restaurante

A restaurant, known as restaurante in Spanish and Portuguese, is a business that prepares and serves meals and drinks to customers for on-site dining or takeout. Most establishments offer a varied menu, beverages, and sometimes desserts. They may provide seating and different service styles, from full table service to counter service or fast casual. Restaurants may also operate as bars, cafés, or buffets and can specialize in particular cuisines, dietary approaches, or price ranges.

Service models include dine-in with table service, fast casual with quick ordering, fast food with high turnover, delivery, takeout, and catering. In many countries, restaurants serve alcohol and may offer outdoor seating or private rooms. Menu design, kitchen layout, and front-of-house operations aim to balance flavor, cost, speed, and guest experience.

Etymology and history: The term restaurante derives from the French restaurant; the first modern restaurants appeared in 18th-century France, offering prepared meals intended to restore health and energy. The model spread worldwide and diversified into many formats.

Regulation and economics: Restaurants are subject to health, safety, and labor regulations, as well as licensing for food service and alcohol. Key business factors include location, supply chains, labor costs, pricing, and customer feedback. The industry is a major employer and contributor to local economies and culture.