Gastronomical usages apply to places whose primary function is to serve food and/or drink. They do not include commercial establishments or stores where groceries or packaged food is sold.

A restaurant has menu-based table service. Fast food has counter collection for short-order meals. These are different service arrangements within the broader activity of serving food.

Food service also includes fresh food supplied directly to consumers outside those two arrangements, including food for immediate consumption elsewhere. A drinking establishment primarily serves prepared beverages. Selling groceries or packaged food for later use is a different activity.