You might have experienced this while on vacation. Those olives on the little terrace in Italy taste fantastic. You buy two jars to take home, but a few weeks later, they only taste “pretty good.” Is that a coincidence? Not at all. The effect that a special location has on taste has been scientifically proven. Read on to learn how a little knowledge about dinner settings can help you “recreate” that taste at home.

• For this article, we spoke with culinary experts from our Green Pearls® hotels. They showed us their most extraordinary dinner venues and explained why certain places are ideal for specific culinary experiences.
• To that end, we’ll examine the science of gastrophysics …
• …and critically analyze the connection between extraordinary dining experiences and
• Our photo gallery will provide inspiration and practical ideas for putting your new knowledge about dinner spots to use at home.

Gastrophysics: Taste is created in the brain

Professor Charles Spence, a British gastrophysicist from the University of Oxford, has spent many years studying how external factors influence taste. His research shows that taste is a multisensory experience. Our brains analyze flavors and simultaneously combine them with sounds, colors, light, temperature, the weight of the cutlery, and even the shape of the tableware to create an overall impression.

For instance, high-pitched sounds can accentuate sweet flavors, while low-pitched sounds can intensify bitter notes. Warm lighting creates a cozy atmosphere and often makes food appear richer, whereas bright, cool lighting is associated with freshness and lightness.

How food tastes to us is determined not only by the food itself, but also by the entire experience.

The vacation phenomenon: Why memories matter

Our memories play a larger role than many people realize. Researchers at the University of Haifa have shown that the brain closely links taste experiences to specific places and situations. That’s why that same drink often tastes more intense on vacation than it does later in your living room at home. Not because the drink has changed, but because the emotional context is missing.

A view of the sea, a sunset, a conversation with loved ones, or the feeling of being free from the pressure of deadlines are all impressions stored in our memory alongside the taste. And hotels deliberately use this positive vacation vibe as a flavor enhancer.

Hotels plan their dining experiences much more thoughtfully than we realize

When hotels offer multiple restaurants or dining venues, it’s not just about variety. Behind these concepts are interior and lighting designers, restaurateurs, and hospitality agencies who focus intensely on creating the right atmosphere. They consider the desired mood of a space, what materials to use, how loud the music can be, what types of food and drinks to offer, and the price range.

The brain does not like contradictions (cognitive dissonance)

A rustic vaulted cellar in an old monastery in Austria—that automatically makes you think of… sushi. Or does it? That’s exactly the point: Our brains don’t like contradictions. They subconsciously compare the food to its surroundings and form expectations. When the two go well together, the taste experience feels more harmonious and intense.

For example:

• A quiet, vaulted cellar evokes tradition, tranquility, and sophistication—here, we expect a multi-course menu that is traditional and rustic.
• A lively hotel bar invites guests to enjoy conversation, small plates, cocktails, and shared snacks.
• An open-air dinner feels light, summery, and relaxed—salads, Mediterranean cuisine, and grilled dishes are a natural fit.
• Breakfast on a sun terrace is a great way to start the day and is more enjoyable than breakfast in a windowless room.
• A picnic on an alpine pasture or by a lake enhances your sense of freedom and connection to nature—simple dishes taste especially good here, especially after a hike.
• A romantically set table by candlelight transforms an ordinary pasta dish into a special occasion.
• A bright, healthy bistro or spa restaurant evokes associations with health and well-being — we’re more likely to order fresh, water-rich, or plant-based dishes there.

Many hotels have multiple dining venues. The Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld, Tyrol, for example, has eight! Options range from the Bräukeller to the Vitalbistro to the Romeo & Juliet Balcony, which you can rent for romantic evenings and where your meal is delivered via cable lift.

“In recent times, we have seen a shift away from a singular focus on just the signature dish to one that encapsulates and socialises the process that created it.” – Neil Gow (Le Cordon Bleu Master of Gastronomic Tourism)

Are there any connections between dinner venues and sustainability?

Of course! I recently came across an article by Lucy Bruton, who took a 14-hour Singapore Airlines flight just to try a Michelin-quality, four-course meal in the air. Dinners organized on secluded islands and in hidden forest clearings have been criticized for being far more resource-intensive than simply visiting an existing hotel or restaurant. The hotels and accommodations in the Green PearlsⓇ network stand out because of their commitment to sustainability in architecture and cuisine. For example, they use regional organic products, create dining spaces in existing buildings, use recyclable materials, and avoid single-use items.

Eleven dinner venue inspirations from the Green PearlⓇ network

“Garden Dinner” venue on the terrace at LA VIMEA

LA VIMEA, South Tyrol: In the summer, this vegan hotel serves dinner on a terrace overlooking a blooming garden. The birdsong, fresh Alpine air, and view of the Vinschgau Valley provide a light, nature-inspired setting for the plant-based cuisine. Tip for you at home: Move your dinner outdoors. This is usually possible even if you don’t have a terrace (or balcony)—for example, in public parks or green spaces.

The traditional inn at the Stanglwirt Organic and Wellness Resort

Stanglwirt Organic and Wellness Resort, Tyrol: This traditional inn’s cozy wooden dining rooms are known for their down-to-earth Tyrolean cuisine, which is served in an authentic tavern atmosphere. The menu features liver dumplings, farm-raised duck with red cabbage, schlutzer, and other classics. By the way: Those who prefer a more modern dining experience will find additional options at the elegant Dreiklang restaurant or the lifestyle restaurant, Leni’s, which offer everything from fine dining to light, health-conscious cuisine. Here’s a tip for recreating the traditional style at home: Dim the lights, light a candle, and set the table with cloth napkins instead of paper towels. A wooden pepper mill and heavy-duty cutlery will complete the look.

OMNIA plant-based Restaurant im Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel

Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel, South Tyrol: The fine-dining restaurant OMNIA features just six tables in its glass-enclosed winter garden, creating an extraordinary setting. As the sun sets behind the Dolomites, the warm lighting, contemporary art, and view of the outdoor fire come together to create an intimate atmosphere. It’s a lovely inspiration for your home! Instead of harsh overhead lighting, opt for several small light sources, a minimalist table, and carefully chosen décor. This will automatically make the meal the center of attention.

Wine Cellar at the My Arbor Tree Hotel

My Arbor, South Tyrol: “Our wine cellar is the perfect setting for a private dinner for two or a small group,” says hostess Alexandra Huber, describing this unique dining location. The long wooden table, tall bar stools, and softly lit wine racks create a calm and intimate atmosphere. Tip for you at home: A small bar table or kitchen island with stools can instantly make an evening feel more casual—ideal for tapas or a meal with several small courses.

The Black Forest Bar at SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA

SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA, Bad Herrenalb: The Black Forest Bar’s mix of whimsical bar stools and regional design shows that enjoyment doesn’t have to be formal. Here, you’re welcome to laugh and get cozy. Tip for you at home: Atmosphere isn’t created just by candles and white tablecloths. An unexpected, playful detail can also lighten the mood.

Sea-view terrace at the Hotel Korinjak

Hotel Korinjak, Iž Island, Croatia: A vegetarian/vegan dinner is served daily on an outdoor terrace right by the sea, accompanied by views of the water, palm trees, and Croatian island life. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to recreate this experience at home. But that’s exactly why we travel!
You can, however, capture some of that maritime flair with the right decorations and recorded sounds of the ocean.

Restaurant Inside at the Naturhotel Outside

Naturhotel Outside, East Tyrol: Natural materials define the restaurant Inside: wood framed by a strip of genuine sheep’s wool creates a calm, comfortable atmosphere. Here’s a note from the field of gastrophysics: Soft materials absorb sound, making shared meals more enjoyable. Even panels made of sound-absorbing materials can have a noticeable effect on the dining experience.

The Brewery Cellar at the Hotel Klosterbräu

Hotel Klosterbräu, Seefeld, Tyrol: With eight dining venues, the hotel showcases the many ways to enjoy a meal. The historic Bräukeller features natural stone, heavy wooden tables, and the warm glow of candles, creating an atmosphere perfect for long evenings with family or friends. To recreate this atmosphere at home, use plenty of candles, rustic table decorations, and natural fabrics (minus the vaulted ceiling). Consider linen napkins and placemats made of wood or natural stone, such as slate.

A castle restaurant serving natural cuisine at Schloss Lerchenhof

Schloss Lerchenhof, Carinthia: The natural cuisine here is served in a warm and personal atmosphere. Instead of being spaced far apart, guests sit at small tables close together, which is ideal for good conversation and sharing a meal. The culinary experience can be enjoyed in the castle garden, the historic Wodley Hall, or the rustic “Kesn” barn. Tip for you at home: Push the large dining table together, or purposefully set the table for fewer people. Creating more space often fosters greater intimacy.

PRENN° Dinner Venue by OLM

OLM Nature Escape, South Tyrol: Fewer rules, more possibilities. At OLM, enjoyment isn’t confined to one place; it’s part of the vacation experience. They encourage guests to “dine around” in the region. In the apartment suites themselves, you have the opportunity to cook together in your kitchenette or enjoy an evening at PRENN°. Tip for you at home: Change up your dinner settings. Not every meal has to be eaten at the dining table.

The breakfast room at the Naturresort Gerbehof

Naturresort Gerbehof, Lake Constance: Light-coloured wooden furniture, cosy seating areas in the spacious room and fresh flowers in a vase create the perfect setting for the delicious organic food served at this hotel. Those who prefer a more rustic setting can enjoy an evening by the barbecue or in the log cabin at the edge of the forest. Tip for you at home: Place a bouquet of flowers or twigs from the garden on the table to bring the outdoors inside.

Overview: Ideas for Special Dinner Settings at Home

• Balcony or patio: Stepping outside changes the atmosphere.
• Have a picnic instead of eating at the dining table: Find a nice spot by the lake, in the park or in the woods. If it rains, a picnic on the living room floor can be romantic, too.
• Movie night with pizza: You’ve got to do it every once in a while!
• Breakfast in bed: A classic, yet we do it far too rarely.
• Eating at the kitchen counter: Great for dishes like pancakes or potato pancakes, which are cooked individually. This way, you can eat and chat casually while cooking without the person cooking feeling left out.
• Adjust the lighting: Candles or small table lamps create a calmer and more romantic atmosphere than a bright ceiling light.
• Set the table thoughtfully: Cloth napkins, heavy cutlery and beautiful glasses make even simple dishes look more elegant.
• Play with colours: Fresh flowers, colourful napkins or seasonal decorations can create different moods for different occasions.

You can find great dinner spot ideas from hotels to try at home

One reason we stay in hotels is to experience things we can’t replicate at home. A meal with a view of the Dolomites, a sunset by the sea, or a historic vaulted cellar all tell their own unique stories.

However, gastrophysics reveals that even small changes can influence our taste experience. Different spaces evoke different moods—sometimes lively and sociable, and sometimes quiet and intimate. Lighting, materials, acoustics, and seating all affect how we experience an evening and how our food tastes.

So olives taste better in Italy than at home not just because of the olives, but also because of Italy. After all, our brain is always part of the dining experience. That’s why it’s worth reinventing your dining space every now and then. You don’t have to travel far to do so.