[2025] A Collection of Western Songs to Play at Dinner [Stylish BGM]

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.

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.

Nostalgia (The Day I Knew)Samara Joy

Samara Joy – Nostalgia (The Day I Knew) (Audio)

The bright, elegant sound of the horn section is gentle and beautiful.

This is a song by Samara Joy, the songstress who won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist.

It’s included on her classic album Linger Awhile, released in September 2022.

For this piece, she wrote lyrics to an improvised performance by a legendary trumpeter.

She also performed it on a popular talk show.

In a voice as smooth as silk, she tells the story of the fateful day she knew, “This is the one.” How about this song for an anniversary dinner with someone special? Its sweet, nostalgic mood will touch the heart and make your time together even more wonderful.

If I Ain’t Got YouAlicia Keys

Alicia Keys – If I Ain’t Got You (Official HD Video)

A track released as a single by Alicia Keys in 2004.

It was inspired by the death of American singer Aaliyah in a plane crash in August 2001.

The track became a hit around the world and won a Grammy Award in 2005.

Young FolksPeter Bjorn & John

Peter Bjorn And John – Young Folks

A four-piece band from Stockholm.

They say the band name wasn’t due to a lack of ideas, but because they believed using their own name as the band name was the right choice.

Their single “Young Folks” was used in Suntory’s canned coffee “BOSS” commercials and in the TV drama “Tokujou Kabach!!”.

Time After TimeCyndi Lauper

Time After Time – Sarah McLachlan and Cyndi Lauper

It’s included on the 2005 album “The Body Acoustic.” It’s an acoustic version of the classic “Time After Time.” It’s a gentle, beautiful duet with Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan.