Popular restaurant dining styles

Dining out provides an opportunity to try many different foods that people may not normally prepare at home. It also introduces individuals to various themes and styles of dining.

Broadening one’s culinary horizons can contribute to well-rounded adults and children who are likely to adapt well to various social situations. New dining experiences also may serve as the basis for making conversation or even developing new relationships.

Dining styles vary depending on the type of restaurant. The following rundown is ideal for diners who want to try new things and eat a great meal at the same time.

HIBACHI

Hibachi restaurants provide both a meal and a show. Hibachi is a Japanese style of cooking and the word translates to “fire bowl.” Hibachi involves cooking foods on a high-heat metal cooking plate, according to Shinto Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi. The cooking plate often is built into a table that diners sit around. The chef prepares the food while engaging the customers in the experience.

TAPAS

Tapas style features several small plates of food. Tapas are small, savory dishes, but can be quite filling when several dishes are chosen. Tapas traces its origins to Spain, but has become a notable restaurant trend in many different countries. Eating tapas enables diners to try many different things and share plates with others.

FAMILY STYLE

Family style of service is common in Italian and some Greek restaurants. It falls in between buffet dining and more formal plated sit-down dinners. According to the food and dining resource Grooving Gourmet, family-style involves wait staff bringing food to the table in large serving dishes. These items are passed around for each person to fill his or her plate. Family-style is reminiscent of dining at home, where one to three different foods are offered and guests serve themselves.

BUFFET

With buffet dining, diners visit a centralized food station and serve themselves foods from various platters or chafing dishes. Sometimes food is spooned or served by personnel staffing the buffet table. Buffets let people try a variety of foods in sizable amounts.

CAFÉ OR BISTRO

Café or bistro style service involves food served from a counter. Items may include coffee, espresso, pastries, and sandwiches. These restaurants are known for their relaxed and intimate settings.

FAST CASUAL

One increasingly popular dining trends is fast casual, which is more upscale than fast food but equally as convenient. Open kitchens are popular at fast casual chains. Foods tend to include gourmet breads and organic ingredients, among others. Panera Bread is an example of a fast casual chain.

Different dining styles ensure there’s a restaurant for everyone.