Best Background Music for Restaurants in 2026

Why music matters in restaurants

Studies show that the right background music can increase average customer spend by up to 9% and improve customer satisfaction scores significantly.

Choosing the right genre

• Fine dining — Classical, jazz, or ambient music creates a sophisticated atmosphere
• Casual dining — Pop, acoustic, or indie music keeps the energy upbeat without being intrusive
• Fast casual — Upbeat pop or hip-hop can increase table turnover
• Café/bistro — Jazz, acoustic, or lo-fi creates a relaxed, welcoming vibe

The legal requirement

Before choosing what to play, make sure you're licensed to play it. Any restaurant playing music in a public space in Europe needs a commercial music license.