What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cafeteria
Example
Let's meet at the cafeteria for lunch. [cafeteria: noun]
Example
I grabbed a sandwich from the cafeteria before heading to class. [cafeteria: noun]
restaurant
Example
We had a delicious dinner at the Italian restaurant downtown. [restaurant: noun]
Example
The restaurant was crowded, so we had to wait for a table. [restaurant: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Restaurant is more commonly used than cafeteria in everyday language. Restaurant is a versatile term that covers a wide range of dining establishments, from casual to fine dining, while cafeteria is more specific to self-service dining areas in schools, offices, or hospitals.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cafeteria and restaurant?
While cafeteria is associated with a casual and informal tone, restaurant can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Restaurant is often used when referring to dining experiences that involve waitstaff and a more upscale atmosphere.
