The right dinnerware can seriously enhance your restaurant’s ambiance and dining experience. So it’s not something you should skimp on!

But what are the essential pieces of dinnerware to focus on?

Join us as we take a look into the must-have commercial dinnerware pieces that every fine dining establishment should consider!

1. Dinner Plates

Dinner plates are the centerpiece of any fine dining table setting. Porcelain dinner plates are popular due to their smooth surface and resistance to stains. They’re versatile and can complement various table settings.

Bone china is another excellent option. It combines the strength of porcelain with the delicate appearance of fine china. And it offers a luxurious feel while being durable enough for frequent use.

Plates that are too large can overcrowd the table, while too small can make portions look insufficient. A standard size of about 10-12 inches in diameter is ideal. Design-wise, simple and elegant patterns or solid colors work best, allowing the food to be the main focus.

Brands like Steelite, Noritake, Wedgwood, and Villeroy & Boch offer a range of options that are both beautiful and functional.

2. Salad Plates

These plates are usually smaller than dinner plates, typically around 7-9 inches in diameter. This size is perfect for serving smaller portions without making the table look cluttered.

Porcelain and bone china are popular choices due to their durability and refined appearance. Stoneware is another option, offering a more rustic feel with its unique textures and glazes.

The design of salad plates should complement the rest of the dinnerware set. Simple, elegant designs or subtle patterns work well in fine dining settings. Colors can range from classic white to soft pastels or even bold hues, depending on the overall theme of the restaurant.

Brands like Lenox, Royal Doulton, and Mikasa are known for their high-quality and beautifully designed plates.

3. Appetizer Plates

Appetizer plates are essential for presenting starters in a fine dining setting. They are smaller than dinner and salad plates, usually around 6-8 inches in diameter. This size makes them perfect for serving small, elegant portions that begin the dining experience on a high note.

Like the previous plates, porcelain, bone china and stoneware are excellent choices due to their elegant appearance and durability.

Appetizer plates should complement the rest of your dinnerware set. Simple, elegant designs or subtle patterns work well, allowing the food to take center stage.

Colors can range from classic white to more vibrant hues. The goal is to enhance the visual appeal of the food without overshadowing it.

Brands like Wedgwood, Lenox, and Steelite are known for their high-quality and beautifully designed plates.

4. Soup Bowls

Soup bowls are essential in a fine dining setup. These bowls are designed to hold soups, stews, and other liquid-based dishes.

Typically, soup bowls are slightly deeper than regular bowls. They can hold a substantial amount of liquid without spilling. Porcelain and bone china are popular choices because they’re resistant to high temperatures.

The design of soup bowls should complement the rest of your dinnerware. Classic white or subtly patterned bowls can enhance the presentation of soups.

Wide-rimmed soup bowls are perfect for garnishes and adding a touch of sophistication. But coupe bowls offer a more modern look.

5. Dessert Plates

Dessert plates are usually around 6-8 inches in diameter. This size is perfect for serving desserts in a refined manner.

The design of dessert plates should complement the rest of your dinnerware set. Simple and elegant designs or subtle patterns work best.

Colors can vary, but classic white or soft pastels often work well in a fine dining setting. The goal is to enhance the visual appeal of the dessert without overwhelming it.

Selecting the right dessert plates is not just about looks. They need to be practical, easy to handle, and durable enough for frequent use.

6. Charger Plates

Charger plates, also known as service plates, add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any fine dining experience. These large decorative plates are placed under the dinner plates during multi-course meals.

The material of charger plates can vary, but popular choices include porcelain, glass, and metal. Porcelain chargers offer a classic and timeless look, while glass chargers add a modern and elegant touch.

Metal chargers, often made of stainless steel or brass, provide a bold and sophisticated appearance. Each material brings its unique aesthetic and can be chosen to match the restaurant’s theme.

Design is an important aspect of selecting charger plates. They should complement the dinnerware and overall table setting. Simple, solid colors can create a clean and elegant look. Intricate patterns or metallic finishes can add a touch of luxury.

7. Bread and Butter Plates

These plates are typically around 6 inches in diameter, making them the perfect size for holding a single slice of bread and a pat of butter. They play a key role in enhancing the dining experience by adding a touch of elegance and convenience.

These plates should complement the rest of your dinnerware set. Simple and elegant designs or subtle patterns work best, allowing them to blend seamlessly with the other pieces.

Classic white plates are always a safe choice. But you can also opt for plates with soft pastel colors for some character.

8. Coffee and Tea Cups

These cups, often accompanied by matching saucers, add elegance and sophistication to the dining table.

The material of coffee and tea cups is important for maintaining the temperature of the drink. Porcelain and bone china are popular choices due to their heat-retaining properties and refined appearance. These materials also offer a smooth surface, making the cups comfortable to hold and drink from.

Classic white cups are always a great choice. But you can also opt for cups with soft colors or intricate designs for a more personalized touch. They should be practical, easy to handle, and durable enough for regular use.

Restaurant Dinnerware: Elegant Tableware for Dining Essentials

Choosing the right dinnerware is essential for creating an elegant dining experience.

At the Hode Group, our passion is providing products and services to catering, restaurant, hotel, grocery, and healthcare professionals. We work with top vendors and distributors, and look forward to continuing to provide unrivaled quality and reliable customer service.

Get in touch today to find out how we can help your establishment!