You will notice that there is a growing trend for food establishments to use the terms cafeteria and restaurant interchangeably as if they both have the same meaning. However, the reality is that these two words mean very different things. Their differences are highlighted below.
Literal Meaning
Cafe:
The word café is of French origin, is used almost worldwide, and is spelled the same in many different languages. The term was adopted in English-speaking countries in the 19th century, but has a much longer history. In English, the words café and café come from the Italian variant caffe, which was first spelled cavee and used in Venice in the late 16th century. This term is derived from the Arabic word qahuwa, a term originally used for wine. However, after Mohammed banned alcohol, the name was given to coffee for its similar effects. The use of this term probably spread to Europe after the trade with Turkey.
Restaurant:
Restaurants have a long history, but the modern concept of a restaurant really started in France during the 18th century and the word itself is also French. In an effort to provide a better quality of food than what was served in the local taverns, an establishment called “Caldo” was opened that served soups that were called restaurants, which means “restorers.” This term was eventually adopted to describe the establishments themselves.
History
Restaurants:
Restaurants have a very rich history and were first used in ancient Greece and Rome, where they were called thermopolia and served food and drinks. They were incredibly popular as many homes lacked kitchens and because socializing was such an important aspect of life in these cultures. A typical thermopoly would have L-shaped counters with containers that held hot or cold food. Restaurants in the form of catering establishments grew in popularity in 11th century China and the industry became quite popular, eventually offering many styles of cuisine, a range of prices, and even different religious requirements. However, today’s restaurant was actually born in Paris in the 18th century and spread throughout Europe and the United States.
Cafe:
The history of cafes or cafes begins much later and originated in the Middle East. The first cafes were found in 15th century Mecca and were a place for political meetings for Muslim imams. They were banned at the beginning of the 16th century and several years later, the first one opened in Damascus and, soon after, they were found in Cairo and Istanbul. Cafes and cafes spread to Europe in the 17th century and quickly became very popular.
The first was in Venice, but England and France established many soon after. At the time, women were banned from many of the establishments, which is no longer the case. During the 19th and 20th centuries, cafés were considered a meeting place for many artists from all over Europe. The first ones in the United States opened in New York City in the 20th century and are also usually places for different types of artists. In contemporary times, cafes or cafes are found in the most populated areas of the world. They are so popular that there are also many specialized espresso bars.
Function
The first and probably most obvious difference between a restaurant and a cafe will be the scope of their services.
Restaurant:
A restaurant is a comprehensive establishment that serves food and drink, including alcohol, if properly licensed. Restaurants usually serve coffee, but they usually only have regular or decaf coffee. However, a customer will generally find a wide variety of options for the entire meal, including appetizers, entrees, soups, salads, and desserts. Meals are served by a waiter or waitress while the customer sits down and each meal is made when a customer orders it. The main seating space in a restaurant is located indoors, although there is sometimes a small patio for customers to enjoy in good weather. At the end of the meal,
Cafe:
Cafés generally refer to coffee shops, and you’ll generally find many different varieties of coffees and teas in a coffee shop, including specialty coffees like mochas and lattes. They also usually have light snacks, like cakes. Typically, a customer will go to the counter and order her drink, and if she wants a snack, there are usually a variety of ready-made snacks to choose from. There is a growing trend for a cafeteria to also refer to a casual restaurant with an abbreviated menu, commonly sandwiches and soups. Cafes tend to have a much larger outdoor seating area to allow customers to enjoy their coffee and snacks at their leisure, this is especially true when located in areas with a temperate climate.
Price
Cafe:
Since a coffee shop is an establishment that would normally only provide the coffee drink itself and perhaps a snack, the cost of this experience is quite low, typically ranging from $2 to $10.
Restaurant:
The experience in a restaurant is quite different and there are many types of cuisine as well as quality ranging from fast food to fine dining, which also means that the price can vary a lot. At one end of the range, it is possible to get a sandwich, or even a meal, for less than $5, however if one goes to a very highly rated restaurant it can usually cost several hundred dollars or more. In a restaurant where the staff serve you food, you are also expected to tip on top of the full amount, which is not expected in cafes for the most part.
