Ethnic[edit]
Main category: Ethnic restaurants
Ethnic restaurants specialize in ethnic or national cuisines. For example, Greek restaurants typically specialize in Greek cuisine.[1]
Fast food[edit]
Fast food restaurants emphasize speed of service. Operations range from small-scale street vendors with food carts to multi-billion dollar corporations like McDonald's and Pizza Hut. Food is ordered not from the table, but from a front counter (or in some cases, using an electronic terminal). Diners typically then carry their own food from the counter to a table of their choosing, and afterward dispose of any waste from their trays. Drive-through and take-out service may also be available. Fast food restaurants are known in the restaurant industry as QSRs or quick-service restaurants.[2]
Fast casual[edit]
Fast casual restaurants are primarily chain restaurants, such as Chipotle Mexican Grill and Panera Bread.[3] More of the food is prepared at the restaurant than is the case at fast food chains. Fast casual restaurants usually do not offer full table service, but many offer non-disposable plates and cutlery. The quality of food and prices tend to be higher than those of a conventional fast food restaurant but may be lower than casual dining.
Casual dining[edit]
A casual dining restaurant is a restaurant that serves moderately-priced food in a casual atmosphere. Except for buffet-style restaurants, casual dining restaurants typically provide table service. Chain examples include Harvester in the U.K. and TGI Friday's in both[clarification needed]. Casual dining comprises a market segment between fast food establishments and fine dining restaurants. Casual dining restaurants often have a full bar with separate bar staff, a larger beer menu and a limited wine menu. They are frequently, but not necessarily, part of a wider chain, particularly in the United States. In Italy, such casual restaurants are often called "trattoria", and are usually independently owned and operated.
Family style[edit]
Family style restaurants are a type of casual dining restaurants where food is often served on platters and the diners serve themselves.[4] In some regions, alcoholic beverages are not sold at family-style casual dining restaurants.
Fine dining[edit]
The Fat Duck, a fine dining restaurant in Bray, UK
Fine dining restaurants are full service restaurants with specific dedicated meal courses. Décor of such restaurants features higher-quality materials, with an eye towards the "atmosphere" desired by the restaurateur. The wait staff is usually highly trained and often wears more formal attire. Fine dining restaurants are almost always small businesses and are generally either single-location operations or have just a few locations. Food portions are visually appealing. Fine dining restaurants have certain rules of dining which visitors are generally expected to follow, often including a dress code.