The art of food presentation: Food presentation ideas and tips

Any food service owner knows just how important food presentation is, whether you run a fine dining restaurant, a catering business, or you’re in charge of a cost sector kitchen. After all, the art of food presentation is not just about making a dish look attractive; presenting food well is an integral part of the dining experience. A beautifully presented dish can both entice the eyes and stimulate the palate, setting your diners up for a memorable meal.

But what are the different methods of food presentation and how can you ensure every plate that leaves your kitchen looks its best? In this guide we’ll explore the art of food presentation, offering ideas and tips on how to present food on a plate.

• The importance of food presentation
• Food presentation ideas
• Tips on food presentation

First impressions matter, especially in the culinary world. The way food is presented can affect a diner's perception and enjoyment of a meal. In fact, a famous study by Oxford University Professor, Charles Spence, discovered that a dish which was well-presented in a creative way tastes more pleasant and flavourful than its plainer, less well-presented counterparts (BMC).

Aside from this, well-presented food is important as it shows diners that your chefs care. Thoughtful presentation reflects the care and skill of the cook, showing not just pride in their culinary craftsmanship but respect for the diners too. Plus, presenting food well will leave a lasting impression, making meals memorable for diners. Whether it’s a special occasion or a regular meal, the effort put into food presentation can turn an ordinary dining experience into an extraordinary one, and make diners much more likely to return to your establishment in the future.

If you have an active social media presence for your dining establishment, plate presentation is especially important. This isn’t just for taking pictures of dishes, but for everyday serving, as customers who have seen your serving style online will have expectations as to how you plate your dishes.

We know that well-presented food can have a significant impact on your customer’s dining experiences, but how can you perfect your food plating to wow your guests? Whether you’re looking at how to improve your food presentation or you simply want to find ways to mix things up and try something new, we’ve put together some of our favourite food plating ideas below to help you and your chefs up your game.

Creative food presentation

As we all know, food presentation is an art. So what better way to plate up your food than by getting creative? A great way to do this is to think of the plate as the canvas. Using sauces, purees, and reductions to create artistic designs can add character and interest to the dish. From elaborate patterns to simple swirls, dots, and smears, all of these finishing touches can add flair to the presentation.

If you’re looking to get even more creative, switching up what your food is served on can be a great way to catch your diner’s attention. Wooden serving boards have become staple plate alternatives in many dining establishments over the years. Still, there are even more unique serving methods to try, such as serving multiple dishes on cake stands, desserts in teacups, or even presenting foods in natural materials, such as serving an autumnal dish like pumpkin risotto in a hollowed-out pumpkin. You can also take inspiration from other country’s food cultures here. For example, serving food on banana leaves is a South Indian tradition, so this could be the perfect choice if you serve this cuisine in your restaurant.

It isn’t just the plate (or plate alternative!) that can make your serving style more creative, but the presentation of the food itself. Intricate carvings in fruits and vegetables can impress guests, as well as incorporating edible flowers or serving bread with sculpted butter. These touches can transform a simple dish into a work of art.

Simple food presentation

Sometimes, simple works best, especially when you want to let the food speak for itself. And the good news is that there are plenty of stylish yet simple food presentation ideas to try out. One of the best ways to play it simple is to go for a minimalist approach. This involves focussing on a few key elements in a dish, arranged thoughtfully. This style can be a great way to highlight the natural beauty of high-quality ingredients.

Less is more when it comes to simple food presentation, so opt for smaller serving sizes. As simple servings have less on the plate, the tidiness of the dish becomes even more important. You should ensure that all elements on the plate are clean and precise, wiping away any drips or smudges before serving. You can also use a Bonzer portioner to make sure your serving sizes are uniform and neat.

It’s a good idea to stick to classic food pairings and traditional presentations if you’re opting for a more simple serving style. This timeless approach is always pleasing and avoids overwhelming diners with too many elements, making for a neat, minimalist display.

Current trends in food presentation

If you want to keep current with your style of plating food, you could take inspiration from the latest food presentation trends. This is a great way not just to appeal to new customers but to add a fresh and exciting serving twist for your regulars. Some trends you may want to consider include:

• Rustic and natural: Embrace a rustic, natural aesthetic with wooden boards, stone plates, and earthy garnishes. This trend celebrates the organic beauty of ingredients.
• Molecular gastronomy: Incorporate elements of molecular gastronomy, such as foams, gels, and spheres, to create visually stunning and scientifically intriguing dishes.
• Sustainable presentation: Focus on sustainability by using edible garnishes, natural plate alternatives such as banana leaves, and minimising waste.

Garnishing food presentation ideas

Garnishing is an essential aspect of food presentation. Not only is it a great way to add interest to a plate, but it can even enhance the flavour of a dish too, so choosing the right garnishes is vital. The good news is that there are plenty of food garnish ideas to choose from, including both sweet and savoury garnishes, so it should be easy to find the perfect decorative accompaniments for your meals. Below are some food garnishings for you to try out next time you plate up:

• Fresh herbs: A classic for a reason, fresh herbs are a popular garnishing choice. Sprinkling fresh herbs like parsley, coriander, or chives can add a burst of colour and a hint of freshness to your dishes. If you’re looking to be a little more experimental, you can try pairing herbs with unexpected foods, such as pairing rosemary with sweet, citrusy desserts.
• Microgreens: Garnishing with microgreens is great for those looking for a contemporary, sophisticated look. These tiny greens not only add visual interest but also a delicate flavour.
• Edible flowers: Using edible flowers such as pansies, violets, and marigolds is perfect for adding elegance and colour to not just desserts, but savoury dishes as well, such as salads.
• Citrus zest or peels: Add a dash of citrus zest or use a citrus peeler to enhance both the visual appeal and the flavour profile of a dish. Lemon, lime, or orange zest can provide a vibrant contrast.
• Crunchy elements: Incorporating crunchy garnishes like toasted nuts, seeds, dukkah, cocoa nibs, or fried shallots can be a great way to add texture contrast to your dishes.

Buffet food presentation ideas

Food presentation isn’t just important for individual plates but for buffet-style set-ups too. In fact, when it comes to buffets, the visual appeal of the spread is especially important when it comes to encouraging customers to try as many different elements of the spread as possible. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to make your dishes shine and entice diners.

One of the most effective ways to present buffet food well is to vary the height and levels the food is displayed at. Not only can this add visual interest to your set-up, but it also makes it much easier for guests to see all your offerings. Wooden display plinths and shelves  can be an effective way to add levels, as can using tiered cake stands and risers.

With so many food options to choose from with a buffet, it’s important to make each dish stand out. A great way to do this is by incorporating a variety of colours in your dishes to create an appetising display. Try to make the most of the natural colours of fruits, vegetables, and sauces to add a pop of colour to your dishes, and place contrasting colours next to each other to make dishes stand out. For instance, place a bright green salad next to a dish with red or orange hues.

Lighting is another important factor to consider when displaying buffet food. Guests must be able to see what they are doing while helping themselves, so make sure the area is well-lit. You may also want to use spotlights to draw attention to signature dishes.