When you walk into a restaurant, the first thing you notice might not be the menu or the décor. It’s often the music. The soundtrack of a dining space has the power to set the pace of service, shape conversations, and influence how long guests stay. Choosing the right playlists is just as important as choosing the right wine list.
Restaurants come in all shapes and flavors, from Italian trattorias to modern gastropubs, casual diners, and fine dining establishments. No single playlist fits every situation, which is why many operators look to curated music for restaurants to find the right fit. SoundMachine offers a variety of stations designed specifically for hospitality. Here are ten of the top picks and how you can use them to match your atmosphere.
1. 70s–80s Rock
Rock classics are universal crowd-pleasers. Think Queen, The Rolling Stones, or Fleetwood Mac playing softly in the background while guests enjoy hearty plates of comfort food. This playlist works particularly well in casual dining environments where energy and familiarity are part of the appeal. Rock makes a space feel approachable without being overwhelming, perfect for restaurants that lean on nostalgia and personality.
2. Pop
If you want to cast the widest net, pop music is the safest choice. It is upbeat, melodic, and instantly recognizable. Restaurants that cater to diverse age groups, such as family diners, brunch cafés, or trendy urban eateries, benefit from the familiarity of pop. Because the genre is constantly refreshed with new hits, it also helps your restaurant feel current without alienating older diners who still hum along to yesterday’s favorites. Many owners use pop as their go-to because, as our guide on choosing the best music for your restaurant explains, it balances broad appeal with flexibility.
3. 70s and 80s Feel-Good Megahits
This station leans heavily into nostalgia, with the kind of songs that bring smiles and trigger memories. It is ideal for restaurants aiming for a lighthearted and convivial environment. Imagine an Italian family restaurant where the laughter is as loud as the music, or a retro-themed diner where guests want to relive the golden years. The playlist is lively but not intrusive, making it a strong option for spaces that encourage conversation and connection.
4. Country
Country music has long been linked with food, gatherings, and storytelling. This playlist is well suited for American comfort food restaurants, barbecue joints, or casual roadside diners. From twangy ballads to upbeat country pop, the station helps create a relaxed, welcoming vibe. If your restaurant highlights hearty portions and friendly service, country music can be the soundtrack that makes guests feel right at home.
5. Frank Sinatra – Artist Radio
Few artists evoke timeless elegance like Frank Sinatra, but his station isn’t just Sinatra alone. It blends his iconic voice with other crooners and jazz greats from the same era, creating a smooth and sophisticated soundtrack. This mix brings class to fine dining environments, cocktail lounges, and steakhouses. More than nostalgia, it sets the stage for dining to feel like an event. If your restaurant emphasizes service, presentation, and formality, this station is an impeccable fit. Pair it with dim lighting and a strong wine list, and you have an ambiance guests will remember.
6. Pop Rock
Pop rock offers the energy of rock with the accessibility of pop. It is versatile enough to fit a wide range of restaurant types, from fast-casual eateries to modern bistros. Because the playlist balances familiarity with rhythm, it can keep the mood lively without overshadowing conversation. Pop rock is also a safe bet for lunch service when you want to keep energy levels high but not too intense.
7. Smooth Jazz Instrumentals
Smooth jazz has long been a favorite for creating relaxed, upscale environments. Without vocals, instrumental jazz keeps the focus on conversation and food. It works beautifully in fine dining, wine bars, and restaurants where the atmosphere leans toward calm sophistication. Guests can enjoy an elegant soundtrack that does not demand attention but subtly enhances the experience. This station is also a strong evening choice, particularly during dinner hours.
8. Soul
Soul is warm, expressive, and deeply human. From Motown classics to modern soul hits, this playlist creates an emotional connection that resonates across generations. It is ideal for restaurants where community and togetherness are central values, such as brunch cafés, neighborhood eateries, or venues that celebrate cultural heritage. Soul music brings a layer of authenticity and emotion to the dining experience, making guests feel both welcomed and inspired.
9. 80s Pop
Retro without being dated, 80s pop is a guaranteed conversation starter. Guests who grew up in that decade instantly connect with it, while younger diners often find it charmingly retro. Restaurants with a playful, upbeat brand identity, including burger joints, pizza parlors, or modern casual concepts, can benefit from this nostalgic yet energetic vibe. It is also common to pair retro playlists with cultural themes. For example, Italian restaurant music often blends effortlessly with 80s pop to create a warm, familiar atmosphere.
10. 90s–10s Adult Contemporary
This station provides a wide sweep of radio favorites from the past three decades. Adult contemporary strikes a balance between recognizable pop hits and mellow rock ballads, making it adaptable for both lunch and dinner service. For restaurants serving mixed demographics, this playlist is a safe choice. It will not be too loud for older guests, yet it stays modern enough to engage younger diners. It is versatile, polished, and designed to keep everyone comfortable.
Making Playlists Work for Your Restaurant
Selecting a playlist is not just about genre. It is also about timing and programming. A casual café might start the day with smooth jazz instrumentals during breakfast hours, shift to upbeat pop rock for lunch, and close with 70s–80s rock in the evening. A fine dining restaurant could pair Sinatra at dinner service with soul music during weekend brunch. The key is to match your music to the flow of the day and the expectations of your guests.
SoundMachine makes this easier with scheduling tools, so your soundtrack evolves naturally with the rhythm of your service. And if you are curious about the science behind it, our research on how volume and tempo influence dining behavior shows how even subtle shifts in sound can shape guest perceptions of time, comfort, and even taste.
Final Thoughts
The right playlist can be the difference between a forgettable meal and a memorable dining experience. Whether your restaurant thrives on nostalgia, sophistication, or casual fun, SoundMachine’s curated stations offer reliable options tailored for hospitality. From Sinatra’s timeless voice to the unifying energy of pop, each station has its place in the restaurant world. By aligning your soundtrack with your brand identity, you can create an atmosphere that encourages guests not just to dine but to stay, enjoy, and return.
FAQs
Do I need a license to play music in my restaurant?
Yes. Playing commercial music in a restaurant is considered a public performance, which means you need the appropriate licenses. These are usually obtained through performance rights organizations (PROs) or through services like SoundMachine that include the licenses in your subscription. This ensures you stay compliant while supporting the artists behind the music.
Can I use Spotify or Apple Music for my business?
No. Consumer streaming platforms are licensed for personal use only, not for public or commercial spaces like restaurants. Using them in your business could expose you to fines or legal issues. A service built for commercial use, such as SoundMachine, is the safer and legal choice. It provides curated playlists plus the proper licensing coverage.
What is the best volume for background music in restaurants?
Most restaurants find that a range of 65 to 75 decibels works well. That is loud enough for guests to notice the music but soft enough that they do not need to raise their voices to talk. Adjusting volume for different times of day, quieter during lunch and slightly louder during dinner, helps balance energy and comfort.
How should I schedule different playlists throughout the day?
Many restaurants rotate playlists to match their service flow. For example, a café might use smooth jazz during breakfast, pop rock at lunchtime, and 70s–80s rock for the evening crowd. Tools within SoundMachine let you pre-program these shifts, so the music always complements the mood without requiring constant manual changes.