restaurant

/ˈres.tər.ɒnt/ French Origin Food & Drink

Original Word

restaurant

French

Entered English

19th century

First recorded usage in English

The Story Behind "restaurant"

From French 'restaurant', originally meaning 'restorative' (a nourishing broth). The modern meaning of an eating establishment dates from 18th century Paris when a soup vendor advertised his 'restaurants' as health-restoring.

Example Usage

"That new French restaurant has excellent reviews."

All French Loanwords Look Up in Dictionary

More French Loanwords

café — café Food & Drink · 19th century cuisine — cuisine Food & Drink · 18th century à la carte — à la carte Food & Drink · 19th century bon appétit — bon appétit Food & Drink · 19th century déjà vu — déjà-vu Psychology · Early 20th century entrepreneur — entrepreneur Business · 19th century fiancé — fiancé Culture · 19th century avant-garde — avant-garde Arts · Early 20th century