Different industries are adding immersion into their customer experiences. But can it always work? I visited two immersive restaurants in Paris and when it comes to the immersive dining experience… yes and no.
As someone who is obsessed with immersive art and immersive experiences, I’m happy to see different industries adopt immersive technology. I was thrilled to learn I can have an immersive dining experience in Paris. Jungle Palace and Stellar are immersive restaurants both owned by Emephera Group, an immersive restaurant company. This is not a restaurant review, but more of a perspective on the immersive experience in a dining context.
What They Got Right
I will speak specifically about Jungle Palace when I say the interior and decor were *chef’s kiss* top tier. The foliage and flowers blanketing the walls, columns and ceiling added to the jungle setting. The projection mapping was also exceptional. The jungle scenery changed from bright green tropics, to moody sunset oranges to a glowing nighttime jungle, and an unexpected storm! The sound effects of rain and thunder, then elephants and birds was a great added touch. The light fixtures nestled within the foliage blinked and changed as the jungle scenery did.
What They Got Wrong
Immersive experiences are sensory experiences, thus each space should try to engage more senses than one. While there was clearly a heavy focus on the visuals, it seems audio was forgotten. Most immersive experiences engulf you in loud audio, whether music, ambient noise or sound effects. Visitors quietly listen to it while seeing the visual elements, enriching the overall experience.
That wasn’t quite possible at neither Jungle Palace nor Stellar. I mean… they’re restaurants. People are there to eat and have conversations with their table. But this made it difficult to feel fully immersed in the jungle or outer space, when it actually sounds like you’re in a cafeteria. The audio details were drowned out by the layers of loud voices, which kept me from feeling fully immersed
So… Can Immersive Dining Work?
Obviously, yes. The immersive dining experience has existed for a while at theme parks or themed resorts and is now becoming more popular with the general public. The place was packed and people couldn’t stop filming with their phones…free marketing. However, we lose out on a significant part of being immersed with sound, which is perhaps a price these restaurants are willing to pay. I may be done with immersive restaurants, or I may look for a quiet dining immersive experience, if it exists!
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