restaurateur

noun

res·​tau·​ra·​teur ˌre-stə-rə-ˈtər How to pronounce restaurateur (audio)
variants or less commonly restauranteur
: the operator or proprietor of a restaurant

Did you know?

Restaurateur Has French Roots

Restaurateur and restaurant are French words from Latin restaurare, meaning "to restore." Of the two words, restaurant is more common—a fact that may have influenced the development of the variant spelling restauranteur for restaurateur. Some people consider restauranteur to be an error, but it is still on the menu as an acceptable word choice.

Examples of restaurateur in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This dedication speaks to the commitment of Mira’s founder, Hakki Akdeniz, who is a restaurateur known for his efficiency and resourcefulness. Nia Bowers, USA Today, 10 July 2025 Grangier, the restaurateur behind Le Moo restaurant, The Village Anchor, and Grassa Gramma Italian Restaurant, will bring his signature flair to Sake A Go Go, paired with a menu from chef Bryan Emperor. Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 3 July 2025 The local restaurateur posted a social media photo of Francona and the manager's staff alongside Shinholster. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 The restaurateur relates his gritty childhood and rise in the dining scene. The California Independent Booksellers Alliance, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for restaurateur

Word History

Etymology

French restaurateur, from Late Latin restaurator restorer, from Latin restaurare

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of restaurateur was in 1796

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Restaurateur.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restaurateur. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

restaurateur

noun
res·​tau·​ra·​teur ˌres-tə-rə-ˈtər How to pronounce restaurateur (audio)
variants also restauranteur
: a person who owns or runs a restaurant
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!