In a restaurant setting, banquette is a word for a padded bench with a cushioned seat and back. This style of seating is used in “banquette seating,” which is often confused with booth seating. In fact, some restaurant owners may call the padded benches in their booth seating banquettes. However, banquette refers to a continuous row of padded bench seats, usually situated along a wall. In more technical restaurant terms, this is known a banquette seating.
Banquette seating can be one long continuous bench or a row of benches set side by side in a row. The benches may be joined together or separated by a short space. Tables are set in front of the benches and regular restaurant chairs are placed on the opposite side of the table.
In everyday use, the more formal meaning of banquette is unimportant. It is perfectly acceptable to use the term to refer to a padded and upholstered bench seat, no matter how it is arranged.
See also: What is FOH and BOH in the Restaurant Business?
Why Use Banquette Seating?
Most restaurant guests probably prefer booths over banquette seating. A booth uses the same types of seats arranged in a U or horse-shoe shape and provides a semi-private partially enclosed place to eat where you feel tucked away somewhat from the other guests. However, booth seating takes up a lot of floor space and is more difficult for servers to service. Banquettes, on the other hand, help to maximize the use of the available dining room space and so may be preferred when space is short. They are just as troublesome for service, if not more so, however,
Often, restaurants are able to move these bench seats around so that they can be arranged into booths or set up along walls. This way, a large group can be accommodated or a particularly busy night can be prepared for. At other times, booths can be maintained to satisfy those guests who prefer this seating arrangement.
Do Restaurant Guest Like Banquette Seating?
As stated, it is commonly accepted that most restaurant guest prefer booth-style seating. People have mixed opinions on banquettes, however, the biggest complaint is being so close to strangers, while dining. While this is common in other cultures, Americans certainly like their space! This Reddit thread solicited some opinions on the matter, and while some responders said they liked it, this was certainly the most common complaint:
I don’t mind it if they are spaced out appropriately. I just hate being so close to random people, it feels like you are eating with strangers. I have also been to a couple of restaurants where the booth side is pretty worn out so I’m sitting like 4-6 inches lower than where I should be. — jnwebb0063
I hate this kind of seating, there’s nothing intimate about feeling like you’re dining at an upscale cafeteria table. Individual tables, booths, or areas so people can relax and not feel like they’re on top of each other. — Guidosama
One responder didn’t mince words and went a bit further, calling it garbage:
Banquette seating is garbage obviously designed to prioritize profits over customer experiences. I’m at the point where I will either wait for a personal table or dine elsewhere. — Mj86sto
The commenter is not wrong. This type of seating arrangement is meant to maximize profits by making the best use of the available space. However, if a restaurant cannot maximize profit while balancing a positive guest experience, the restaurant will not be successful for long.
Bench Seating vs. Banquettes or Booths
A banquette is a padded bench seat. However, bench seating in a restaurant refers to the use of a long, unpadded bench with no back support, set along a table. This is similar to a picnic table arrangement. Restaurant owners use this seating when they want a throw-back 1950s style diner experience.
