[BGM] Classic Delicious Jazz Tunes You’d Want to Hear in a Restaurant [2025]

Breezin’George Benson

Breezin’

This is an instrumental track with an appealing sense of freshness, like a pleasant breeze blowing through.

It was created by George Benson, an artist who transcends the boundaries of jazz and R&B with his exceptional guitar technique and smooth vocals.

The piece is the title track from his 1976 masterpiece Breezin’, a pivotal turning point in his career, and it’s also known as a defining song of the smooth jazz genre.

Its sophisticated guitar tone relaxes the listener, like an afternoon spent at a resort.

In July 1976, it achieved major commercial success, topping the Billboard Pop chart for two consecutive weeks.

It’s the perfect choice for restaurant background music—elegant and refined, enhancing a meal without intruding on conversation.

C Jam BluesOscar Peterson Trio

C Jam Blues

Oscar Peterson, the pinnacle of jazz pianists and lauded for his dazzling technique as the “Maharaja of the Keyboard.” The performances by his Oscar Peterson Trio teach us the pure joy of music rather than any cerebral complexity.

The track I’m introducing begins with an extremely simple melody of just two notes.

But once the music starts, you can’t help but be lifted by the rich, swinging sound woven by their three-in-one ensemble.

This recording was made in December 1962 and included on the classic album Night Train.

Its light, buoyant groove will enhance the atmosphere without intruding on conversation in a restaurant.

As background music to grace a fine meal, there may be no performance more fitting.

Better Than I Imagined (ft. H.E.R., Meshell Ndegeocello)Robert Glasper

Robert Glasper – Better Than I Imagined ft. H.E.R., Meshell Ndegeocello

Pianist Robert Glasper effortlessly leaps beyond the bounds of jazz, leading the scene with a sound that fuses hip-hop and R&B.

His Grammy-winning album Black Radio III is packed with exquisite tracks perfect for restaurant background music.

Featuring H.

E.

R.

and Meshell Ndegeocello, this song—described by Glasper himself as a passionate offering to the value and virtues of Black love—sings of deep, warm affection.

Released early in August 2020, its mellow, soulful groove drew widespread attention and went on to win the Grammy Award for Best R&B Song.

It’s sure to elevate the atmosphere of a dinner with someone special or a dimly lit bar time, making it more refined and sophisticated.

MaputoBob James & David Sanborn

Bob James, David Sanborn – Maputo (audio)

Hearing that sophisticated sound that sparkles like a city nightscape, many of you will probably feel you’ve heard it somewhere before.

It’s a masterpiece by keyboardist Bob James, known as the godfather of smooth jazz, and saxophonist David Sanborn, whose singing tone transcends genres! The piece was composed by the virtuoso Marcus Miller, and it’s a luxurious track where an Afro-Cuban–inspired, buoyant rhythm melds with a sultry saxophone.

It opens their collaborative album Double Vision, released in May 1986, and this classic won the 29th Annual Grammy Award.

As BGM to grace an elegant dinner, you couldn’t ask for a more perfect tune.

La cumbia me está llamando (feat. La Perla)Nubya Garcia

Nubya Garcia – La cumbia me está llamando feat. La Perla (Official Audio)

Nubya Garcia, the saxophonist at the forefront of London’s jazz scene, is an innovative artist who traverses a wide spectrum of music while grounding her sound in Caribbean and Afro-diasporic roots.

Among her works, the track I’d like to recommend as restaurant background music comes from her debut album, Source.

This piece masterfully fuses the rhythms of Colombia’s traditional cumbia with contemporary UK jazz.

As the theme “Cumbia is calling me” suggests, it’s defined by a passionate sound that draws you in with an irresistible musical pull.

Released in August 2020, the acclaimed album Source was also nominated for the Mercury Prize.

Passionate yet refined, this track is a perfect fit for venues looking to set a stylish tone for a lively dinnertime atmosphere.

From This Place (ft. Meshell Ndegeocello)Pat Metheny

Pat Metheny “From This Place” (Official Video)

Pat Metheny, the master who continues to revolutionize the world of jazz guitar and the only artist to have won Grammys in an astonishing 10 categories.

This is the title track from his album From This Place, released in February 2020.

The sound, where a grand orchestra blends with delicate guitar and the deep vocals of Meshell Ndegeocello, feels like watching a film.

Singing of hope that quietly rises from difficult circumstances, this piece will add a dramatic touch to an elegant dinner time.

The album debuted at No.

7 on the Billboard Top Albums chart and is a popular work whose refined resonance makes it the perfect BGM to color a special meal.

Radio Music SocietyEsperanza Spalding

Esperanza Spalding Radio Song Official

Esperanza Spalding, who also shines as a jazz bassist, captivates many listeners with her wide-ranging, high-sense musicality.

The masterpiece she created in March 2012 is Radio Music Society.

The album is themed around the sparkle of serendipitous encounters with music on the radio, offering an exceptionally stylish sound where the glamour of big band and the comfortable groove of R&B meld together.

Expressing the magic of music that adds color to everyday life, this work won Best Jazz Vocal Album at the 55th Grammy Awards.

Its refined yet warm tones will make a meal in a lively, conversational restaurant feel all the more special.