These social dining experiences are for foodies who also like a side of adventure with their meals. These restaurants, pop-up eateries and chains combine their meals with cinemas, interactive technology and other experiences that will make the food not the only thing worthy of talking about after patrons have left the table.
When it comes to the Internet's influence on dining, some great notable eateries include the Picture House by Bird's Eye and the Weight Watchers Feel Good Cafe, which share good food with diners, and treat them to a free meal if they return the favor by sharing on social media.
Even if you're without a dining companion but are looking for an interesting experience, the Moomin Cafe in Japan will set you up with a stuffed animal so that you're not totally lonely during dinner.
25 Unique Social Dining Experiences
From Hashtag Currency Restaurants to Romance-Inducing Cafes:
Laura McQuarrie — Sep 4, 2014 — Marketing
24
Anti-Loneliness Cafes
Stuffed Animals in 'Moomin Cafe' Never Let You Dine Alone
23
Floating Pop-Up Restaurants
S.Pellegrino's Pop-Ups Will be Part of the Cannes Film Festival Events
22
Twittering Food Trucks
Koji BBQ Taco Truck Fuels Hungry Angelenos
21
3D Printing Cafes
The MakersCafe Coffee Shop Design Offers Customers a 3D Dining Experience
20
Hashtag Currency Restaurants
The Picture House by Bird's Eye Lets You Pay with a Hashtag
19
Simple Health-Consious Cafes
The Weight Watchers Feel Good Cafe Shows How Easy Eating Well Can Be
18
Hip-Hop Food Fests
La Carnita's 'Tres' Block Party Brought Together Hip-Hop & Gourmet Street Food
17
Interactive Feline-Themed Eateries
'Restaurant Mon Petit' Allows Patrons to Act and Eat Like a Cat
16
Multi-Sensory Eateries
The UltraViolet Restaurant by Paul Pairet is Modern Luxury Epitomized
15
Affluent Aviator Dining
A380 Airplane Restaurant Lets Diners Eat Lavishly Without Flying
14
Pitch Black Dinners
'Dans le Noir' Lets You Eat in the Dark, Employs Blind Servers
13
Sound-Silencing Restaurants
The Acoustics Adjustment System at COMAL is iPad Powered
12
Instagram-Like Food Studios
Mweb’s Dinnercam Takes Your Food Shots to the Next Level
11
Cinematic Dining Experiences
This Pop-Up Dining Experience in NYC Blends Fine Food and Film
10
Tiny Two-Person Eateries
Solo Per Due in Italy is the World's Smallest Restaurant
9
Pizza-Making Touch Tables
Pizza Hut's Conceptual Interactive Table Top Builds Custom Pizzas
8
Home-Cooked Meal Networks
Mealku Works to Let People Barter with Home-Cooked Meals
7
Secret Location Dining
CharliesBurgers.ca Offers a Mysteriously Exclusive Dining Experience
6
Icy Dining Experiences
Winnipeg's RAW: Almond Restaurant is Situated Over a Frozen River
5
Romance-Inducing Cafes
Match.com's Dating Event for Singles Has an Aphrodisiac-Inspired Menu
4
Multi-Sensory Dining Experiences
Dining at the Hi-Tech Sublimotion Restaurant Costs a Hefty $2,000
3
Sky-High Dining Experiences
Hotel Cipriani's 'Dinner in the Sky' Lets Guests Dine Among the Stars
2
Ever-Changing Eateries
The 'What Happens When' Restaurant Installation is Undeniabl Unique
1
Foodie-Centric Social Networks
The TableCrowd Platform Lets You Network While Dining
Related Ideas
Movie-Themed Kids Meals
Super Mario Galaxy Happy Meal Launches with Collectible Toys
Newsstand-Style Pop-Up Series
Uber Eats x ALDI Celebrated Their Partnership with 'The Daily Feed'
Playful Toy-Inspired Pop-Ups
The Jellycat Café Pops Up at Shanghai’s Plaza 66 to Revive Traffic
Digital Pet Dining Experiences
Kura Sushi USA and Bandai Namco Partnered for a Tamagotchi Range
Gamified Fast Food Challenges
McDonald's Side Missions Encourage Fun, Spontaneous Detours
Pop-Up Recovery Shops
Nike’s Soup Shop in China Redefines Comfort Post-Run Experiences
Romantically Playful QSR Menus
Dunkin’ Drops a Valentine’s Day Lineup
Theatrical Cocktail Experiences
The Theatre by ZLB23 Unfolds at a Seven-Seat Bar
Experiential Convenience Stores
FamilyMart Announced IP-Centered Store Experiences in Japan
Nutrition-Forward Treat Shop Pop-Ups
Bloom Nutrition Hosted the Very Successful Treat Shoppe
Show-Inspired QSR Menus
The Stranger Things Meals Campaign Introduces Two Parallel Food Options
Authentic Connection Campaigns
Heineken's Hijack Socialization Encourages Out-of-Home Gatherings
Eclectic Bistro Designs
Luke Edward Hall Designs Deux Gares Express Café with British-French Flair
Curated Film Festival Experiences
The St. Regis Toronto Offers TIFF-Inspired Food & Beverage Menus
Japanese-Themed Bodega Meals
The Bessou Snack Shop Prepares Japanese Classics Like a NYC Bodega
Faux Food Pop-Ups
MoMA Design Store Unveils an Immersive 'MoMA Mart' Pop-Up for NYC
Automotive Restaurants
Hyundai is Opening Backseat Bites, the UK’s First Restaurant Inside a Car
Multisensory Gourmand Pop-Ups
Lush's Café Gourmand Pop-Up Immerses Visitors in Cozy Scents
Game-Inspired Culinary Experiences
PlayStation Canada x OpenTable Present a Unique Partnership
Creative Economy Meal Replacements
Sneak EATS Launched a Nutrition Product Built for Creatives
One-Night-Only Dining Events
The Saratoga Supper Club Turned a Convenience Store into a Speakeasy
Anime Fast Food Collaborations
Popeyes Canada Launches a ONE PIECE-Themed Menu and Experience.
Gourmet Lunch Pop-Ups
Uber Eats' Sandwich Studio Elevated the Classic Combo Meal
Cross-Industry Insight Networks
The Think Party Explores the Future of Socialization
Experiential Student Activations
Just Eat's Hey U Up Campaign Coincides with Freshers’ Week
Supermarket Tourism Campaigns
K-Supermarket's Tripadvisor Listings Share a Taste of Food Culture
Swedish-Style Kitchen Pop-Ups
IKEA House Warming Showcases Cooking & Eating Essentials
High-End Pizza Dining Experiences
This Papa Johns Dining Experience is Part of a MICHELIN Bid
Design Food Exhibitions
IKEA's Food for Thought Exhibition in Milan Explores Cooking Rituals
Tinned Fish Snack Bars
A Fishwife Snack Bar & Shop Pop-Up is Taking Over NYC's Wildair
Desert Noodle Pop-Ups
An Immersive Maruchan Pop-Up is Coming to Cabazon for Festival Season
Futuristic Train Cafes
The Future Train Kyoto Diner & Cafe is Housed Inside a Thunderbird Train
Laid-Back Fan Experiences
The Buldak Couch Time Pop-Up Invites People to Slow Down and Hang Out
Feedless Social Platforms
Bond Eliminates Feeds to Focus on Real-Life Experiences
Meal Kit Installations
HelloFresh's Giant Delivery Box Features a Real Family Sharing Dinner
Comprehensive Fast Food Reports
Yum! Brands, Inc. Explores Food Trends Influencing the Industry
Dinner Escape Rooms
The Wedding Party Dinner Theater is a Three-Course Entertainment Event
Kindness-Centered Kids Menus
The First-Ever La La Kids’ Menu Shares Sweet Treats & Collectibles
Foodie Charm Bracelets
Goodles Gave Expo West Attendees the Chance to Make Custom Charm Bracelets
Luxe Parisian-Inspired Pop-Ups
The Longchamp x Constantin Riant Pop-Up is Uniquely Parisian
Late-Night Cocktail Experiences
Din Tai Fung Launches its 'After Dark' Experience
Tomato-Themed Dining Experiences
Mutti Tomatoes Hosted an Immersive Dining Experience in London
Ranch-Inspired Pop-Up Restaurants
The Hidden Valley Ranch Tiny Restaurant is Coming to NYC
Cake-Centric Gatherings
Cake Picnic Turns a Shared Love of Cake into a Sweet Social Event
In-Store Speed Dating Events
Fnac Hosted a Cultural Speed Dating Experience on February 14th
Website-Based Restaurant Customizations
The 'Wix Restaurant Experiences' Enables Unique Dining
Local-Led Culinary Experiences
Intrepid Offers a Diverse Range of Food Tours for Curious Travelers
Pop-Up Sports Hospitality
Toronto’s FIFA Fan Festival Turns Urban Spaces into Immersive Fan Hubs
Nostalgic Charging Stations
The Tesla Diner Delivers Retro-Futuristic Dining and EV Charging
Curated Discovery Stores
The Shelf Spotlights Emerging Food, Drink and Wellness Brands
Experiential Grocery Campaigns
No Name launches a multi-city grocery goss campaign
Upscale Culinary Lounges
Casa Chi by Chef Richard Sandoval Introduces a Loyalty Program
Immersive Dining Partnership
American Express, Resy & Chef’s Table Launch a Culinary Event Series
Story-Driven Adventure Tourism
Disney Expands Immersive Guided Travel Across Europe and Asia
Italian Sunday Dinner Experiences
Ruffino Invited Millennials to Slow Down with 'Friends Only'
Waffles-Centric Travel Experiences
Choice Hotels International Conducts a Nationwide Survey
Playful Social Dining Menus
Toronto's Mademoiselle Launched a $25 'Girl Dinner' Prix-Fixe Menu
Cinematic Golf Pop-Ups
Subway's Happy Place is an Interactive Experience for Happy Gilmore Fans
Sharable DIY Food Kits
The Spice & Tea Exchange Expands Its Create & Share Kits
Painterly Dining Experiences
7 Paintings - The Art of Dining Blends Art, Culture and Cuisine
Offline Dating Experiences
Beyond Debuts Social Club Prioritizing In Person Connections
Celebration Season Dining Experiences
P.F. Chang's Sizzle. Share. Celebrate. is Prix Fixe
Vibrant Cafeteria-Inspired Campaigns
Lunchtime Becomes a Joyous Time in 'The Lunchables Effect'
Mystery Dinner Shows
The Dinner Detective Combines a Whodunit Experience to Dining
Restaurant Reservation App Features
Uber Eats' Dine Out Streamlines Restaurant Bookings and Rides
High-End Restaurant Reservation Offers
Uber One Exclusive Tables Was Launched with OpenTable
Stain-Celebrating Restaurant Shirts
Uber Eats and Rosa’s Thai Partnered to Celebrate Messy Eating
Fast-Casual Pickup Experiences
CAVA Opens Its Cottleville Restaurant
Conceptual Fine Dining Experiences
Levi Lu Taps the Japanese Aesthetic Principle of Mono No Aware
Video-First Food Ordering Experiences
CookUnity Acquired flavrs to Enhance Its Meal Service
Community-Centered Dining Experiences
Joyous Enriches Seniors' Lives Through Food & Experiences
Customized Restaurant Campaign Platforms
OpenTable Has Launched OpenTable Media
Fine-Dining Pizza Events
The Pizza Hut Supper Club Let Quality Ingredients Speak for Themselves
European Food Tours
Air Canada Offers Curated Food Tourism Packages and Guides
Festive Ramen Pop-Ups
The Holiday Maruchan Ramen Cottage Party Shares Ramen Servings
Tasting Menu Evolutions
SARA Launches the Journey, a Seven-Course Dining Experience in Toronto
Scent-Led Dining Experiences
Aroma by Tia Rosa Has Guests Choose What They Eat by Smell, Not Sight
Digital Dining Platforms
Menu Restaurant Combines Online Ordering And Real Time Invoice Tracking
Modular Dining Spaces
The 11 x 17 Restaurant in Denver Blends a Pizza Kitchen with a Gallery
Anime-Themed Sushi Dining Experiences
The JUJUTSU KAISEN x Kura Sushi Collaboration is Tasty
Culturally Immersive Dining Experiences
D'Art Design is Transforming India's Dining Sector
Book-Themed Bar Concepts
Book Bar is an Upcoming Destination for Shopping, Eating & Connecting
Menu Discovery Challenges
Original ChopShop's Feel Good Foodie Challenge Rewards Menu Exploration
Communal Dining Kits
The HelloFresh Supper Club Connects People Over a Shared Meal
Gastronomy-Based Travel Adventures
Tourradar Features Cross-Continental Culinary and Food Tours
Evolutionary Toronto Dining Experiences
The Drake Hotel Unveiled a Reimagined Gen-Z-Forward Menu
Food Sharing Platforms
TotallyChefs Connects Users to Share and Discover Recipes Globally
Community-Centered Rooftop Events
Heineken's Rooftop Revival Turned Building Tops into Social Hubs
Parisian Dining Pop-Ups
The Boursin Bistro Brings a Taste of Paris to Toronto
Culinary-Focused Travel Experiences
EF Go Ahead Tours Launches the Food Tours Collection
Local Food Discoveries
Streeats Helps You Find Hidden Street Food Gems Recommended By Locals
Home-Inspired Coffee Shops
Noun cafe is made to reflect the ambiance of an artist’s living room
Chibi Cartoon-Inspired Cafes
SEGA Launches a New Collaborative SONIC & FRIENDS Cafe
Four-Course Fondue Experiences
Valentine's Day at Melting Pot Welcomes Couples, Friends & Families
All-in-One Digital Dining Marketplaces
This OpenTable Marketplace is for Private and Group Dining
Social Networking Hubs
Internet Social Café Lets Users Explore Cafés and Build Online Connections
Social Food Delivery Apps
The 'Zesty' App from DoorDash Helps Users Find New Restaurants
Foodie-Themed Singles Events
Knorr and Eventbrite are Connecting Singles in and Out of the Kitchen
Immersive Cultural Dining Experiences
HIRAKUZA Ginza Tokyo Combines Sumo Wrestling with Dining
Private Parisian Residences
HIGHSTAY Reimagines Hospitality to Create an Intimate Experience
Gastronomic Coffee Experiences
illy Blends Coffee and Fine Dining in a Chef-Led Series
Week-Long Restaurant Celebrations
Goldbelly Introduces its 'National Restaurant Week' in the U.S.
Illusory Dining Concepts
A Taste Illusion Experience Plays with Diners' Perception on April 1st
Culinary Credit Card Experiences
Mastercard and TheFork Partnered for New Dining Experiences
Urban Indian Dining Experiences
The Cottage Cheese Features Menus Showcasing Chef-Driven Artistry
Regional Authenticity Dining
Marco’s Pizza Introduced a New York–Style Pizza Experience
Modernist Burger Interiors
Studio Danel Designs an OMG! Burger in Houston Around a Communal Table
Friend-Finding Virtual Hangouts
Strangely Matches Similar Personalities for Live Video Chats
Family-Friendly Weeknight Meals
Family Dinneroo Shares Affordable, Convenient Mid-Week Dinners
Local Story Creators
Word oh Mouth Lets Users Share Experiences And Support Local Businesses
Cultural Dining Discovery
AuthFoodMaps Helps Users Find Authentic Ethnic Restaurants Nearby
Immersive Chinese Culinary Productions
Trip.com Group Debuts the Multi-Media Taste of China
Virtual Dining Platform Expansions
GreetEat Corp. Expands to All Users in North America
BIPOC-Owned Korean-Parisian Restaurants
Toronto’s Gateau Ghost Features a Dynamic Dining Concept
Nostalgic Music Dining Experiences
The Bun House Disco Evokes 1980s Hong Kong with Buns and Music
Community-Driven Loyalty Programs
Salad House Turned Guest Spending Into Local Donations
Event-Centric Camping Experiences
Huttopia Hosts World Cup Viewing and Activities at Its Campsites
Gothic Romance Restaurant Campaigns
Eggslut's Egg Yearning Explores an Unexpected Symbol of Desire
Single Cook Connections
Knorr's #ServingSingles Empowers People to Spotlight Foodie Friends
Valentine's Day Dining Research
OpenTable Compiles Data on Valentine's Day Dining Trends
Swipe Interface Restaurant Platforms
'Foodie Call' Helps Users Find Options for Meals
Remote Workspace Cafes
Cafe Hunt Helps You Find Laptop-Friendly Cafes With Key Amenities
Industrial Contrast Dining Spaces
SSOC Seoul Features Stainless Steel with a Contemporary Layout
Immersive K-Culture Expos
K-EXPO USA Combines K-Pop, Food and Lifestyle Experiences
Asia-Influenced Western Dishes
Bombastic Supper Club Unveils its Winter Delights with a New Menu
Garish Holiday Dining Experiences
TGI Fridays TGI Elf Days Embraces Over-the-Top Decorating
Menu Recommendation Tools
DishFinder Helps Users Discover Top-Rated Dishes at Restaurants
Elevated Resort Culinary Menus
Sunset World Group Upgrades Its Cancun & Riviera Maya Experiences
Atmospheric Cantonese Dining
Cafe Kowloon by Daytrip Studio is a Restaurant Under Railway Arches
Venetian-Style Eatery Designs
Fettle’s Cicchetti Piccadilly Melds Venetian Warmth and Theatrics
Multilingual Restaurant Reservation Apps
Tabelog's App Supports International Visitors
Hyper-Local Guided Culinary Experiences
Tasty Tours Toronto Debuts New Guided Experiences
Dining Memory Journals
The Table Journal Turns Everyday Meals Into A Trackable, Reward Experience
Casual Baking Class Concepts
The Baking Social Makes Baking Fun, Social and Accessible
Dining Organizer Apps
Yumbox Helps You Track And Filter Your Favorite Restaurants
Celebrity Chef Meal Kits
Celebrity Experiences' Meal Boxes are Curated by Industry-Leading Chefs
Collaborative Dining Tools
Where Are We Eating Tonight Helps Groups Decide Restaurants Easily
Brunch Club Experiences
Julius Meinl and KUBUS Reimagine Austrian Cuisine
Group Dining Finders
Where to Eat Helps Locate Restaurants Convenient for You and Friends
Dining Experience Events
Blush at the Alexandra Inn Launched Its Girl Dinner Rooftop Dining Series