In 2018, Instagram and Instagrammable entered into the Merriam-Webster dictionary. When you say Instagrammable, you are saying that a dress, a moment, or a place is so beautiful it is worthy of sharing with the world.
In this era, no one understands this more than cafes and restaurants. One aesthetic photo taken at the right time in the perfect corner of your business can change shop traffic dramatically. People used to flock to restaurants for the food review or word of mouth recommendation on a sumptuous meal.
Now, we live in a social media world. Dining is a full-body experience, and these food and beverage establishments have made it their job to be a visual pièce de résistance.
The dining scene has taken a direction away from the ritzy velvet and leather. With some showcasing living plant walls and sustainable designs, cafes and restaurants have moved into the refreshing aesthetics of plants and greenery. This soothing ambiance is taking root all over the country.
We’ve rounded up a list of some of the most visually pleasing and plant-loving cafes and restaurants.
1. Arvo Cafe (Honolulu, Hawaii)
If you ever find yourself catching waves in Honolulu, don’t forget to check out the trendy Kaka’ako neighborhood. It is home to a vibrant food scene with Arvo Cafe as one of it’s most popular spots. The cafe displays it’s greeneries inside and out. You’ll have plenty of options for the camera.
2. Green Engine Coffee Co. (Haverford, Pennsylvania)
Coffee lovers will nerd out over the emerald green La Marzocco GB/5 espresso machine. Even typing that was a mouthful. But for those who don’t know, this “green engine” is a piece of top-of-line coffee equipment.
But one other green engine is drawing plant lovers to this quaint corner of Pennsylvania – a living plant wall bursting in the room.
3. Guero (Portland, Oregon)
What started as a food cart headlining its famous torta and Mexican food on their menu has made its way to becoming a Portland homegrown restaurant. A humble beginning and a loyal customer base has made Guero the popular spot it is today.
With its bright tiles, a burst of greenery, its walls lined with mezcal, Guero looks and feels like an authentic cantina. Experience the melting pot of rich cultures while taking a bite of griddled cheese on their sandwiches.
In creating signature drinks, Guero wants to “surround you with the lush feels of plants, sunshine, and passion.”
4. The Station on Kings (Lewes, Delaware)
Step into a movie set with every single corner Instagrammable. The location and the whole place feels like you’ve walked into a quaint countryside home and garden. But more than that, you will be greeted by the aroma of freshly baked pastries. Enjoy croissants while exploring the garden and barn. Dine at your own pace inside the greenhouse. Have a hearty lunch while being surrounded by succulents and fresh flowers. The Station on Kings is your patch of magic.
5. Leo’s Oyster Bar (San Francisco, California)
There is no better way to confirm the beauty of your interiors than winning the title: “Best Designed New Restaurant” from Bon Appetit. The magazine invites you to visit Leo’s “[with their] tropical palm wallpaper. It’s a Mad Men set you get to drink in.”
Visit this seafood restaurant, and you’ll find real tropical plants and the colorful wallpapers blend into one eye-catching, glamorous happy place.
6. Hudson Hill Coffee (Denver, Colorado)
Have artisan coffee, craft beer, or boutique wines under trailing vines of plants on the tiled bars. There is not one corner in this chill, artsy lounge that isn’t picture perfect. The detailing in this coffee spot is rustic and chill but also quite elegant.
Hudson Hill offers cheese plates and charcuterie that you can enjoy with early cocktails. Sit by the window and drink in the natural light.
7. Openaire (Los Angeles, California)
Some hotel restaurants boast of grand chandeliers from some French palace. The LINE Hotel boasts of a greenhouse restaurant with gorgeous, thriving plants hanging over your head.
Two-star Michelin Chef, Josiah Citrin, headlines the restaurant. The food offers the best of California with all the richness and layers of urban LA. Situated right in the heart of Koreatown, Openaire gives you that indoor/outdoor living.
8. VegeNation (Las Vegas, Nevada)
What better way to enjoy a real plant-based meal than in a restaurant that boasts of a living wall? More than the plants wonderfully living all over the place, VegeNation also has a thriving community of Vegans and plant lovers.
9. Log Haven (Salt Lake City, Utah)
A romantic dinner for two in a 100-year-old log mansion in the middle of the forest? Log Haven in Wasatch National Forest in Utah is the place for you.
Or if you’re on the lookout for a wedding venue that can safely implement social distancing and outdoor dining, Log Haven is the perfect backdrop. Say I do to your partner surrounded by wildflowers, evergreens, waterfalls, and all the best nature can give.
10. Mr. West Cafe Bar (Seattle, Washington)
The cafe has a plant bar. That should be enough reason for this University Village cafe bar to be part of this list. Enjoy the best of Seattle coffee, have a long and hearty brunch, and then if you’re up for it, join a workshop on Houseplants 101.
There are plenty of greens on the menu, but there are more greeneries strewn all over the place.
11. 3 Arts Club Cafe at Restoration Center Hardware (Chicago, Illinois)
We’re just gonna call it now. This is the most stunning place to have a cup of coffee in. Dine under crystal chandeliers, a glass courtyard full of handsome trees, and the Chicago skyline. There aren’t enough words to describe this beauty, so enjoy this photo instead.
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