There are different restaurant types to choose from for your dining experience. From street food to fine dining, you may want to grab a quick and convenient meal, or dress up and wine, dine and woo a date. This short article will give you a better understanding of the different types of restaurant concepts.

It’ll also give you more insight in determining your price range and the kind of dining you want to experience. Keep in mind that many restaurants cross the fine line between concepts.

FOOD TRUCK:

A popular restaurant trend nowadays, are mobile restaurants. They have a full kitchen and can offer menu items you’d expect at a conventional restaurant. The benefits of eating at a food truck is that you can get your food more quickly without having to settle for fast food quality. Most food trucks also cater private events.

POP-UP RESTAURANT:

Originally called supper clubs, these are temporary restaurants. They often operate from a private residence or business, like a warehouse, where they can run an event or festival.

FAST FOOD:

These Quick Serve Restaurants focus on convenience, low prices, and obviously speed. It’s probably the most familiar type of dining for most people. But until there are changes in subsidies from animal agriculture to organic farming, we probably won’t be seeing many veg fast food restaurants.

FAST CASUAL:

This has been a trend in restaurant dining. It’s a bit more upscale and more expensive than fast food. These restaurants may offer disposable dishes and flatware, but the food is usually more upscale with better ingredients. Open kitchens are popular with fast casual restaurants, where you can see your food being made.

BUFFET:

All you can eat! This is a favorite kind of dining for many people. Especially if you have a big appetite and your goal is to satisfy your hunger. Serve yourself and choose your own items.

CAFE:

Sometimes called a bistro, these restaurant don’t offer table service. You order food from the counter and seat yourself. Menu items can be simple, like coffee and sandwiches, and can range up to full entrees. They often have an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. Outdoor seating is also trademark of a café.

FAMILY STYLE DINING:

This type of dining provides waited table service, but food is brought out in large platters where you share and serve your own portions. It’s more common in Asian restaurants.

CASUAL DINING:

This kind of full service dining offers full table service in a relaxed environment. They typically have a bigger menu and are more moderately priced. Casual dining restaurants often serve alcohol or have a full service bar.

FINE DINING:

Think valet service and well groomed servers in tuxedos and white cloths that help you to your seats. Fine dining, as the name implies, offers the finest in quality, service and atmosphere. The prices will also reflect that. These restaurants are usually unique in their menu and restaurant design. Unfortunately, Vancouver doesn’t have a fully vegan or vegetarian fine dining restaurant. But most fine dining restaurants serve vegan options.