definition
strict definition
restaurant
Related terms: dining · eating
A dining space where customers sit at tables, order meals from a menu, and receive service from wait staff.
A restaurant is a place where customers sit down to eat at tables, order from a menu, and are served by wait staff.
Menu ordering and table service are both part of the restaurant arrangement. Tables alone do not establish the use when customers collect their own meals at a counter.
The type of cooking can vary. Cuisine-specific entries describe the food specialization, while fast food and food service distinguish other service arrangements.
restaurant Photos
More specific definitions
12 sub-definitions-
breakfast restaurant
A table-service restaurant specializing in typical breakfast foods, possibly also serving later meals. -
cafe
A restaurant specializing in light meals, snacks, and drinks, especially coffee and other hot beverages. -
creperie
A restaurant or cafe specializing in thin French-style crepes, served with sweet or savory fillings or toppings. -
ice cream parlor
A sit-down restaurant with table service specializing in ice cream or similar frozen desserts. -
noodle restaurant
A full table-service restaurant specializing in noodle dishes, usually but not necessarily in an Asian cooking style. -
pizzeria
A restaurant with table service specializing in pizza, including recipes using alternative ingredients. -
regional cuisine restaurant
A restaurant specializing in food cooked in a particular regional or national style. -
seafood restaurant
A restaurant with table service specializing in cooked fish or other seafood, excluding sushi restaurants. -
steakhouse
A table-service restaurant specializing in cooked beef steaks, usually with side dishes and possibly in a barbecue style. -
sushi restaurant
A table-service restaurant specializing in sushi, combining ingredients with rice, often raw or wrapped in seaweed. -
vegan restaurant
A full-service eatery serving foods without meat, fish, dairy, or eggs, and usually without honey. -
vegetarian restaurant
A table-service restaurant where a majority, and usually all, of the menu is prepared without meat or fish products.
Related definitions
-
drinking
An establishment primarily serving prepared drinks, with snacks optional and packaged take-home beverage stores excluded. -
fast food
An eatery where customers collect short-order meals at a counter and carry them to tables, excluding buffet restaurants. -
food service
Places serving fresh food directly for immediate consumption, excluding restaurants, fast-food outlets, and food shops.