These are some of the most iconic restaurants in the United States. Aside from great food, what makes these restaurants so renowned? Memorable names and on-point branding. Like a person, a restaurant’s name is tied to its identity. Restaurant names give a sense of the ambiance, an indication of what type of dining experience to expect. In the scheme of things, choosing a catchy name may not seem like a daunting task, but it is part of the recipe for cooking up a successful restaurant business.
How to Invent a Restaurant Name That Is Not Already In Use 2023
With millions of restaurants in the world, it may feel impossible to conceive a completely new and unique name for your new restaurant. But with a little creativity, you can concoct the perfect name to capture the essence of your restaurant. Of course, you want the name to be catchy and easy to remember. It needs to garner the attention of your potential customers. You want a balance of simplicity and distinctiveness that sets you apart from your competitors. You can draw inspiration from several sources: the location of your restaurant, the type of food or cuisine offered, or even the restaurant owner and/or chef’s name. When choosing a good restaurant name, start by writing down anything that comes to mind. In the beginning, don’t limit yourself. You can even get your family and friends involved. Once you’ve generated 50 to 100 names, begin to circle anything that stands out. Once you have a list narrowed down to 3 or 4 names that capture your brand, test your names by getting other people’s opinions. Consider how the name will appear on social media or popular food blogs. Ask for feedback on how other people perceive the names or if they have an additional restaurant name idea. Friends and family are great for this, but consider asking people outside your circle as well.
Restaurant Name Generators 2023
If you are struggling with the creative process or thinking outside of the box, you may consider using a restaurant name generator. Include some keywords that represent your brand and see what happens. This tool can be pretty handy in finding a variety of clever or catchy names for your restaurant. Try some of these restaurant name generators:
Business Name Generator Namelix Fantasy Name Generators
Restaurant Names by Type of Cuisine 2023
Consider choosing a restaurant name that reflects the type of dishes or cuisine you’ll be serving. This tells diners exactly what type of food to expect and sets the tone of your restaurant.
Italian Restaurant Names
Dominick’s Roberto’s Celeste Manetta’s Via Carota Fiaschetteria Pistoia Bamonte’s Ferdinando’s Focacceria PaneVino Osteria Restaurant Passerini Don Alfonso 1890 Toronto 8 ½ Bombana Acquarello Locanda LocatelliAromi Grissini Gianni Ristorante L’osteria del Becco The Artisan by Enoteca Pinchiorri Pianeta Terra Mamma In Cucina Tommy Guns Garage L’ultima Cena Bella Bella Mozzarella Sapori D’Italia Pane e Vino P’sghetti’s The Saucy MeatballL’unico The Tasty Tortellini Neapolitan Nights Twelve Tables Ribollita Cibo Appassionato Pappardelle Gorgonzola all’Arrabbiata The Butcher’s Ragũ The Sardinian Sage
French Restaurant Names
Mirazur L’Arpège Le Chateaubriand L’Astrance Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée Provansa Cavalah Chef Rivo Vail Fransoc Cafeterie Franca Bordereau Bonimo Arobon Anesy The French Laundry Odette Le Bernardin France-Soir Delicious Deck Zen Delicious French Product French Focus Chefeable Lounge Light The Appetite Factory French Odour Gastronomy Deck Terrace Mark Appetiteist Flavours Ship The Frenchity
German Restaurant Names
Bar Lagoa Zum Franziskaner Siggi’s German Restaurant Bauhaus Helmut’s Brauhaus Schmitz Katzenjammers German Tourist Club Ya Udah Bistro Old Heidelberg Bernd’s BarGerman Guru Zen Delicious Grill LineThe Chef Project Flavour Capsule Flavorica Real Yum Platter Tilt G Source Mark Deutschland Food & Drinks G Gourmet Grid Brauhaus Schmitz Bodensee Restaurant Metzger’s German Restaurant in Ann Arbor The HeidelbergBavarian Grill Pub Pass German Specials German for U
Turkish Restaurant Names
Seki Restaurant Ferdi Baba Restaurant 7 Mehmet Platoda Mola Turk Fatih Tutak Kebapçı Halil Usta Deniz Restaurant Mikla Orfoz Restaurant Floryalı Restaurant Maçakızı Metanet Lokantası Kaftan Nusr-Et Gunaydin Pasha Zou Zou İkram Ocakbaşı Tugra Osmans Töchter Cellar Turkish Turkiado Turkish Perfection Bit Turkish Crispy Alluring Cantina Crave Turkish Turkish Diced & Smoked Turckideck Turkish Feed & Tasteful Treehouse Restaurant Superior & Stake Winning Taste
Mediterranean Restaurant Names
Mirazur, Menton Asador Etxebarri Mugaritz Arpège, Paris Disfrutar Meadowsweet Cervo’s Floret Lola Taverna Upland Legacy Records MP Taverna Mint Premium Foods Mediterranean Blink Names Flare Sea Breeze Tasteful Breeze Med Artha Restaurant Clear Runner Breeze Fast Break & Mediterranean Joy Sea Love Sea Mediterranean Food Mediterranean Evoke Trattoria de Maro Lasarte Greek Cuisine Cuisine de Lords Mediterranean Aurora
Mexican Restaurant Names
Hija de Sanchez Avila’s Mexican Cuisine Broken Spanish Mamasita, Melbourne Mezcaleria Oaxaca Veracruz All Natural La Taqueria Coni’Seafood Hoja Santa and Niño Viejo Hugo’s Hoja Santa La Guerrerense El Arrayan Punto MX Pujol Dos Senoritas Torteria San Cosme El Tizoncito Gitano La Taqueria Contamar Coni’s Seafood Mexican Fury Mexican Hot & Wagon Captain Lucha Dip Fantasy Mexican Rolled and Smoked Rolled tortilla Spicy Dip Mexican Spicy Sauce Spicy Mark El Mexico
Chinese Restaurant Names
Wang Restaurant Nihao Shaniu’s House of Noodles China’s Fantasy Park Chinois Lychee Oriental Leaye Peking Duck Out of China Chez Ly Restaurant Kowloon Das Nudel Ding Hang Dai Min Jiang Lon Men’s Noodle House Chinois d’Ho DimSum by Taste Of China Hang Zhou Mama Liu & Sons The Little Chinese The Cotton House Maoji Street Food The Duck and Rice Sia Restaurant China Sichuan New King Jasmin My Noodles El Buda Feliz 1974 Surfers Barshu Yi Chan Palais du Bonheur FuLu Mandarin Michael Wan’s Mandarin
Japanese Restaurant Names
Kiku Isami Shiki Kinugawa Alex Sushi Yamazato Kyoto Sasaya Musashi Shunka Sushi Nakazawa Sushi by Bou Masa Arami Tomohiro Naito Sushi Zo Kusakabe Shiro’s Sushi Pai Men Miyake Harumi Roll & Flavour Japanese Grill Sushi Crispy and Ranched Shiki’s Taste Yamazato’s Sushi Japanese Captain
Thai Restaurant Names
Le Du Sangruansi Saawaan Ruean Panya Suan Thip Bo.lan Chim by Siam Wisdom Jay Fai Methavalai Sorndaeng Nahm Paste R-Haan Saneh Jaan Sorn Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin Thai me & You Thai Cellar Thai’s Spice and Dip Flame Wave Aladdin in Thailand Thai’s Food Street Nouveau Thai Galore Munchies Appetite Lnae’s Fresh and Baked Thai Wrap and Forage Central Thai Palate Takeout and Relish Ambrosial Perfection Crumb Divine Hearty Wrap
Indian Restaurant Names
Sanjha Chulha Kebab and Curry Nirvana India Benares restaurant Masalas Restaurant Chilli Chutney Indigo Indian restaurant Indian by Nature Little India Dishoom King’s Cross Tower Tandoori Restaurant Chettinad Restaurant Dishoom Shoreditch Potli Namaste India Sula Indian Restaurant Curry Twist Restaurant Moksha Indian Bistro Agra Tandoori Restaurant Vij’s Udupi Palace Little India Restaurant Guru Salam Bombay Indian Lucha Chow & Secret Reservation Tale Chop Dude Indian Bay Indian Cuisine Spices Basket Indian Midnight Fiesta at Dockside Indian Havana
Jamaican Restaurant Names
Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen Eat Rasta Pasta Jamaican Take-Out Patois Spotlight Caribbean Kitchen Simone’s Caribbean Restaurant Patties Express Patty King Bakery Veggie D’Light Scotthill Caribbean Cuisine Ritz Caribbean Foods Albert’s Real Jamaican Food Nanalyn Jerk Caribbean Queen of Patties Ackee Tree Dynamite Jamaican Jerk Pat’s Home Style Jamaican Restaurant Scotchiees Caribbean’s Jerk Cuisine One Love Vegetarian Jamrock Bamboula Restaurant Mandy’s Restaurant & Private Kitchen Jamaica Me Crazy Jamaican Qualified Jamaican Chortle and Peek Iconic Cuisine Iconic Caribbean Patties Queen Jerk Eat Jamaican Good Food Enjoy the Caribbean
African Restaurant Names
Addis Mosob Poussin Plaice Couscous Momo Tagine Zhor Souk Kitchen Jollof Café Durban’s culinary Bunny Chow The Caffeine Drip South African lager Venezuela in tapas-style dishes Chez Omar Le Souk Les Caves du Petit Thouars Metiers Metro La Médina du Marais Taste of Marrakech La Metisse Brasserie Ekiba Coco House Restaurant Chez Jimmy – Restaurant Ethiopien Sarl Cafe Riva Violin Bar Brooklyn Suya Olaide’s kitchen Fannie’s West African Cuisine Blackstar Kebab Bala’s Bistro Taste of Nigeria Aduke Nigerian Cuisine Cafe Songhai
Middle Eastern Restaurant Names
Mamoun’s Falafel Marib Ema’s seafood Sunnin Saha Baboush Mediterranean Cuisine Shiraz Kitchen & Wine Bar Cafe Munir Lapis Bavel Tandoor Grill Arabica Bar and Kitchen Bababoom Bala Baya The Barbary Berber & Q Berenjak Benaroya Alice Daou Alep and Le Petit Alep Hemela Pourafzal Byblos Ezo D Lebanese Fair Aux Lilas Damas Mirazu Rumi’s Omnivore Kazamaza’s Kabab Avesta Beirut Tehran’s Delices Azar’s Baba Ganoush Persia’s Onyx
Latin American Restaurant Names
Usaquén El Merkury Puyero Venezuelan Flavor Fishtown’s TartAreperia 18.64 Malbec Argentine Steakhouse Jezabel’s Central Maido D.O.M Astrid y Gasaton Borago Mani Sud 77 A Casa de Porco Pangea Leo Osso’s Isolina Mocoto’s MIL, Cusco Máximo Bistrot Mérito, Lima Osaka Elbaqueano Narda Comedor Restaurante 040 Maito, Ciudad de Panamá Aramburu Manu, Curitiba Cuban Food Cuban Delicious Lima’s Food
Restaurant Names for Specialty Foods 2023
This is another great way to set diners’ expectations. A place that serves unique dishes deserves a unique name.
Vegan Restaurant Names
J. Selby’s Chi Chi Vegan Ajax Tavern at The Little Nell Forage Dallas – JuiceLand The Vegan Tofu Lasagna Hawai’i – Arvo Bistro Burger and Forbidden Pad Chef Kenny’s Vegan Dim Sum Gracias Madre’s Plant Miami Cafe Gratitude The Hot Kitchen Clever Koi Craft Roots The Sprout Sushi Momo Apocalypse Now Boon Burger Perfection-Satisfaction-Promise Chau VeggiExpress Padmanadi Asian Stars Lola Rosa Tucos Taco Lounge Rise Above Fresh Vegan Chopped Feast Vegan Divine Aroma Healthy & Fit Fresh Taste
Vegetarian Restaurant Names
Mildreds Manna Vanilla Black Lucky Leek Hiltl Rasoterra Botanic Food & Juice Tian Experience Taste Veg Deli ll Margutta vegetarian food & art De Bolhoed Joia Samudra Hangawi Peacefood NY Dosas Raíz Modern Mexican Kitchen Spicy Moon Vegetarian Szechuan Cadence Jerrell’s BETR BRGR Fat Choy HealthyCandy HappyCow Pablo’s Vegetarian Restaurant Vegetarian’s Delight Anima’s Food Healthy Food & Drinks I Love Vegetarians Peacefood Joy
Gluten-free Restaurant Names
Restaurant Kainer New Castle Restaurant Amarone Arepa Mia Bob’s Clam Hut Senza Gluten Cultured Caveman Wheat’s End Cafe Zest Kitchen and Bar Joe’s Steaks and Soda Shop 5 Points Local Ground Breaker Brewing Chicago’s Pizza Mason Dixon El Pocho Antojitos Bar Almond Butterfly Bistro Tapi Go! Sunshine Wholesome Market Insomnia Restaurant and Market Barque Smokehouse The Dirty Bird Chicken + Waffles Her Father’s Cider Bar + Kitchen Score on King Bi Bim Bap Apollo’s Bar Eat, Drink and Think All Gluten-Free Gluten-Free Pub Mama’s Gluten-free House
Organic Food Restaurant Names
Union Cafe Belong Farm’s Eatery & Catering The Goods Farmer’s Harvest Live Organic Food Bar Hibiscus Cafe LOV Organic To Go EVOS Restaurant Nora GustOrganics Restaurant & Bar Amanda’s Pizza Fusion Sellers Market Burgerville Coppi’s Organic Oasis Restaurant and Juice Bar Subway Chipotle Panera Healthy Bread Only Organic Eat Organic Organic Onyx Emilia’s No Deep Fry Organic Veggies Love Veggies & Fruits Sea Organic
Seafood Restaurant Names
167 Raw Bob’s Clam Hut Matunuck Oyster Neptune Oyster Fishing Crab Flying Dolphin Angry Crab Shack Coni’s Seafood Fiola Mare Hogfish Bar and Grill Le Bernardin Mama’s Fish House Daddy’s Lobster Mariscos Chihuahua Crab and Sea Weed Pacific Beach Fish Shop Adriatic Seafood Black Pearl Pêche Seafood Grill Providence Sea Star Red Fish Grill Safe Harbor Seafood Market & Restaurant Seafood Natural Fish in the Pond Starfish Ariel’s Beach Restaurant King’s Crab
Fine Dining Restaurant Names 2023
A fine dining restaurant requires a sense of class and elegance. Simplicity works well to elevate the atmosphere.
The Park Room Atomix Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Saga Daniel Bâtard The Modern Per Se Indian Accent Atlantic black bass Marea Alloy Calgary favorite Bonterra Fish Creek Park Bow Valley Ranch Canadian cuisine Deane House Hy’s Steakhouse The Lake House Modern Steak River Café Island Park’s Rouge Teatro Vintage Chophouse Yellow Door Bistro Modern Living & Eating Beautiful Place for 2 Good Eating Black Unicorn Purple Diamond Red Pleasure
Brunch Restaurant Names 2023
Eateries with a focus on brunch require names with a more laid-back vibe. Let diners know they can sit back, relax, and enjoy their meals.
Bacon Social House Balthazar Beachcomber Cafe Beatrix, River North Beehive Blend on the Water Brennan’s Bud & Marilyn’s Cafe Luxembourg Cafe Monte Cafeteria 15L Meson Sabika Mon Ami Gabi Old Ebbitt Grill Oxford Exchange Palisade Parc Perch L.A Pier W Print Works Bistro The Publican Pump Queen Mary Champagne Sunday Brunch Ray’s on the River Red Rooster Harlem Relish Tupelo Honey Ulele Upland Warmdaddy’s White Dog Cafe Willa Jean Woodberry Kitchen X2O Xaviars on the Hudson Yardbird Southern Table & Bar
Fast Food Restaurant Names 2023
A quick-service restaurant name should be short, simple, and easy to remember, adding to the idea of “fast.”
Subway McDonald’s Burger King Kentucky Fried Chicken Starbucks Papa John’s Noodles and Company Pizza Hut Taco Bell Dairy Queen Bon Au Pain Mercado De San Miguel Borough Market De Foodhallen Torvehallerne Marketable Neun Great Market Hall La Boqueria Fast Food Centrale Fast Fast Food FFF Order & Go Taco’s Food Loop’s Wrap and Dip Easy Fast Fast F Chain Quickly Wimpy Fast Dining Lovely Dinner Fast Dessert
Restaurant Names for Cafés 2023
Cafés can be quaint, cute, or quirky. Choose a name that matches the atmosphere of your restaurant or coffee shop.
Odd Duck Ltd Edition Sushi Promiscuous Fork The Catbird Seat Hot Chix Obed and Isaac’s Fat Baby Plan B Burger Bun Huggers Old Fashion Hamburgers Spanked Puppy Holy Smokin Butts BBQ Tandem Coffee + Bakery Mr. & Mrs. Bun Phlavz The Golden Era Texas Steakhouse The Rose Palace Chef’s Choice My Food Diary The Heaven’s Kitchen Taste Elements Blue PlatesFood Island The Rooftop Grill and Bar Chilly and the Cheese Factory Epic DiningFull Moon The Catch of the Day The Taste Element The Royal Lounge Mamma Mia Bells and Peppers London Courtyard Upper Deck The Pearl of the Sea Cozy Cuisine True Food Kitchen Daily Delight Epic Dining The Golden Duck Crab Hut King Lee’s Finest Like No Udder
Funny Restaurant Names 2023
Funny names showcase the humor associated with your establishment, suggesting an easy, laid-back atmosphere.
Kale Me Crazy Nacho Problem Nothing Bundt Cakes Lettuce Eat Juan More Taco Wild Thyme Gourmet Hip Stirs Coffee House What the Pho Divine Pastabilities Rolling in Dough Bread Company Bite Mi Asian Kitchen Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises Brew’d Awakening Coffeehaus The True Food Kitchen Indigo Grill Pie In the Sky Yummy In My Tummy Yums Chicken Crossed the Road The Cereal Killer Café The Wicked Wok Frying Nemo Just Falafels Thai Me Up Chef In The Hat The Grill and the Goat Cloak and Petal Foodeology Juan In a Million The Sweet Jar Lox Stock and Bagel Tequila Mockingbird
Unique Restaurant Names 2023
Demonstrate the individuality of your establishment by choosing a unique name. Names should play into the branding and decor of the restaurant.
Terraces The Aviary Loco’s Divine Bites Brass Tracks The Food Boutique Heirloom Café Kings and Queen Signature Café Freddy’s Café Adelanto Lantern The Roots Cafe The Delicatessen Delicacies Rina’s Eatery Marco Polo Food Lounge The Breakfast Bar Panini The Earl of Sandwich Chimney’s Restaurant and Grill Pick Me Up The Eatery Next Door Americano The Dark Roast Pasta Street Food’o Clock Urban Spatula The Succulent Nectar Xander’s Café Latte Me Live This Just In Urban Kitchen House of Cuisines Dessert Delights The Secret Kitchen
Catchy Restaurant Names 2023
There are many ways to create a catchy restaurant name, including puns, alliteration, figures of speech, or imagery.
Hollywood Café The French Gourmet The Harbor House Restaurant Polo Bar The Salad Life Tuscany Courtyard Dine-In a Dime Grill & Chill All Spice Eat Your Heart Out Dine’o Clock Eats Meets West What Dreams Are Made Of Drink and Dive Flame On Arcadian Café Boulevard 53 The Opera Café The Burning Giraffe The Hungry Bunny Salt and Pepper Food For the Soul The True Food Kitchen Indigo Grill Pie In the Sky
Rhyming Restaurant Names 2023
A pair of rhyming words in your restaurant’s name is incredibly memorable and suggests a spark of creativity.
Curry in a Hurry Peg Leg Porker The Angry Avocado Jajaja Pork on a Fork Mama Mai’s Noodles Patati Patata No Name Restaurant Girl and the Goat GRILLRILLA Leaping Lizard Cafe He’s Not Here Bar 2 Dudes Brew & Que Dough Doughnuts Buck & Bull Old World Charm Hot and Spicy Coffee Bean Royal Crest Pebble Mandarin Kitchen Orange Dining Tortilicious That’s a Wrap Vintage Winery Snack Bar Secret Sandwich Society Cork & Fork Peter’s Pour House Salty Sow Cork & Cap
Can you open a restaurant with the same name?
It depends. Ideally, you want your restaurant to have its own unique name because there is the risk of legal action against you if you use the name of another establishment. Before settling on your restaurant name, you will want to research to see if it is trademarked and/or in use by another business.
Can you name a restaurant after a celebrity?
It is not recommended that you name a restaurant after a famous person unless they have endorsed it. Even if the name is not trademarked, using someone else’s name puts you at risk for costly legal ramifications.
How do I protect my restaurant name?
The best way to protect your restaurant name is by trademarking it. If you are trademarking in the United States, you will submit an application to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). If trademarking is in another country, you will need to file with that country specifically.
Conclusion
Whether opening an elegant fine dining restaurant or a “hole-in-the-wall” food truck, the key to success begins with a good name. Remember to look for inspiration all around you, enlist the help of others, and consider branding. About
