From Inns to Bistros: These are the types of restaurants

Have you ever wondered about the difference between a bistro and a cantina? What makes them different? Both are types of restaurants, but the dining experience is quite different in each. Let's travel back in time, explore the history of restaurants, and learn why different types of establishments exist.

What types of restaurants are there?

The term "restaurant" is not widely used in the food industry, but it perfectly encapsulates the nature of this sector. Over time, each of these dining establishments redefines a part of the culinary culture of its region.

Eating is a political act, and choosing where to eat is a cultural one. Restoration is the definition of "restoring the spirit" through food. Restaurants get their name from this verb, because through food and drink, they give diners the opportunity to replenish their energy and nutrients to continue their lives.

The history of restaurants is extensive, but truly essential for understanding this world. Discover the different types of restaurants and how they influence the food culture of each country.

History of the Restoration

Originating in France, the restaurant concept arrived in the late 18th century. Before restaurants, during the Middle Ages, food was usually eaten outside the home, solely in taverns and inns.

These places served as temporary shelters for travelers, offering rest and home-cooked meals. Over time, travel changed, leading to a series of modifications in how it was done.

The first modern restaurant arose from the need to create a special experience where travelers could enjoy the act of eating. It offered personalized and specialized service with dishes prepared fresh to order.

Over the years and over the miles, these places became part of the local culture and differed according to their surroundings. For this reason, various types of restaurants were created, each with its own unique characteristics.

• Bistro: A small restaurant, usually with an informal atmosphere, serving simple, home-style meals, often with a focus on local cuisine.
• Brasserie: A French-style restaurant that offers a more formal atmosphere than a bistro, with a full menu that includes elaborate dishes and a wide selection of drinks.
• Patisserie: An establishment specializing in the sale of cakes and pastries. They are common in France and often offer a place to enjoy coffee and dessert.
• Trattoria: An informal Italian restaurant serving home-style meals, often family-run.
• Mesón: A traditional establishment in Spain, usually with a rustic atmosphere, where regional dishes are served in large portions. A place of rest for travelers.
• Tavern: A small, informal establishment serving alcoholic drinks and tapas or snacks. Taverns have a long history in Europe as social gathering places.
• Cafeteria: An establishment focused on the preparation of coffee and the sale of products such as bread, cookies and more.
• Cantina: Common in Spanish-speaking countries. It offers traditional, home-style food in a simple, family-friendly atmosphere. Alcoholic beverages play a prominent role, along with fun and revelry.
• Bar: A place where alcoholic beverages are served, usually accompanied by snacks or light meals. Some bars offer full menus.

Restaurants are not just a category of food culture, nor are they simply physical spaces where one eats. They are also part of an evolving reflection of the culture of diverse communities.

They are spaces of conviviality and cultural richness where the act of eating is appreciated, but above all, the human interaction. Without restaurants, eating would cease to be a social act and would simply become a physiological necessity.