For the most part, hand soap gets the job done—nothing more, nothing less. Rarely does it stop you in your tracks, so when it does, it lingers on your skin and in your mind. Over the years, I’ve kept a running list of the best soaps, candles, and diffusers I’ve encountered at restaurants, scribbled down in a long-forgotten note on my phone that I’ve finally resurrected so that I could finally share it with a larger audience. (You’re welcome!).
Turns out, I’m not the only one hoarding a wishlist of these little luxuries. Apparently, the urge to take home a restaurant’s soap or candle is practically universal. Everyone I’ve asked agrees that a great bathroom scent can make a dining experience unforgettable. In that spirit, I’ve rounded up my all-time favorites, plus a few recommendations from my fellow editors and friends. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just want your bathroom to smell like a five-star meal, these soaps and candles are sure to do the trick.
Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash
If you’ve dined at Oriole in Chicago, Buvette in NYC, or just about any hotspot in between, you’ve probably seen this amber bottle perched on a bathroom sink. With its blend of citrus, rosemary, and lavender, it’s the go-to soap for restaurants (and friends) with good taste.
Keap Candle in “Wood Cabin”
Multiple people recommended this candle after spotting it at Rialto Grande, June, and Rhodora, all in Brooklyn. One editor even said they ran home and bought a four-pack the same day. Our Hotline producer followed suit. If you want your space to smell like a cozy, woodsy cocktail bar, this is the one.
Le Labo Hand Soap in “Hinoki”
From the makers of the cult-favorite Santal 33, this earthy, woody soap is popping up all over NYC, including the Italian eatery Misi in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It’s the kind of scent that makes you want to linger a little longer and maybe sneak in a second wash.
Byredo Hand Soap in “Suede” or “Vetyver”
Suede is the best-seller, but Vetyver is just as good (and easier to find). This sleek soap has been spotted in plenty of fine-dining restaurants and even Resorts World Las Vegas hotels, proving it’s a scent that fits right in with luxury surroundings.
Malin + Goetz Bergamot Hand Wash
If you’ve ever washed up at Frankies 457 Spuntino in Brooklyn, you’ve probably caught a whiff of this bright, citrusy soap. The restaurant is known for its olive oil, but their choice in hand wash is just as noteworthy.
Bamford Geranium Hand and Body Wash
Spotted at 1 Kitchen at 1 Hotel Nashville, this floral, slightly herbal scent is hard to forget. It’s not just in the restaurant bathrooms—it’s pumped throughout the entire hotel. Apparently, my friend purposely detours every time she’s back in Nashville just to take it in.
Mrs. Meyer’s Lemon Verbena Soy Candle
Found burning at [Hotel Delmano](https://hoteldelmano.com/0 in Brooklyn, this affordable candle fills the entire bathroom with a fresh, citrusy scent. They burn two or three at a time, proving that sometimes, more is more.
Marie-Stella-Maris No.09 Lemon Notes Hand Soap
I first found this at a café in Vienna, and later saw it in restaurants across Amsterdam. My sister and I both came back from the bathroom raving about it—completely unprompted. Turns out, it’s been a longtime favorite on luxury fashion sites like Net-A-Porter for a reason.
Diptyque Softening and Comforting Hand Wash
If you want your bathroom to smell like a Parisian fine dining restaurant, this is the splurge-worthy pick. Luxurious, lightly floral, and impossibly chic.
Kiehl’s Liquid Hand Soap in “Grapefruit” ($20)
A longtime staple at some of the best restaurants and dining establishments, this is one of those brands that makes me breathe a sigh of relief when I see it by the sink. With a bright, punchy citrus scent, it’s perfect if you like your hand wash fresh, not fussy.
C.O. Bigelow Bergamot Hand Wash No. 2002 ($22)
A deep Reddit dive led me to this $22 hand soap, which one commenter claimed they discovered at an upscale NYC restaurant. After some research, I had to include it. It’s got the same bright, fresh notes as luxury brands on this list but at a lower price point.
What’s the best restaurant or hotel scent you’ve ever wanted to take home? Let me know in the comments!
