Types of single-use napkins and which one is most suitable for each type of restaurant (2025)

Which napkin should you choose for each type of restaurant?

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.

Gourmet and Haute Cuisine Restaurants

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.

• Best choice: Napkins of Novotela, Cottontex o Airlaid.
• Why: Novotela and Cottontex offer a cloth-like feel, providing elegance and sophistication without the drawbacks of traditional napkins. Airlaid,although a paper option, stands out for its softness and durability, making it a high-quality alternative with a thoughtful presentation. All of these options guarantee a premium experience without sacrificing the convenience of a disposable product.

Casual Dining Restaurants and Bistros

Casual yet sophisticated restaurants, such as bistros, gastropubs, or fusion cuisine establishments, need a napkin that combines a good feel, durability, and attractive presentation.

• Best choice: Airlaid or Papel Punta Punta napkins.
• Why: Airlaid offers good absorbency and a pleasant texture, making it a premium option within the paper napkin range. If you’re looking for a more economical option with a good appearance, Paper Punta Punta is an excellent alternative.

Fast Food Restaurants and Cafes

Fast food restaurants, cafes, and bars with high turnover seek efficiency and profitability, so napkins must be functional, economical, and durable.

• Best option:Paper 2 ply napkins, Paper Microdot o Paper Punta Punta.
• Why: They are economical options, easy to replace, and durable enough for daily use in establishments with high customer volume. Paper Punta Punta, within the paper category, offers extra durability and improved presentation without significantly increasing costs.

Restaurants with a Sustainable Focus

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.

• Best choice: Napkins made from Drylace, Cottontex, Novotela o Papel reciclado.
• Why: Drylace decomposes with water, preventing waste buildup, while Cottontex biodegradable and compostable, allowing for an ecological focus without sacrificing quality. Novotela, in addition to offering an elegant appearance, is 100% compostable and biodegradable, making it a sustainable option without sacrificing sophistication.
• Paper , is also a great option for restaurants committed to sustainability, as long as it comes from responsible logging and is not made from any other material.

Below, we’ll explain the types of single-use napkins available and which one is best for each type of restaurant.

Types of Single-Use Napkins

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:

Novotela Valentina Napkins

Novotela Napkins: The Elegance of Cloth Without the Hassle

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.

Cottontex Yarn Napkins

Cottontex: The Softness and Sustainability of Cotton

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.

Drylace Costa Nova Napkins

Drylace: the eco-friendly option that disappears with water

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.

Airlaid Lisbon Napkins

Airlaid: The Most Versatile and Durable Napkin

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.

Sahara Paper Napkins

Paper Napkins: The Most Practical and Versatile Option

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:

• 2-ply paper: The simplest and most economical option, suitable for restaurants with high turnover.
• Point-to-Point Paper: Napkins with greater thickness and consistency thanks to their special embossing.
• Microdot Paper: A similar alternative to Point-to-Point Paper, but with an adhesive-free embossing technology, which improves absorbency and strength.

Thanks to the variety of designs and colors available, paper napkins can be adapted to the image and needs of any type of restaurant.

Conclusion

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.