casual dining
Informal eating out
Casual dining describes restaurants positioned between fast food and fine dining—sit-down establishments with full table service but moderate prices and relaxed atmosphere.
Chains like Applebee's, Chili's, and Olive Garden typify the category.
The term emerged as an industry classification: We're looking for somewhere casual dining, not too fancy.
- table serviceMeals brought to you
- wait staffRestaurant serving employees
- bistroInformal small restaurant
- dinerCasual American eatery
- trattoriaCasual Italian restaurant
sit down meal · restaurant · chain restaurant · gastropub · brasserie · Tex-Mex · comfort food · booth · booth seating · steakhouse · family gatherings · kids eat free · buffet · lunch special · menu · date nights · café · themed decor
- restaurant typesItalian, Chinese, Mexican, Japanese, Thai
- sit-down restauranttable service, reservation, sit-down meal, booth, table for two
- diningrestaurant, menu, waiter, servers, waitress
- eateriesrestaurant, diner, bistro, cafeteria, pizzeria
- restaurantsmenu, chef, reservations, table service, waitstaff
- cruise diningbuffet, captain's dinner, formal dinner, breakfast buffet, assigned seating
casual diningfine dining
Elegant restaurant experience
haute cuisine · upscale dining · formal dining · white tablecloth · chef's table
casual diningfast food
Speedy prepared meals
drive-through · counter service · grab-and-go · fast casual · takeout