definition
strict definition
cafe
A restaurant specializing in light meals, snacks, and drinks, especially coffee and other hot beverages.
A cafe is a restaurant which specializes in light fare, especially hot drinks (especially coffee) and snacks. It is synonymous with a coffee house. The name comes from the French word for coffee.
The restaurant offers light fare rather than being defined solely by beverage sales. Snacks and hot drinks are characteristic offerings.
A coffeeshop primarily sells coffee, usually at a counter. The cafe definition concerns the restaurant-style light-meal use.
cafe Photos
More specific definitions
2 sub-definitionsRelated definitions
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breakfast restaurant
A table-service restaurant specializing in typical breakfast foods, possibly also serving later meals. -
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.