How much does ambience matter in a restaurant?

Imagine having the best risotto of your life - but in a shabby restaurant. Or, would you rather have an average risotto in an extraordinary fine dining restaurant with a view, good ambience and service? Could certain factors like that can take the risotto to the next level?
In today's world, eating out is not just about good food. It is the experience that matters the most! After all, it isn't a coincidence that some of the most highly-rated restaurants in the UAE are also among the most beautiful. Eating is both a physiological and a psychological act - our body responds in the subtlest ways to our surroundings, be it harsh colours, bad lighting, noise or a tense atmosphere.
Being a furniture designer and a food photographer, to me, the perfect ambience is more than gorgeous surroundings. I judge a restaurant based not only on the food but also the décor, the colours and how the overall experience makes me feel. The source of light is also extremely important. Who doesn't adore a candle light dinner? At the same time, the restaurant needs to be well-lit enough for diners to see their food clearly, without wasting time hunting for their sides or cutlery. What I'm trying to say is to make the food more appetising, the lighting has to be perfectly adjusted.
When I'm eating, I prefer an ambience that is unobstructed and peaceful so that I can enjoy my meal while also taking pictures for social media. Harsh colours can visually repel people and need to be avoided at all times. Soft lighting, pastel colours and good table arrangements can make a meal all the more enjoyable - for yourself and for people who will find pictures of the dish on your social media handles later. Places that have this as well as an elegant décor and slow music usually get good feedback from me - and gain one loyal customer in the process.
- Komal Zeeshan Toor (below, left)
Is a furniture designer, food photographer & blogger at www.dxbmuncher.blog. You can follow her on Instagram, Facebook & ZomatoUAE @dxbmuncher

To me, eating out is an experience that involves all the senses - not just the taste. I pay close attention to the details, whether it's the music that's playing, the colour scheme, the story behind the concept and even the lighting.
In fact, if you pay close attention to how the food industry is evolving, you'll notice that offerings in restaurants are ensuring that clients involve more and more of their senses while they experience a concept. Many concept eateries are taking it upon themselves to present their offerings in an avant garde manner - probing the client to interact with his meal to eat it or pay close attention to it as the server is adding final touches.
I am very big on hygiene in restaurants. No matter how scrumptious the meal, I will not have it in a shabby place. I strongly believe that with the right set up, restaurant owners can create a visually appealing effect on the customer that will keep him/her coming back.
I also consider myself to be very sensitive to the design of the place. In my opinion, design is a feeling. The decor of a place can make you feel sad, happy, cosy, comfortable, cool, welcomed, apprehensive or even scared.
I'm strongly influenced by the way a place smells too. When a restaurant smells good, that will put me in the right mood to enjoy my lunch or dinner. Unfortunately, for some restaurant owners, as long as the environment doesn't smell horrible, they will pay little or no attention to the fragrance in their spaces.
I'll usually not opt for a restaurant if it's empty. When I dine, I like to be able to look around and enjoy myself. After all, comfort is an important factor to consider in a restaurant. I wouldn't be comfortable if I'm seated too close to my friends and none of us had room to eat. There definitely needs to be a good amount of space between people in the scheme.
Last but not least, service is a major contributor to restaurant ambience. The right service should embody a balanced level of professionalism, caring and attentiveness. The way a server behaves can go a long way towards influencing your perception of a restaurant.
- Lara Geadah (above, right)
Is a UAE-based foodie who blogs at www.larashappywork.com. To keep up with her, you can follow her on Instagram @larashappywork