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Restaurant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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restaurant

[หˆrษ›stษ™rษ’nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

dining experience

A place where people pay to sit and eat meals that are cooked and served on the premises.

Synonyms

bistro, diner, eatery.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
restaurant

A place where meals are prepared and served to customers. Usually more formal and can vary widely in style and cuisine.

  • We celebrated our anniversary at a fancy French restaurant
  • The new Italian restaurant downtown is getting great reviews
eatery

A general term for any establishment where food and drinks are served. It is less formal and more casual than a restaurant, and can include cafes, fast food places, and small restaurants.

  • They run a small eatery that serves vegan dishes
  • For a quick meal, we went to a nearby eatery
diner

An informal, casual place to eat, often open late and serving a range of American comfort food. Commonly has a retro style with booth seating and a counter.

  • We stopped at a 24-hour diner for some pancakes
  • The kids love going to the diner for milkshakes and burgers
bistro

A small, modest, and often informal restaurant that serves simple, classic, and homestyle meals. It often has a cozy, relaxed atmosphere.

  • We had a lovely brunch at the local bistro
  • The bistro around the corner makes the best croissants

Examples of usage

  • Let's go to a fancy restaurant for our anniversary dinner.
  • The restaurant was crowded with lunchtime customers.
Context #2 | Noun

business establishment

A business establishment where meals are prepared and served to customers.

Synonyms

bistro, cafe, eatery.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
restaurant

This term is a general word for a place where you can buy and eat food and drinks. It can refer to both casual and formal dining establishments.

  • Let's go to the new restaurant downtown for dinner tonight.
  • The restaurant serves Italian cuisine.
cafe

Cafes are casual places that primarily serve coffee, tea, and light snacks such as pastries, sandwiches, and desserts. They often have a relaxed and informal atmosphere.

  • I like to study at the cafe on Main Street.
  • Let's meet at the cafe for some coffee and a chat.
bistro

A bistro is a small and casual dining venue that usually serves simple yet hearty meals. They often have a European influence, especially French.

  • We had lunch at a cozy bistro near the park.
  • The bistro offers a variety of soups and sandwiches.
eatery

An eatery is a broad term for any place where you can buy and eat food. It is more casual and informal than 'restaurant' and often used for smaller establishments.

  • There's a new eatery that opened up in the neighborhood.
  • The eatery serves delicious street food.

Examples of usage

  • The new restaurant in town is getting great reviews.
  • She owns a chain of successful restaurants across the country.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Restaurants play a significant role in bringing people together, fostering community and social interactions.
  • Different cultures have unique dining traditions and types of restaurants, ranging from casual diners to fine dining establishments.
  • In recent years, themed restaurants and pop-up dining experiences have gained popularity, showcasing creativity in the culinary world.

Economics

  • The restaurant industry is a vital part of the global economy, employing millions of people worldwide.
  • Dining out has become a significant part of consumer spending, reflecting modern lifestyle changes and social habits.
  • Food delivery services have transformed how restaurants operate, providing new revenue streams and changing customer dining experiences.

Culinary Trends

  • Farm-to-table dining emphasizes fresh, local ingredients and sustainability in food sourcing.
  • The rise of plant-based menus has prompted many restaurants to innovate with vegetarian and vegan options.
  • Fusion cuisine blends elements from different culinary traditions, creating unique and exciting dishes.

Literature and Media

  • Restaurants are often featured settings in literature and films, symbolizing community, culture, and personal connections.
  • Movies like 'Ratatouille' and 'Julie & Julia' celebrate culinary arts within a restaurant context, inspiring viewers to appreciate food.
  • Famous chefs and food critics often write books or host television shows that focus on exploring various restaurants and dining experiences.

Origin of 'restaurant'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'restaurant' comes from the French word 'restaurer,' which means 'to restore' or 'to refresh.'
  • It was first used in the 18th century to describe a soup sold by a vendor in Paris.
  • In France, the first establishment that identified as a restaurant opened in 1765, serving a menu designed to restore health.

The word 'restaurant' originated from the French word 'restaurer', which means 'to restore'. The first use of the word in English dates back to the early 19th century, referring to a place where food was served to 'restore' one's health. Over time, restaurants evolved into establishments offering a variety of cuisines and dining experiences.

See also: rest, resting, restive, restless, restlessness, restroom, unrest.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,629, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.