restaurant

noun

res·​tau·​rant ˈre-stə-ˌränt 

-stränt

also -st(ə-)rənt, 

-stərnt

: a business establishment where meals or refreshments may be purchased

Synonyms of restaurant

• diner
• grill
• cafeteria

Examples of restaurant in a Sentence

when we get sick of cooking dinner at home, we like to go out to eat at a nice restaurant

Recent Examples on the Web

This humble Filipino restaurant opened for carryout only in 2022 and developed a big following among the locals sampling the lumpia, dumplings, curries, and a lineup of specialty drinks. —Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 6 Dec. 2025

Our go-to restaurants include Hula Grill for its waterfront views, live music, and fresh food, and Māla Ocean Tavern in Lahaina for boat watching. —Kris Ann Valdez, Parents, 6 Dec. 2025

The restaurant offered omelets, waffles, burgers and other breakfast and lunch items. —Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 6 Dec. 2025

Check out these other restaurants our readers love, and keep your recommendations coming! —Matt Leclercq, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, "restorative food or drink, public establishment where food and drink may be purchased," noun derivative from present participle of restaurer "to repair, refresh, renew," going back to Old French restorer, restaurer — more at restore

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing restaurant

• Chinese restaurant syndrome
• restaurant car

Rhymes for restaurant

• commandant
• confidant
• conodont
• debutante
• nonchalant
• avant
• croissant
• detente
• entente
• savant
• storefront
• daunt

Kids Definition

restaurant

noun

res·​tau·​rant ˈres-t(ə-)rənt 

-tə-ˌränt

: a business place where meals or refreshments may be bought

Etymology

from French restaurant "food that restores, restaurant," from restaurer "to restore, renew"