Restaurant
/ˈrɛs.tə.rɒnt/noun
A place where meals are prepared and served to customers.
Did you know?The term 'restaurant' originally referred to a restorative soup sold by street vendors in 18th-century France, believed to have healing properties.
Etymological Timeline
Middle French
French
restaurer
“To restore or refresh, especially in terms of health.”
18th Century
French
restaurant
“A dish that restores health, originally referring to a type of soup.”
19th Century
English
restaurant
“Adopted into English from French, referring to a place serving meals.”
Modern English
English
restaurant
“A commercial establishment where meals are served.”
Explore more surprising origins