Best Artificial Trees for Restaurants and Cafes

Guests decide how they feel about a restaurant within seconds of walking in. Greenery is one of the fastest ways to make a dining room feel warm, calm and worth photographing. Living trees, though, struggle in restaurants: low light, air conditioning, heat from the kitchen and no time for care. That is why more restaurants, cafes and bars now use high-quality artificial trees. Here is how to choose the right ones.

Why restaurants choose artificial trees

• No maintenance: no watering, no fallen leaves near tables, no plant-care contract.
• They work anywhere: windowless dining rooms, dark bars and spots next to air vents.
• The same look every day: the tree in your opening photos still looks the same two years later.
• Pollen-free: nothing that triggers guests' allergies or drops into food.

The best artificial trees for restaurants

1. Olive trees: the all-rounder

Olive trees suit almost every concept: Mediterranean, Italian, farm-to-table, wine bars and modern bistros. The silver-green leaves are light and airy, so they soften a room without blocking views between tables. Our olive tree with a real wood trunk comes in 6, 8 and 10 ft, and for double-height dining rooms the large olive tree reaches 12 and 15 ft. Browse all artificial olive trees.

2. Palm trees: for patios, beach bars and tropical concepts

Palms instantly say vacation. They work on restaurant patios, rooftop bars, pool decks and in Latin, Caribbean or Hawaiian concepts. Use an areca palm indoors, a tall coconut palm (8 to 18 ft) for big spaces, and a UV-resistant palm for sunny terraces.

3. Banyan and ficus trees: for a lush, enclosed feel

Dense foliage and wide canopies create privacy between sections and make large rooms feel more intimate. A banyan tree (5.6 to 9.2 ft) works between booths, and the large banyan (13 and 16.4 ft) can become the centerpiece of an open dining hall or atrium.

4. Cherry blossom and sakura trees: the photo spot

A blossom tree is the single most effective way to create a corner guests photograph and share. It fits Japanese and Asian concepts, dessert cafes, brunch spots and event spaces. Our sakura tree for restaurants comes in 4.92 and 9.84 ft, and the vibrant pink cherry blossom goes up to 15 ft. See all cherry blossom trees.

5. Fiddle leaf fig trees: for modern cafes

Large, sculptural leaves and an upright shape suit coffee shops, bakeries and minimalist interiors. A 6 or 8 ft fiddle leaf fig fills an empty corner next to the counter or window without taking much floor space.

6. Bonsai and flowering trees: small accents with big impact

Not every spot needs a big tree. A 3 ft pine bonsai works on a host stand, a bar back or a sushi counter. For a pop of color at the entrance or on the patio, try the rose red bougainvillea tree.

Where to place trees in a restaurant

• At the entrance: a matching pair of trees frames the door and signals quality from the street.
• As room dividers: a row of medium trees separates the bar from the dining room or a private area from the main floor.
• In empty corners: one tall tree finishes a corner that would otherwise feel unused.
• On the patio: palms and olives create shade-like softness and make outdoor seating feel like a destination.
• As a centerpiece: in a double-height room, one large tree becomes the image people remember.

How to choose the right size

Leave 12 to 18 inches between the top of the tree and the ceiling. In a standard 9–10 ft dining room, 6–8 ft trees look best. Double-height spaces and atriums can take 12–16 ft trees. Next to tables, choose trees with a clear trunk and a canopy that starts above head height, so guests are not brushing leaves while they eat.

Mistakes that make faux trees look cheap

• Too small: a 4 ft tree in a large room looks like an afterthought. When in doubt, size up.
• Plastic pots: the planter matters as much as the tree. Use stone, terracotta, concrete or woven baskets and cover the base with moss or bark.
• Dust: dust gives artificial trees away. Wipe or blow them off every few weeks.
• Blocking sight lines: keep trees away from walkways, service paths and the view of the host stand.
• Too many different species: two or three types repeated throughout look designed; seven different trees look random.

Frequently asked questions

Are artificial trees allowed in restaurants?

Yes, they are widely used. Requirements for decorative materials depend on your city and building, so check local fire codes before installation, especially for large trees and event spaces.

How long do artificial trees last in a restaurant?

Indoors, with regular dusting and away from direct heat sources, a quality artificial tree keeps its look for many years.

Can I use artificial trees on a restaurant patio?

Yes. Choose models listed for outdoor use, and UV-resistant styles for spots in full sun. See our outdoor artificial trees.

How do I clean artificial trees?

Use a soft duster, a microfiber cloth or a hair dryer on the cool setting. Outdoor trees can be rinsed gently with water.

Do you help with multi-tree orders?

Yes. Email support@ojadecor.com with photos or a floor plan of your space, and we will help you choose sizes and quantities that work together.

Find trees for your restaurant

Browse our commercial artificial trees or go straight to large artificial trees for high ceilings and statement spaces.