Restaurant: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.