Best Fine Dining Dinnerware Reviews 2018

Choosing the perfect fine dining dinnerware set really depends on each individual’s own personal taste. You might be after something fun and quirky for a meal with friends or perhaps something more chic and sophisticated for a formal event. To help you choose the ideal fine dining dinnerware set for any occasion, we have selected the best fine dining dinnerware brands in the market today and feature a product from each to give you a better feel of the different types of dinnerware available for you and what different brands have to offer.

Overview

PROS

CONS

SPECS

Material

Total Pieces

Service For

Set Includes

Practicality

Our Top Choice

Lorren Home Trends La Luna Collection Fine Dining Dinnerware

Lorren Home Trends European Heritage has been bringing us gorgeous yet affordable products since the 1980’s. This is clearly demonstrated in their La Luna collection’s Romina set.

Safe in the oven up to 350 degrees. Can be used for a wide range of events. Serving bowls, platters, teapot, creamer, sugar, salt and pepper included.

Not Microwave Safe.

Bone china with 24K gold tri

57 pieces

6 piece place setting for 8

Plates, bowls, cups and serveware

Dishwasher and oven safe

Best Value

Pfaltzgraff Merisella Dinnerware Set for Fine Dining

With over 2 centuries of experience in the dinnerware industry it’s no surprise Pfaltzgraff is a firm favorite of ours. We fell head over heels in love when we saw this quirky yet stylish Merisella collection.

Easy to care for. Works just well for both special occasions and casual everyday dining. Matching serving dishes available. Can be used for display purposes as well as functional use.

Not suitable for oven.

Earthenware/hard dolomite

16 pieces

4 place settings

2 plates, bowl and mug

Microwave and dishwasher safe.

Noritake Chatelaine Dinnerware for Fine Dining

Over the last century Noritake has produced high quality, elegant dinnerware with a strong focus on artistry and durability. This is clearly demonstrated in their stylish Chatelaine Platinum dinnerware.

Suitable for any occasion. Infamous Noritake quality. Great reviews online at Amazon. Pieces also sold individually. Matching serveware and accessories.

Not oven or microwave safe. Setting is for one person only.

Bone china with platinum band

5 pieces

1 place setting

3 plates, teacup and saucer

Dishwasher safe

Mikasa Antonia Gold Dinnerware Set for Fine Dining

Over the last 50 years Mikasa has made a real name for itself in fine china dinnerware with an intricate eye for detail. Expressed perfectly, we feel, in their Antonia Gold Dinner set.

Made of high-quality fine bone china for durability. Very modern and fashionable. Affordable. Matching serveware is available. Set also comes with white background instead of black.

Not Microwave, Oven or Dishwasher Safe. Place setting for 1 person only.

Bone china with gold accent

5 pieces

1 place setting

3 plates, teacup and saucer

Hand wash only

Lenox Floral Veil Dinnerware Set for Fine Dining

The Lenox Corporation has experience in producing quality, durable dinnerware that spans over 300 years. This is evident in their chic, sophisticated Floral Veil Dinnerware collection.

Stylish simple, design can be “dressed up” for special occasions. Made of Lenox ivory fine china that’s chip resistant. Embossed with precious platinum. Great reviews on Amazon.

Not oven or microwave safe. Setting is for one person only.

Bone china with platinum band

5 pieces

1 place setting

3 plates, teacup and saucer

Dishwasher safe

(Updated July 6, 2017)

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How Do I Choose the Best Fine Dining Dinnerware?

Standard dinnerware is a staple part of any home and is something that we use every day. But at other times, it’s sometimes nice to have a dinnerware set that has a little bit more flair to drum up a special occasion. Fine dining dinnerware can add an extra ‘wow factor’ during big family events, such as holiday gatherings and birthdays. Having the right fine dining dinnerware set will add a classy statement to your table, especially when teamed up with some fancy flatware and a few champagne flutes too. Whatever fine dining dinnerware set you choose will reflect your taste as well as style to match with the current decor of your home. With so many different options, there’s bound to be a set that fits your home and personality perfectly. But there are a few considerations to take into account before rushing off and purchasing just any dinnerware set.

First things first, you will need to think about how many people the dinnerware set is intended for. Is it for the family at Christmas and thanksgiving? Or for a larger set of friends for a fancy birthday meal? It is often a wise idea to select a dinnerware set that has enough place settings for more people than those currently living in your home. This will allow for those who ‘randomly’ drop by as well as any accidental breakages that may occur too. Place setting sizes usually vary between 1 to 12 people. If you are unsure of how many you will need, then we recommend selecting settings for around 6 to 8 people. That way you can always purchase more if needed.

Another thing you will want to consider before making a purchase is the material you want the dinnerware set to be made of. Dinnerware comes in a large variety of materials that includes porcelain, bone china, earthenware and stoneware. For fine dining, however, you may want to stick to products made from bone china or earthenware to give that particular high-end touch. Bone china is usually translucent and white in color and is made using bone ash. Earthenware is made from unrefined clay and is often glazed.

Next, you must also determine how many pieces are included in your new dinnerware set. Most fine dining dinnerware sets include 5 to 6 pieces per person that includes dinner plates, salad plates, dessert plates, a bowl/bread and butter plate, teacups and saucers. Dinnerware sets can vary, however, and once again it comes down to the food and beverages you will be serving. Some fine dining dinnerware sets also allow for additional place settings like charger plates, rimmed bowls, accent plates, platters, serving bowls, vegetable bowls, or gravy boats. Should you choose dinnerware sets with these extras you will find them a bit pricier.

The shape, color and design patterns or prints are also important considerations. Normally you would make sure that the set coordinates well with the rest of your dining table, as well as match the color scheme of your tablecloth and napkins or any flatware or stemware you already own.

Price

When it comes to the cost of your new fine dining dinnerware set, the price depends on a variety of factors. Most fine dining dinnerware sets will cost between $130 and $400, depending on how many people the set is for, the pieces included and what material the product is made from. High-end sets are usually made from bone china and often have a gold, silver or platinum trim. Pricier dinnerware sets also tend to include far more pieces per person, are larger in size, and good enough for 6 to 8 people.

They also tend to be much more practical than cheaper dinnerware options and are suitable for the dishwasher, microwave and the oven. Low-end products can be just as good but they may just be smaller in size and contain very minimal pieces making them more suitable for smaller families. There are cheaper fine dining dinnerware sets available in the market ($100 or lower) but these products may not be of high-quality and may be prone to scratching or breakages.

Features

The features you will want included in your new fine dining dinnerware set is totally a personal choice reflective of your style and the occasion the set will be used. There are a few features, however, that we recommend keeping an eye out for to make sure you choose the best possible dinnerware set for you.

Here are some important features to look out for…

Dishwasher Friendly
Chip Resistant
Oven Safe

Construction and Design

When looking for a top-quality fine dining dinnerware set we highly recommend products that are advertised as being dishwasher-friendly. This will save time and remove the hassle of cleaning up dirty piles of plates and wares right after a dinner party.

Another useful feature of a dinnerware set is it being chip-resistant. After spending your hard earned cash on a fancy dinnerware set, the last thing you want is for chips and scratches to appear. Products that are chip-resistant are far more resilient than other products and will therefore last much longer. If you have small children or have a particularly clumsy guest coming for dinner then we highly recommend selecting products with this feature.

Finally, we recommend looking for dinnerware sets that are advertised as oven-safe too. This is a useful feature that allows you to store the plates in the oven before service, keeping both the plates and your tasty dishes piping hot. If you really want to go all-out and impress your friends at your next dinner party then this is a ‘must have’ feature!

Performance and Ease of Use

Caring for your fine dining dinnerware set should be easy and convenient. For dishwasher-safe products, you can simply place them in the dishwasher and have time to do other things. In the same way, handwashing your dinnerware set should be easy and would be the other option of taking care of the product.

What is the Best Fine Dining Dinnerware?

Fine dining and special occasion dinnerware is available in such a wide variety of styles, shapes and colors that it’s often hard to select which one will be the best suitable choice for you. Ultimately, it all boils down to personal preference when it comes to setting your table and often times matching it to your home motif, or with already existing dishes, and with the occasion it’s to be used. Our handy little buying guide can help you figure out what type of fine dining dinnerware would amply fit your needs as well as define all the features you would like your new dinnerware set to have. This will make it a lot easier when it comes down to narrowing your options and selecting the ideal dinnerware set for you and your next fine dining event. So let’s take a look at our top 5 picks.

Our Top Choice

The Lorren Home Trends La Luna Collection features exquisite 24 Karat gold trim with your choice of red, blue, or floral details. We’ve featured the 57-Piece Romina with the red trim – a set so stunning and extensive that you need never buy another fine dining dinnerware set again. But to be honest, we loved the 24K Gold Floral Design Dinnerware Set just as much.

Lorren Home Trends La Luna Collection Bone China with Red and 24K Gold Design - 57-Piece Dinnerware Set Includes Serveware

Lorren Dinnerware for Fine Dining Romina – Service for 8

Features

Lorren Home Trends, established in 1980, is one of the newer brands to emerge in the dinnerware industry. This doesn’t mean, however, that they don’t know what they’re doing when it comes to setting your table perfectly. The companies’ European heritage gives a touch of class to their wide range of stunning fine china at an affordable price with product styles ranging from everyday use to the swankiest of events! You’ll be sure to find something that you’ll fall head over heels for.

The reason we decided to include the elegant 57-Piece Romina dinnerware set from Lorren’s La Luna collection was firstly down to the sheer quantity that you receive! In addition to a 6-piece place setting for 8 people, you really get a lot of bang for your buck because this set also includes a 14" oval platter, a 9" serving Bowl, a salt and pepper set, a teapot with lid, plus the creamer, and sugar bowl with lid to go with it. As for the individual place settings you get eight of each of the following: 10.5" dinner plates, 8.5" soup bowl, 7.5" salad/bread dishes, 8 ounce teacups with saucers, and 5.5" fruit/dessert bowls.

Not only this but every single item is not only dishwasher safe but oven safe too at 350 degrees, offering durable quality that will last a lifetime. With an intricate and traditional red and 24k gold design laced delicately throughout the collection, your table will be fit for royalty. However, if red and gold isn’t your thing, the La Luna collection features an array of different designs and colors for you to choose from.

If this collection is a bit too large for your fine dining needs, or you want a different pattern, Lorren offers a huge range of classic and simplistic designs, some of which are available in smaller sets. Here are a few that we thought would look sharp on any special occasion table:

Lorren Home Trends La Luna Donatella Dinnerware Collection - Features a bold silver trim and border.
Lorren Home Trends La Luna Greta Dinnerware Collection - Features a delicate floral design with gold trim
Lorren Home Trends Porcelain Rain Drop Border Dinnerware Collection - Features an elegant gold raindrop border on crisp white porcelain
Lorren Home Trends Distressed Romance Stoneware Dinnerware - Features a vintage feel Grecian design available in three colors.

Still undecided? Check out more from Loren’s stunning La Luna collection, or one of their many other fine dining sets.

Best Value

Who says fine dining and special occasion dinners have to be serious? There is no denying Pfaltzgraff’s Merisella collection is pretty pleasing on the eye not to mention fun looking. If you love the colors in this set, we think you may also like Pfaltzgraff’s Villa Della Luna Dinnerware Collection that even comes with serveware.

Pfaltzgraff Merisella 16 Piece Earthenware Dinnerware Set in Blue, Yellow and Red – Coordinated Serving Dishes Available

Pfaltzgraff Fine Dining Dinnerware Merisella – Service for 4

Features

Their name may be a mouthful but so it should be, with their quirky designs and vibrant colors we are sure you and your guests will enjoy a mouthful or two of Pfaltzgraff’s eccentric and eye-catching dinnerware collections. For over 200 years the German based brand has been associated with not only beautiful designs but durable and high quality ceramic products that look great on any table. If you are after something that will bring color and vibrancy to your home then you need look no further than Pfaltzgraff.

We chose to highlight Pfaltzgraff’s Merisella 16-Piece, service for 4 Dinnerware Set not only because of its notoriety but because it’s almost impossible for this collection not to brighten your mood and your table! With an almost Spanish, hand-crafted, mosaic feel, we can without a doubt see ourselves enjoying tapas in the garden with this dinnerware set come rain or shine! This set comes with 4 each of: 10-1/2 inch dinner plate, 8-1/4 inch salad plate, 6-inch soup bowl, and 14-ounce mug. These dishes are all made from hard dolomite which means the Merisella collection’s resilience is both dishwasher and microwave safe. The beauty and brains of the dinnerware industry, who said you even had to use the products at all? Many love the bold colors and quirky patterns of the Merisella collection so much they are used simply for decorative purposes and we can certainly understand why.

Pfaltzgraff’s beautiful and diverse designs mean they can cater for pretty much every individual’s own taste and style. Here are some other collections that we felt deserved just as much attention, especially if you are after something slightly more traditional for your fine dining experience:

Pfaltzgraff Filigree Dinnerware Collection - Features simple, classic arches imprinted around the rim of each piece
Pfaltzgraff Trellis Dinnerware Collection - Rustic and weathered style.
Pfaltzgraff Remembrance Stoneware Dinnerware Collection - Features scalloped edges with a rustic look. Available in teal and cream.

By the way, Pfaltzgraff also offers a wide range of dinnerware that is more practical for everyday use.

If the Merisella dinnerware collection is not the right fit for your tastes, be sure to check out Pfaltzgraff’s other collections.

The Noritake Chatelaine dinnerware set is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a touch of class to their fine dining experience. Simplistic and extravagant, it will make a statement at any dinner party or event. If you love the idea of bone china and platinum but are after something a little brighter in your dinnerware they also make a wide range of sets in a variety of colorful yet sophisticated designs such as the Crestwood Collection.

Noritake Chatelaine Platinum 5-Piece Place Setting - Bone China Dinnerware, Matching Serveware Available, Pieces Sold Individually

Noritake Fine Dining Dinnerware 4801-05E-5 – Service for 1

Features

If you are after a dinnerware set that screams class and sophistication then look no further than Noritake. They have been setting tables with beauty and splendor for well over a century meaning you can rest easy knowing their products will impress at any dinner party or event. Whether it’s a small get-together with friends or perhaps something a little bit more sophisticated, Noritake’s chic products and unbending focus on quality mean you can have confidence in the brand as well as treating your guests to a touch of elegance (and maybe even a hint of the green-eyed monster).

Here we have featured Noritake’s Chatelaine Platinum 5-Piece Place Setting which includes 1 dinner plate, 1 salad plate, 1 bread & butter/appetizer plate, 1 cup, and 1 saucer, all of which are resilient and dishwasher friendly. Each item is made of bone china with elevated platinum dots highlighted around the edges adding to the products artistry and style. The dining set, like many of Noritake’s products, has received rave reviews online at Amazon and is one of the many reasons why we chose to feature this product specifically. Pieces can be purchased individually and there are many matching serveware and accessory pieces available.

The Chatelaine Platinum collection is just one of Noritake’s special occasion dinnerware sets. Here’s a few more that caught our attention:

Noritake Austin Platinum Dinnerware Collection – features platinum black and white band edges with a sophisticated scroll design.
Noritake Alluring Fields Dinnerware Collection – features a watercolor flower design on white porcelain with gold framed edges
Noritake Yoshino Dinnerware Collection – features a stunning Japanese style floral print with gold embossed rim.

We understand, however, that not every day is a special occasion (unfortunately) so if you want the same Noritake trademark feel that’s slightly more practical for everyday use make sure you check out their casual dinnerware collections too.

When it comes to setting a classy table, Noritake has a lot to offer the demanding host or hostess. Check out their other sets.

The Mikasa Antonia Gold Dinnerware Collection will make a dramatic statement at any dining table, special occassion or event, with or without the matching serving bowl and platter. The set is available with gold detailing on either a black or white background.

Mikasa Antonia Gold Trimmed Bone China Dinnerware Set - 5-Piece Fine Dining Dinnerware, Matching Serveware Available

Mikasa Fine Dining Dinnerware Set 5128159 - Service for 1

Features

When it comes to dinnerware, the American brand Mikasa really is all about fashion and an intricate eye for detail. So if you are after something that is going to make a statement at your dining room table and really wow your guests then you have certainly come to the right place! Over the last 50 years Mikasa has undoubtedly made a name for itself in high-end, fine china dinnerware with unfaltering quality, a tricky combination that Mikasa pulls off almost effortlessly.

The Mikasa Antonia Gold 5-Piece Place Setting stood out for us pretty much instantly. Its gold and black, elaborate design dramatically contrasts against the crisp, white center of each individual piece, adding a striking and stylish look to any table. Including 10-3/4 inch dinner plates, 8-1/2 inch salad plates, 6-1/2 inch bread and butter plates, 9-1/4 ounce tea cups, and a 6-inch saucer all crafted from fine bone china, Mikasa has created a collection that’s beauty will last a lifetime. Unfortunately, the collection is not dishwasher or microwave safe, with looks like this, however, and the fact the collection is also available in an equally stunning ‘blanc’, we feel this is something that can definitely be overlooked!

If this design isn’t quite for you, however, then don’t fret! We have selected several other pieces by Mikasa that are equally as stunning that we are positive you will love just as much as we do!

Mikasa Italian Countryside Dinnerware Collection - Features Italian style, column-esque border on white bone china
Mikasa Love Story Dinnerware Collection - Features woven platinum bands with a simple love heart design
Mikasa Arabella Dinnerware Collection - Features blue tulips on a vintage feel, weathered backdrop.

If you feel the high end fashion look of the collection is not for you, Mikasa also offers a variety of different traditional designs.

The Lenox Floral Veil Dinnerware Set would be an excellent addition to anyone’s fine-dining dinnerware. Its look is simple and elegant, making it perfect for any occasion. If, however, you don’t want something quite so plain Lenox has just what you need. For example, if you want a more colorful and modern look, we recommend checking out the Lenox Gluckstein Audrey dinnerware collection.

Lenox Floral Veil Bone China Platinum Banded 5-Piece Fine Dining Dinnerware Set – Matching Serveware and Accessories Availale

Lenox Fine Dining Dinnerware 6381784 – Service for 1

Features

Lenox, need we say more? An unrivalled, trustworthy American brand that people have been turning to for over 125 years. We aren’t lying when we say Lenox is one of the most popular names out there, even making the occasional appearance at the White House (now if that doesn’t scream sophistication then we don’t know what does!). Blending together the art of stunning design and quality that lasts a lifetime, Lennox offers a wide variety of products that are sure to tickle your fancy.

The Floral Veil 5-piece Place Setting was a product that really stood out for us, including dinner plate, salad or dessert plate, bread and butter plate, teacup, and saucer. The design of the fine bone china set is both simplistic and striking with precious platinum highlighted throughout a raised floral outline, giving an enchanting feel to each individual piece. Not only is it dishwasher safe but chip resistant too, meaning even the clumsiest of guests can still be invited.

One of the things we love about the Floral Veil dinnerware collection is that the design is beautiful as is, but because of its simplicity, not only would it fit in stacked with other more detailed plates and bowls, but it would work well upon any grandly set tablescape. If, however, you don’t want something quite so plain Lenox has just what you need because they also make a range of sets with a variety of classic and more intricate designs. Here’s a few you may want to check out:

Lenox Embassy Dinnerware Collection - Features red and 24-carat gold rim, perfect for the festive season.
Lenox Marchesa Empire Pearl Turquoise Dinnerware Collection - Features an intricate and fashionable turquoise design with enamelled beading.
Lenox French Perle Dinnerware Collection - Features an embroidery style design with a classic French twist, available in 4 different colors.

If this simple patterned dinnerware isn’t for you, check out what other high-quality sets Lenox has to offer.

Get the Best Fine Dining Dinnerware of 2018!

Now that we’ve narrowed it down to five renowned and trusted brands, it’s just a matter of choosing which style suits your fancy. Other than those we’ve featured here, all the brands here have a vast range of other styles to choose from, and for sure that perfect set for your next dinner party is somewhere among them.

Our Top Choice

Lorren Home Trends La Luna Collection Fine Dining Dinnerware

Best Value

Pfaltzgraff Merisella Dinnerware Set for Fine Dining

Noritake Chatelaine Dinnerware for Fine Dining

Mikasa Antonia Gold Dinnerware Set for Fine Dining

Lenox Floral Veil Dinnerware Set for Fine Dining