When you sit down at a great restaurant, it is not just the taste that hits you first it is the look of the plate. As a private chef in Cornwall, I have learned that making food look amazing is not about fancy tools or complicated techniques. It is about a few simple tricks that anyone can use to make their food look restaurant worthy without the faff.
Here are the basics I use every day to take my plates from good to unforgettable.
Less Is More
The biggest mistake people make is putting too much on the plate. You do not need to show every element of a dish in massive portions. Focus on a few key ingredients and give them space. Let the plate breathe.
Pro tip: Use negative space. A clean plate with a focus point looks elegant and confident.
Play with Height
Flat plates are boring. If everything sits at the same level, the dish looks one dimensional. Build a bit of height. Stack elements like roasted veg or layer slices of meat. Even small lifts can make a plate look dynamic and professional.
Think About Colour
Great plates pop with natural colour. Fresh herbs, vibrant sauces, crisp veg use them to bring energy to the dish. Try to have at least three contrasting colours on the plate, but keep it natural. Bright orange carrots, deep green kale, ruby red beetroot. No artificial colours needed.
Sauce Like a Pro
When it comes to sauces, there are three easy wins. Drizzle lightly around the main element. Dot small amounts with a spoon or a squeezy bottle. Or brush a swoosh across the plate using the back of a spoon. Keep it clean and intentional. Never flood the plate with sauce it should complement, not drown.
If you want a masterclass in sauce work, check out some of the dishes in A Private Table where simple sauce techniques make all the difference.
Garnish with Purpose
Micro herbs, edible flowers, citrus zests garnishes should add flavour as well as beauty. Never garnish with something you would not want to eat. A sprinkle of toasted seeds, a few torn herb leaves, or a twist of black pepper can bring a plate to life.
Choose the Right Plate
Sometimes the plate is half the battle. Big white plates give you a blank canvas. Dark plates can make bright food pop. Rustic ceramics give a natural, earthy feel. Pick a plate that suits the mood of the dish.
The Final Touch
Before you serve, wipe the edges of the plate with a clean cloth. It sounds basic, but nothing ruins a beautiful dish faster than smudges or fingerprints. It is the small details that separate a home cooked meal from something that feels truly special.
Plating is not about showing off. It is about showing respect for the food you have cooked and giving it the best stage to shine. And when you get it right, your guests will feel the difference before they even take a bite.
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See you at the table 🍽️