The art of dining: creative local restaurants as key drivers of tourist memorable experiences and well-being

Purpose As the global food tourism industry grows, creative local restaurants (CLRs) play a key role in attracting consumers by offering unique and memorable dining experiences. This study applied experiential marketing theory and self-determination theory to explore how CLR experiences contribute to experiential value and memorability, thus influencing eudaimonic and hedonic well-being. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 735 restaurant patrons, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the relationships between CLRs, experiential value, memorability and well-being outcomes. Findings The results indicate that all relationships were significant. The findings suggest that CLRs not only enhance consumer satisfaction but also promote psychological well-being by offering meaningful, memorable experiences. Originality/value This study applies experiential marketing theory and self-determination theory to explore the outcomes of CLR experiences. The findings offer valuable insights for restaurant managers and marketers aiming to gain a competitive edge in the evolving food tourism industry.