The choice of napkins in a restaurant goes far beyond a simple aesthetic. It’s a key element in the customer experience, as it influences the perception of service quality and the day-to-day functionality of the establishment. A gourmet restaurant doesn’t have the same needs as a fast-food restaurant, so selecting the right napkin can make a difference in terms of presentation, cost, and sustainability.
Each type of restaurant has specific needs in terms of presentation, functionality, and cost. Below, we show you which type of napkin best suits each culinary concept.
High-end restaurants pay attention to the smallest detail in their table settings. In these establishments, the napkin not only serves a practical purpose but is also part of the customer’s experience and perception of luxury.
Casual yet sophisticated restaurants, such as bistros, gastropubs, or fusion cuisine establishments, need a napkin that combines a good feel, durability, and attractive presentation.
Fast food restaurants, cafes, and bars with high turnover seek efficiency and profitability, so napkins must be functional, economical, and durable.
More and more restaurants are looking for environmentally friendly alternatives that align with their ecological commitment. In these cases, the napkin should also reflect these values.
Below, we’ll explain the types of single-use napkins available and which one is best for each type of restaurant.
Currently, the market offers a wide variety of single-use napkins designed to suit different needs. The choice depends on the restaurant’s level of sophistication, the desired experience, and brand values, such as sustainability or laundry cost savings.
Now, we’ll analyze the main types of napkins based on the material they’re made from:
Naps made by Novotela are the ideal choice for restaurants looking to offer a touch of distinction and sophistication without the drawbacks of traditional cloth. This material belongs to the Non-Woven Fabric (NWF) family, giving it a texture and feel surprisingly similar to that of a real cloth napkin. In fact, many diners can’t tell the difference.
Their main advantage is their great durability and absorbency, making them perfect for extended use at the table. Furthermore, being disposable, they offer significant savings on laundry, ironing, and replacement costs in case of wear or impossible-to-remove stains. As if that weren’t enough, they are 100% compostable and biodegradable, so they also meet the sustainability standards many restaurants are seeking today.
If a restaurant wants to maintain a refined image without investing in textile tablecloths, Novotela napkins are the perfect choice.
For restaurants looking for an eco-friendly alternative with a premium feel, Cottontex napkins are the best option. They are made of 100% cotton, giving them a natural texture that feels pleasant against the skin.
In addition to their comfortable feel, these napkins stand out for their commitment to sustainability, as they are fully biodegradable and compostable. This makes them an ideal alternative for businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing quality and elegance.
Restaurants that choose Cottontex are usually those that prioritize the customer experience and seek to convey an image of exclusivity and respect for the environment.
In a world where sustainability has become a distinguishing value, Drylace napkins offer an innovative solution: they decompose upon contact with water, preventing them from polluting oceans or rivers.
This material has been specifically designed to reduce the generation of plastic and paper waste, offering restaurants an alternative that is not only functional but also environmentally friendly.
Restaurants with a strong ecological commitment and looking to differentiate themselves with innovative products will find Drylace an ideal option.
If there’s one type of napkin that has earned a place in all types of restaurants, it’s Airlaid. This material, manufactured using a special aeration process, offers a perfect balance between softness, strength, and absorbency.
Airlaid napkins are thicker and more durable than standard paper napkins, but still not as strong as Novotela or Cottontex napkins. Thanks to their versatility, they have become one of the most popular options in the hospitality industry, as they can be adapted to different types of establishments without compromising quality or cost.
If a restaurant is looking for a functional, convenient, and beautifully presented napkin, Airlaid is the perfect choice.
Paper napkins are, without a doubt, the most widely used option in the hospitality industry due to their versatility, affordability, and ease of use. Although they don’t offer the premium feel of other materials such as Novotela or Cottontex, they perform their function efficiently and are available in different formats according to each restaurant’s needs.
Within this category, we find different types of paper napkins that vary in absorbency, strength, and texture. Depending on the type of establishment and service level, some options will be more suitable than others.
Below, we analyze the main subcategories within paper napkins:
Thanks to the variety of designs and colors available, paper napkins can be adapted to the image and needs of any type of restaurant.
Choosing the right napkin not only improves the customer experience but also impacts the restaurant’s operations and brand perception. A luxury restaurant needs napkins with a premium feel and appearance, while a fast-food restaurant prioritizes functionality and cost. Furthermore, more and more businesses are looking for sustainable options that reinforce their environmental commitment.
At La Pajarita, we have a wide range of napkins to suit the needs of every type of restaurant. If you want to offer the best experience to your customers while optimizing your operations, contact us and discover the perfect option for your business.
