Just last weekend in Madrid, after a fun, yet exhausting night, my friends and I were craving a good breakfast. As we searched for places to eat, a google entry for, “best coffee shops in Madrid,” quickly shifted to “aesthetic coffee shops”. Nowadays, visual appeal, and overall experience have begun to take over quality in choosing where and what to eat. Social media influence, changing consumer priorities, and the commercialization of aesthetics all play a part in how drastically they have taken charge.
The New Standard
The new standard for dining is not just the taste—it’s the experience, and it starts with how perfect that space looks in your feed. There are over 40 million posts on TikTok using the hashtag “aesthetic,” and even more for “vibe.” The same phenomenon occurs within Instagram, where hashtags like “aesthetic brunch” have over 10,000 posts, and the ambiance and vibe of each local restaurant are front and centre. When searching for a coffee shop or brunch spot, it’s no surprise that the top videos that appear emphasise the decor, ambiance, and overall atmosphere of the place.
The internet has collectively become obsessed with the aesthetics of dining, where the looks of a space are overarching the importance of what’s actually on the plate. While, admittedly, Instagram and TikTok have influenced many of my dining decisions, I miss a post boasting about the unique flavors and incredible dishes served by a unique establishment. While it is pleasurable to see amazing venues with beautiful flowers and decor, the content on these platforms is a clear reflection of how dining out today is often less about the food itself and more about capturing that perfect shot.
The “Picture-Perfect” Bite
How often do we delay mealtimes just to capture the perfect photo of our meal? Likewise, how many of us have chosen to visit places like Honest Greens or Yum Baar primarily for their stylish presentation and inviting ambiance? Honest Greens is undeniably great, but was my initial interest driven by a love for salads? Not really. It was the vibrant colours, earthy chairs, and ceramic plates that first caught my attention. We’re increasingly prioritising aesthetics over substance, reinforcing this cycle through social media.
Appearance Can Overshadow Quality
Rather than being drawn to colorful ingredients, artful plating, or intricate drink designs, I want to be captivated by outstanding food quality. Because after the first sip of coffee, what truly matters? If the coffee is bitter, the eggs overcooked, or the toast stale, the visual appeal quickly loses its charm. The focus on aesthetics has fostered a dining culture where presentation often outweighs the actual experience. A beautifully plated dish doesn’t guarantee great taste—some of the most visually stunning meals can lack depth of flavor or proper execution. Unfortunately, many establishments now prioritise a picture-perfect setting over maintaining high culinary standards.
While aesthetics certainly enhance the dining experience, they shouldn’t be the deciding factor. A well-presented plate, a pleasant atmosphere, and curated decor all contribute to the enjoyment of a meal, but the true essence of dining lies in flavor, quality, and satisfaction. Next time we choose a restaurant, let’s focus on how well flavors complement each other, whether the ingredients meet our expectations, and if the menu aligns with what we truly crave. A photo may last forever, but a great meal is something your senses—and your appetite—will appreciate far more.
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