restaurateur

noun

res·​tau·​ra·​teur ˌre-stə-rə-ˈtər 

variants or less commonly restauranteur

ˌre-stə-ˌrän-ˈtər 

: the operator or proprietor of a restaurant

Did you know?

Restaurateur Has French Roots

Restaurateur and restaurant are French words from Latin restaurare, meaning "to restore." Of the two words, restaurant is more common—a fact that may have influenced the development of the variant spelling restauranteur for restaurateur. Some people consider restauranteur to be an error, but it is still on the menu as an acceptable word choice.

Examples of restaurateur in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This dedication speaks to the commitment of Mira’s founder, Hakki Akdeniz, who is a restaurateur known for his efficiency and resourcefulness. —Nia Bowers, USA Today, 10 July 2025

Grangier, the restaurateur behind Le Moo restaurant, The Village Anchor, and Grassa Gramma Italian Restaurant, will bring his signature flair to Sake A Go Go, paired with a menu from chef Bryan Emperor. —Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 3 July 2025

The local restaurateur posted a social media photo of Francona and the manager's staff alongside Shinholster. —Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

The restaurateur relates his gritty childhood and rise in the dining scene. —The California Independent Booksellers Alliance, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

French restaurateur, from Late Latin restaurator restorer, from Latin restaurare

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for restaurateur

• entrepreneur
• amateur
• connoisseur
• kieselguhr
• monseigneur
• procureur
• retransfer
• saboteur
• silencer
• voyageur
• birr
• blur

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Kids Definition

restaurateur

noun

res·​tau·​ra·​teur ˌres-tə-rə-ˈtər 

variants also restauranteur

-ˌrän- 

: a person who owns or runs a restaurant