Best Music Genres for Restaurants to Create a Symphony of Taste and Sound

So what is the best music for restaurants? And how do you decide on the right option for your restaurant?

From smooth jazz to upbeat pop, and from classical melodies to contemporary hits, this article will explore the best restaurant music. We’ll also review what factors affect your choice of songs.

How to Select the Best Background Music for Restaurants

The Psychology Behind the Best Restaurant Music

It’s wise to consider music psychology if you want to select the best restaurant music. Music affects nearly every part of the brain, and its impact is wide-ranging. Research indicates music can evoke emotions because it activates the brain’s reward system. This releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter connected with motivation and pleasure. Other studies link music to reduced stress levels.

The Best Music for Restaurants

We’ve discussed how music psychology, volume, speed and tempo inform the selection of the best music for restaurants. Now let’s look at the best music genres. We’ll tackle this review with an establishment-by-establishment approach.

Fine Dining Music

The best fine dining music enhances the sophisticated atmosphere while not overpowering the conversation or distracting from the cuisine. Some of the best music genres for fine dining restaurants include:

• Classical Music: Classical music has long been associated with elegance, refinement and sophistication. Its rich melodies and intricate compositions can create a timeless and cultured atmosphere in a fine dining setting. The soothing sounds of composers like Mozart, Bach and Chopin can provide a sense of tranquility and add a touch of class to the dining experience.
• Soft Jazz: Soft jazz is another popular choice for fine dining establishments. Its mellow tones and smooth rhythms create a relaxed and intimate ambiance. The gentle sounds of instruments like the piano, saxophone and trumpet blend harmoniously to set a sophisticated mood without being intrusive.
• Instrumental Music: Instrumental music, particularly gentle instrumental pieces, can be an excellent choice for fine dining establishments. By removing lyrics, instrumental music allows the focus to remain on the food, conversation and overall atmosphere. Ambient instrumentals, classical instrumentals or even modern instrumental compositions can create a refined and soothing backdrop for patrons to enjoy their meals.

Examples of fine dining music from the SiriusXM Music for Business catalog include:

• Channel 66 — Smooth Jazz
• Channel 67 — Classic Jazz
• Channel 76 — Symphony Hall
• Channel 355 — Met Opera Radio

Fast Casual Dining Music

Fast casual dining establishments often benefit from music genres that reflect a more contemporary and upbeat vibe. The right music creates a sense of energy and enhances the casual dining experience. The best music genres for fast casual dining establishments include:

• Rhythm and Blues: R&B music offers a smooth and soulful sound that can elevate the ambiance of a fast casual dining establishment. Its melodic beats and captivating rhythms create a comfortable and enjoyable environment for patrons. A blend of modern and classic R&B hits will resonate with a wide range of customers.
• Pop Music: Pop music is a versatile genre that appeals to a broad audience, making it an excellent choice for fast casual dining establishments. With its catchy melodies and upbeat tempo, pop music can create a high-spirited atmosphere. It offers a mix of popular hits from various artists, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Pop music can keep the energy and mood high.
• Hip-Hop: Hip-hop music has become increasingly popular and can add a trendy and contemporary vibe to a fast casual dining establishment. Its infectious beats, rhythmic flow and expressive lyrics can engage and energize patrons. Hip-hop playlists resonate with younger audiences while appealing to a diverse customer base.

SiriusXM’s offerings include all the best music genres for fast casual dining, like:

• Channel 02 — Top 40 Hits
• Channel 12 — PopRocks ’90s/2000s Pop Rock Hits
• Channel 46 — The Heat
• Channel 49 — Classic Soul & Motown

Family Restaurant Music

Family restaurants aim to create a welcoming and enjoyable environment for diners of all ages. The best music genres for family establishments set a comfortable tone that appeals to children and adults. Here are some of the best choices for family restaurants:

• Oldies: Oldies music, encompassing hits from the 1950s to the 1980s, is a classic choice for family restaurants. These timeless tunes evoke a sense of nostalgia and create a warm and familiar ambiance. Artists like Elvis Presley and The Beatles can provide a backdrop of feel-good songs that parents and grandparents may recognize while introducing younger generations to music that has stood the test of time.
• Country and Blues: Country and blues music has a down-to-earth and soulful quality that can resonate with families. The heartfelt lyrics, twangy guitars and sincere storytelling create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The genre can contribute to a wholesome and inviting dining experience that appeals to a variety of patrons.
• Smooth Electronic: Smooth electronic music offers a versatile option for family restaurants, providing a calm and soothing backdrop without being overpowering. Soft instrumental pieces or ambient electronic tracks create a serene environment that allows families to enjoy their meals and engage in conversation. This genre delivers gentle melodies and atmospheric compositions.

SiriusXM’s options for family restaurants include:

• Channel 18 — The Beatles Channel
• Channel 53 — Smooth Electronic
• Channel 59 — Willie’s Roadhouse
• Channel 745 — Elvis Radio

Background Cafe Music

Creating the right ambiance is essential for a cozy and inviting cafe environment. The music played in the background plays a significant role in setting the mood and enhancing the overall experience. The best background cafe music includes:

• Indie-Pop: Indie-pop music perfectly blends catchy melodies, soothing vocals and upbeat rhythms. It creates an atmosphere that is both lively and relaxed, making it an ideal choice for cafes. Indie artists provide a modern sound often characterized by its feel-good vibes. The genre’s mellow yet uplifting nature makes it a popular choice for cafes seeking a contemporary and inviting ambiance.
• Contemporary Rock: Contemporary rock music strikes a balance between energetic and laid-back tunes, making it a versatile choice for cafes. With its powerful guitar riffs, driving rhythms and melodic hooks, contemporary rock can add an element of excitement to the cafe environment without overwhelming conversation. Contemporary artists offer a range of rock-infused tracks that cater to different tastes while maintaining an enjoyable and engaging atmosphere.

The best music genres for cafes in SiriusXM’s collection include:

• Channel 35 — SiriusXMU
• Channel 714 — Indie 1.0

Pubs

Pubs are social spaces where people gather to relax, socialize and enjoy their favorite drinks. The music played in pubs sets the tone for the evening, creating an atmosphere that encourages conversation, dancing and anything appropriate for a “night out.” Here are some of the best music genres for pubs:

• Alternative Rock: Alternative rock offers diverse sounds and styles, making it a popular choice for pubs. Its edgy and guitar-driven nature adds a raw energy to the pub environment. Alt-rock bands deliver an infectious mix of rock and catchy hooks that get patrons in the mood for a good time. The genre’s rebellious spirit creates an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and contemporary.
• Dance Music: Dance music is the perfect choice for pubs that want to get their patrons on their feet and moving. Whether it’s electronic dance music (EDM), house or techno, these genres offer infectious beats and rhythms that create a party-like atmosphere. Dance music brings a fusion of electronic sounds and catchy melodies that can keep the dance floor buzzing throughout the night.

SiriusXM Music for Business provides excellent choices for pub music like:

• Channel 28 — Adult Alternative
• Channel 34 — ’90s Alternative
• Channel 52 — Diplo’s Revolution
• Channel 694 — Pub Mix

Fast Food Music

Fast food restaurants have a unique atmosphere that combines speed and convenience. The music played in these establishments contributes to the overall dining experience and can create a positive and energetic ambiance. The best fast food music includes:

• Pop Music: A versatile genre that appeals to an array of customers, pop music is an ideal choice for fast food restaurants. Its catchy melodies, upbeat tempo and familiar hooks create a dynamic atmosphere. Offering a mix of popular hits from various artists, it ensures there’s something for everyone. Whether it’s the latest chart-toppers or classic pop anthems, pop music sets a lively mood that aligns well with the fast-paced nature of fast food dining.
• Rock Music: Rock music is a dynamic and energetic option that resonates with customers in a fast food restaurant. Its driving guitar riffs, powerful drum beats and anthemic choruses create an exciting and lively atmosphere. Rock genres such as classic rock, alternative rock or even pop-rock provide various options to suit different tastes. A mix of timeless rock hits adds energy and excitement to the fast food experience.

SiriusXM Music for Business offers fast food music options such as:

• Channel 16 — Pop Mix Bright
• Channel 25 — Rock Hits
• Channel 27 — Deep Tracks
• Channel 692 — Rock Pop Mix