animals around

sometimes it’s nice to have a lazy dog, a colorful fish tank, or a chatty parrot around to enhance the connection to nature

antiques/handmade items

humans are part of nature, and a connection to humanity and history is made through carefully crafted and well used antiques or other handmade items conveying a human touch

comfortably worn

we appreciate a place made of good quality, natural materials that is slightly worn, echoing the memory of many who have enjoyed the place before you

fireplace, fire elements

like the other essential elements (stone, wood, earth, water), fire has a calming effect… and of course fire provides the energy to cook our food, which can sometimes be brought into view of the dining area

gravity

the place has a kind of “gravity” or mass & substance, which imparts a subliminal sense of cozy security for us; heavy, substantial walls, beams, rocks, steel, etc.

great bathrooms

well-maintained and nicely designed with unique features and/or luxury, green design (low flow toilets, recycled/reused tiles). etc.

historic / unique building

the building in which the restaurant is housed is historically interesting or otherwise unique

historic / unique neighborhood

the neighborhood in which the restaurant is sited is historically interesting or otherwise unique

hotel restaurant

the restaurant is situated in a hotel

natural materials

use of natural materials of design in the place and the furniture; incorporation of wood, stone, water, plants, soil, etc. in design/decoration

nice artwork

art is an expression of human spirit and so, a natural addition to a habitat

nice design

appealing, successful design of the space

open air dining

walls are open (or can be opened in good weather) to let nature in

open kitchen

the kitchen is in open view of the dining area, giving patrons a closer connection to their food (and natural entertainment)

outdoor tables

patio, deck, sidewalk or other outdoor seating options (sometimes season- and/or weather-dependent)

peaceful setting

set in a farm, undeveloped area, small town, hamlet, etc.

• Louv, John: “Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder,” Algonquin Books (2006)

private rooms

availability of private dining room(s)

private setting

set in a hillside, off-street, in a garden…

stone habitat

nothing is more comforting than dining in a 17th century “cave” (means cellar) in southern France; this sort of comfort can be approached in a myriad of ways using stone, brick, concrete…

view

the restaurant has a substantial view of mountains, water, beautiful greenery, or cityscape

water feature

the restaurant contains a significant fountain, pond, stream, waterfall, etc. inside or integral to the dining area

waterfront dining

dining area is located on a waterfront

cramped / uncomfortable

it’s tough to relax and enjoy your food if you don’t have enough elbow room

foul odors / bad air

we need all of our senses, including smell, unimpeded to fully enjoy the dining experience

harsh design

the design of a place can sometimes be distracting, overwhelming, disconcerting, unnatural or harsh; may feel like an institutional or mass-produced environment with limited use of natural materials or contents; may be a lack of sufficient attention to all of the senses and to comfort; wide-open places with unobstructed lines of sight can create a “deer in the headlights” feeling of discomfort; little intimacy; cold, industrial design; harsh or distracting lighting or sounds, etc.

harsh lighting

lighting can be too harsh / unnatural, too direct (spotlights in your eyes), or too weak

in a strip mall

the restaurant is located in a strip mall

institutional decor

standard, impersonal decor, perhaps looking like it came from a corporate catalog

market cafe

the cafe is located in a grocery, market, or shop