restaurants, you may be surprised to learn that the level of background noise affects both the intensity of flavour and the perceived crunchiness of foods, researchers have found.

New Acoustic Standard

France’s new acoustic standard NF S31-299 for restaurants and bars helps provide a framework for sound levels in restaurants. It's refreshing to see this issue being addressed, as it has been a known issue for many years.

This new, voluntary standard released for draft (November 2025) for "Acoustic quality of bars and restaurants" establishes clear criteria for designing and renovating venues to control noise. It’s a call to action for proprietors to:

• Reduce Noise Pollution: Limit the chaotic din from conversations, music, and equipment.

• Improve Speech Intelligibility: Make conversation possible again, reducing the need for guests (and staff) to shout.

• Guarantee a Functional Sound Environment: Provide a framework for a peaceful, high-quality experience that respects the diner and the food.

The NF S31-299 standard is a monumental step toward reclaiming the dining room as a place of true sensory appreciation. It asserts a profound truth: A dish is only as good as your ability to truly taste it.

Why is Acoustic Design Important?

1. Enhances Communication: In spaces like cafes, good acoustics ensure that speech is intelligible, improving the experience for diners and staff alike.

2. Improves Comfort: Excessive noise can lead to discomfort and distraction. Proper acoustic design minimizes unwanted sounds, creating a more pleasant atmosphere.

3. Boosts Aesthetics: Well-designed acoustic elements can also serve as beautiful architectural features, adding to the overall visual appeal of a space.

4. Enhances Food Flavour: In noisier settings, food is loses some of its impact. A study found that foods are less salty or sweet in noisy settings.

5. Economics: Diners are more likely to spend more money and stay for longer in an environment in which they feel comfortable. Quiet environment? Why not stay for dessert, or an after dinner aperitive?

Need help with your venue?

The next time you enter a space, take a moment to appreciate the role that sound plays in shaping your experience. Consider how acoustic design can transform not just the way we hear, but how we feel in our surroundings.

It’s time for the rest of the world to follow France's lead. Until then, remember that the "buzz" you're enjoying might just be the sound of your dinner losing its soul.

If you need help in designing a functional and beautiful sounding space, please reach out. Book a free consult to get started.

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