For many aspiring restauranteurs, dreaming up the perfect name for your new business was probably one of the first things you did. After all, once you’ve established a concept for your new restaurant idea, picking out a name should come easy. Right? RIGHT?
But what if you’ve headed down the path toward opening day, secured some investment capital, roughed out a viable business plan that seems to hold together, and maybe even secured licensing, insurance, and a few vendors to get your started, and you STILL don’t have a name for your restaurant? What if you’re marching toward opening day, and you just can’t come up with a catchy name that will encompass all of your hard work and fresh ideas?
I’m here to help. I own a restaurant of my own and have gone through this process myself. I landed on the name Ancho Honey for my concept since it was a little bit vague and would give me the opportunity to experiment with menu ideas. This may or may not be the right approach for your situation.
Here’s the best name ideas I could come up with for a restaurant. Some of these were pulled from a notepad with ideas for my own joint. Let’s get to it.
My Favorite Restaurant Name Ideas
These are all cool ideas I came up with that you can modify for your own future restaurant. Without further ado here we go.
- The Spaghetti Pantry
- Shambles
- Brimstone
- Purity
- Embers
- The Hive
- The Lamb and Whistle
- The Honey Comb
- Harvest
- The Streetwise Morning
- The Fable Table
- Big City Catch
- Hand & Fork
- Bread
- Pulpo
- Good
- Town Hall Grill
- Sycamore House
- Fresco
- The Stone Cup
- City Bites
- Knead & Feed
- Plate
- Old Bay Steamer
- Crow Creek
- Breakers
- Viking Grill
- Zocalo
- The Crack Pot
- Dan’s Dumpling Dowry
- Falafel Therapy
- Early Girl
- Cake Walk
- The Frayed Knot
- Gusto
- Heart in Hand
- Salty’s
- Soggy’s
- Sassy’s
- Hold the Anchovies
- Tandoor
- The Kiln
- Bushwhacker’s
- Roaring Rock Restaurant
- Take It Away
- The Wolf
- Trattoria Bella
- Trattoria Bellisima
- Sweet Basil
- Butler
- Mucho Gusto
- Taste
- The Feasting Fox
- Aftertizer
- Banana Cabana
- Kettle Pop
- Panache
- Pan Ash
- Peerless
- Pesto Quest
- Rippers
- South Mouth
- The Straight and Narrow
- Big Juicy
- Chew
- Chevre
- The Bloated Tick
- Curb Appeal
- Flying Horse
- Flying Noodle
- Thai Tanic
- Royal Crest
- Florante
- The Eatery
- The Golden Spoon
- The Tined Fork
- Tiffany’s
- The Burnt Biscuit
- Wallflower
- Allium
- Comfort
- Clementine
- Pie Hole
- Home
- Southern Skillet
- Frankly, My Dear
- The Foyer
- The Porch
- The Mud Room
- Easy Now
- Easy Does It
- EZ Duz It
- Okra
- Azalea
- Heirloom
- Magnolia
- The Red Clover
- Mandoline
- Sweet Home
- The Riverboat
- Roderigo “Salty” Sanchez’s Terrific Taco Take-Out Emporium and While-U-Wait Auto Detailing (Just kidding. That’s a little long, but had to include it for comic relief.)
Remember, no one but you can name your restaurant. Soliciting ideas from others may help get the creative juices flowing, but ultimately, it will be up to you to find the name and concept that works.
You’ve worked hard to get to this point, and taking the time to find the name that fits your dream perfectly is an important step, with no shortcuts. Be creative, speak from the heart, and let the ideas flow.
Spanish Restaurant Name Ideas
- Dineda
- SpanishX
- Restauration
- Quiesta
- Golosinas
- Guiness Subs
- Inspiraza
- Chefzilla
- Comodo
- Combinar
- Spanish Cherry
- Manos Dish
- Quarante
- Dishery
- Spaniards
- Sixth Floor
- Hambre
- Hungry Vulture
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- Spanish Cuisine HQ
- Seacian
- Platesta Fork
- Vento
- Chuvu
- Bonrica
- Amigo Amiga
- Bella Food Cart
- Quiero
- Barrio Golosinas
- Me Gusta
- Gordo’s Cocina
- Guillermo’s
- Restaurante En La Playa
- Chido Cocina
- Vale Comida
- La Cocina De Mi Mamá
- Corazón De La Cocina
- De Rechupete
- Te Extraño
- Plato Caliente
- Comida Para Mi Compa
- Comida Hermosa
- Dulce Éxtasis
- Abeja Alegre
Mexican Restaurant Name Ideas
- Plato Chexican
- Cocinado Por Jose
- Comida De Tipo
- Pruébame
- Fiesta Del Barrio
- The Gas Station
- Mild to Hot
- Fema!
- Bean Speak
- Chido Comida
- Messican
- Horchata
- Comida Para Cada Juan
- Alejandro’s
- Yessica
- Osvaldo
- Mimi Chica
Related Reading: 150+ Loco Mexican Restaurant Name Ideas You Can Use
- Chuntee
- Heriberto
- Maguel
- Cocina De Hennifer
- Filipsican
- The Wild Burrito
- Mexipino
- Bajito Cocinero
- Ortiz
- Crossing the Border of Taste
- BMFF
- Mexido
- Delicia
- Beans and Rice go to Heaven
- Cuisinier
- Cantinero
- Gastronomica
- Chicken Taco Express
- Pasticcerie
- Culinario
- Mexish
- Banqueta
- Mostrador
- Panadera
- Cucinando
- Limonada
- Mesera
- The Taco House
- Mexicata
- Desayuno
- Gran Comida
French Restaurant Name Ideas
- Posh Patisserie
- Confiserie
- Deguste
- Roulette
- Caffé
- Guinguette
- Palais Exquis
- Chef De Cuisine
- Testeur De Goût
- Cuisines Du Monde
- Déjeuné
- Étals
- Frencha
- Aliment-Polis
- Boulangerie
- Échoppes
- Super Endroit Pour Manger
- SavourFare
- Les Serveurs
- Des Endroits
- Cuisine Française
- Lieu Social
- Meilleur Petit Déjeuner
- Batilde Vauters
- Arlet Bruni
- Voncile Mollet
- Latrice & Vidal
- Pompei & Penney
- Huguenot
- Gourmands
- Rousette
- Francaises
- Beauvois
- Crémieux
- French Vibe
- Le Français
- Coffee CAFé
- Chefesque
- French Ranch
- Parisian
- Francique
- Le Restaurant
Seafood Restaurant Name Ideas
- The Seafood Spot
- Fiesta Islands Seafood Hub
- Line and Sinker
- Salted Crab
- Something Fishy
- Billy’s Bobber
- Sea Harvest
- Bountiful Sea
- Sea You Later
- Fisheye
- Off the Boat
- Beach Lobster
- Grill Queen
- Flavor Fish
- Mackerel
- The Seafood House
- Fish Diner
- Fish Food
Related Reading: 37 (Good and Bad) Seafood Restaurant Name Ideas You Can Use
- Lobster Men
- Fishable
- Better Bait
- Sub Menu
- Sea Avenue
- Joe Seafood
- Guest Room
- Seafood Plate
- Beer Battered Fish Palace
- Health Christine
- Fish and Beer
- Sea Lover
- Off The Boat
- Market Fresh
- Fish Fresh
- Fish Puppets
- Fresh Catch
- Seafood Culture
- Fisherman’s Friends
- Butterfish
- Fish Dish
- Salted Fish
- Sea Creatures
- Aqua Dish
- The Catfish Collective
- Bagel Mussels
- Sawfish Dish
- Seafood Galore
- Seafood Soul
- Seafood Depot
- Crazy Delicious Seafood
- Seafood Cove
- The Taste of Tuna
Restaurant Name Ideas for a Project
Did you get assigned a project to make-up a restaurant name for a school project? Here are some grade A name suggestions.
- Chavs & Tavern
- Swivel Table
- Solid Palate
- Dining Place
- Goodish Dish
- Menu Venue
- Fancy Dining Room
- Roaming Beef
- Cosmopolitan Cafe
- Palace Dishes
- Earthly Chef
- Snack Shack
- Office Dishes
Related Reading: 101 Brilliant Filipino Restaurant Name Ideas That Aren’t Taken
- Dishery
- Free-Range Burgers
- Lunch Lover
- Chef Avenue
- Kitchen Syndicate
- Amusing Cuisine
- Diner Craft
- Belle Chef
- Pastry Town
- Brunch Lunch
- Gourmand Kitchen
- Steak Cake
- Chef Takeout
- Dinner Seaters
- Pasta Salon
- Crepe Kitchen
- Belly Bottom
- Pink Bistro
- Grill Hut
- Lunchsy
- Food Oracle
- Breakfast Star
- Roast & Grill
- Pastas Tapas
- Michelin Oven
- Farmhouse Chef
- Bread Emporium
- Crabby Shabby
- Gourmet Glee
- Vegan Kitchen
- Upmarket Hut
- Fine Fooding
Japanese Restaurant Name Ideas
- Sumo Food
- Japanita
- Jaizu
- Kyōsuke
- Prajin
- Japadi
- Tokimeki
- Bushido
- Sixth Samurai
- Acobu
- Shiki Chic
- Kyoya
- Hobiko
- Sushi Zoo
- Kimuto
- Toyokuni
- Kiruto
- Chokichi
- Gaijin
- Javanese
- American Sushi Co.
- Taru
- Kimozo
- Shinigami
- Hotazi
- Kunoichi
- Dojoro
- Yumient
- Wokino
- Stone Samurai
- Toku
- Shikigami
- Shirobi
- Moshiro
- Panasian
- Japami
- Fusuki
- Sonawane
- Yumato
- Tannuki
- Suushi
- Bigimo
- Mikudo
- Sacuro
Arabian Restaurant Name Ideas
- Dahab
- Salalah
- Saudia
- Dhofar
- Rahji
- Dammam
- Mukalla
- Foodavi
- Agap
- Khaleej
- Dakhil
- Taqora
- Bahrani
- Najran
- Saladan
- Yamani
- Hudaydah
- Aswan
- Niche Cuisine
- Arabized
- Nimr
- Wahhab
- Jazirah
- Maghrebi
- Gastroly
- Barmara
- Marwah
- Basra
- Kahleej
- Arabi
- Khalaf
- Andalus
- Desert Dining Car
- Hadhrami
- Arabia
- Muharraq
- Hussam
- Hejazi
- Arabian Days
- Solide
- ‘Afdal Tabaq
- Arabian Eatery
- Madinat Alluhum
- Eushaaq Altaeam
- Karim
Quick Serve Restaurant Name Ideas
- PrepQuick
- Swift Dish
- Interserve
- Slick
- Rest Quick
- Dropside
- Easiest Eats
- Quick Hustle
- Réserve
- Run Bite
- Swift Front
- KindaQuick
- 3 Mins.
- Stunningly Quick Cinch
- Brisk Belly
- Zois
- Quick To Go
- Quick Refresher
- Servezy
- UseFull
- Quick Vantage
- Quickoid
- PickUp Dish
- HangOn
- Serval
- Ready Chow
- Switchboard
- Frantic
- Servzo
- Forge Fast
- Quickero
- Whizz
- Up Dine
- Ready Guest
- Continual
- Incisive
- Prompt Meal
- Seamless
- Helix Drive
- Grove Fast
- Sneaky Quick
- Quickville
African Restaurant Name Ideas
- Kwazulu
- Hot Nights in Haiti
- Nwaa Anyi
- Onye Isi Ụlọ
- Nri Ville
- Zagat
- Imi Ihe
- Wlọ Ezumike
- Gọọmet Kichin
- Gambian
- Senegalese
- Ụlọ Nri
- Nkuru N’onwe
- Guinean
- Baraka Za Mpishi
- Afrique
- Kwela
- Kunaswa
- Chakula Cha Baharini Cha Joe
- Keki Town
- Pack the Pantry
- South African Lounge
- Mkahawa Wa Mji
- Dagaa Bistro
- Chumba Cha Chakula Cha Mchana
- Kuingia
- Mambazo
- AFR
- Mpishi Heshima
- Voodoo Ya Chakula
- Kuonja
- Karamu
- Onye Isi Nri Royale
- Msafiri
- Chakula Cha Jioni
- Gastro Ya Mjini
- Mboga Burger
- Mapendekezo
- Foodaga
- Vyakula
- Hazzan
- Primera
- Hasbara
- Tavern
Outdoor Restaurant Name Ideas
- Backyard Oven
- Patio Deli
- Omelet Putt
- Wanton Parken
- Patio Palace
- The Dining Tent
- Grill Chain
- Casual Boardwalk
- Wet Rinks
- Park Benches
- Vibrant Brunch
- Water Park Food Stand
- Frying Yard
- Cannery
- Bandstand Brewers
- Outdoorsman
- Beefeater
- Outdoor Machines
- Dining Out
- Grand Outdoor
- Outdoor Break
- Outdoor Arena
- Outdoor Off
- Foodie Studio
- Barbecued & Tried
- Outdoor Study
- Outdoor Oasis
- Cookout Collective
- Outdoor Fire
- Steak N Golf
- Exterior Menu
- Food Plaza
- Burger Out
- Local Outdoors
- Homey View
- Prep Outdoors
- Sky Dining
- Mary’s Kitchen
- Munchin’ Out
- Hiking Chef
- Outdoor Trays
- Exterior Treats
- Food Station
One Word Restaurant Name Ideas
- Storefront
- Cookin
- Roasters
- Tandoori
- Auberge
- Delicatessen
- Cuisines
- Panera
- Ristorante
- Concierge
- Culinary
- Patio
- Breads
- Lodging
- Burgeroo
- Gourmet
- Restauration
- Garage
- Grilled
- Jessie’s
- Jake’s
- Trattoria
- Bistrona
- Krispy
- Appetizers
- Sherry
- Foodine
- Upmarket
- Clientele
- Canteen
- Mornings
- Galley
- Manos
- Paul’s
- Cafester
- Anchos
- Menu
- Whizz
- Combiner
- Feast
- Brenda
- Pauper
- Bananas
Dog Restaurant Name Ideas
- Wof, Wof!
- Puppy Meal
- Roaring Dog
- Dog Dorm
- Schnauzer
- Loops
- Dog Abode
- Pup Gourmet
- Dank
- Greeter
- Dog Eat Dog
- Doggy Swag
- Puppy Treats
- Dog Dean
- Pup Resto
- Canine Pamperoo
- Dog Bakes
- Canine Clan
- Doger
- Canine Pack
- Lucky Dogs
- Pooch Friendly
- Alpha Dogs
- Woofberry
- Treats On A Leash
- Puppy Gum
- Charming Dog
- Dogfood
- Wag Tails
- Sandy Dog
- Hot Dogs
- Pup Station
- Pup Wagon
- Food Hound
- Treat Yard
- Wouff
- Dogs Place
- Tarty
- Dogship
- Puppy Deluxe
- Dogvocate
- Pups
- Canine Gastropub
Dessert Restaurant Name Ideas
- Confectionery
- Fruitcake
- Amazing Crepes
- Fondant
- Flavor Bakery
- Frittery
- Spiced
- Baking
- Flavorings
- Sugary Sweet
- Sweetened
- Candied
- Next Dessert
- Cakely
- Syrups
- Toppings
- Milks
- Appetizr
- Sugared
- Chocolat
- Flavors
- Milkshakes
- Tangy
- Go Yogurt
- Tapioca
- Caramelized
- Cherries
- Tarts
- Chocolate River
- Butter Foods
- Yum Dessert
- Pudding
- Mockups
- Sugar Craft
- Sweet Art
- Sweet Style
- Sweet Life
- Sweet Concoction
- Sugar Suggestions
- Blueberry Cream
- Honey Dish
- Sugar Caterer
- Caramel Comfort
Delivery Restaurant Name Ideas
- Food Agents
- Door Step Delivery
- Mobile Servicing
- Drip Delivery
- Takeaways
- Delivery Date
- Hungry Customer
- Takeout Spot
- Wait Rose
- PickUp Takeout
- Gastronomique
- Dispatching
- Takeout IQ
- Deliverer
- Deal Delivery
- Kitchen Tycoon
- Catered
- Suppliers
- Food Deck
- Takeout Master
- Chef Takeout
- Luncheons
- Squad Food
- Delivery Fly
- Deliverables
- Delivery Cog
- Shift Cart
- Cook Line
- Flash Deliver
- Devour
- Handover
- Menu Cart
- Delivery Drone
- Service Delivery
- Food Tour
- Dispatching
- Ready, Set, Cooked!
- Mobile Cuisine
- Redelivery
- Delivery Smith
- Taste Fast
- Rollout
- Vroom
- Traffic Free
How to Generate Your Own Restaurant Name
Picking out a name for your new restaurant can be incredibly difficult. After all, how do you communicate all of the things you need to for your new restaurant, in just one or two words that will sum up your months (or years!) of sweat and toil?
The type of food. The atmosphere of your restaurant. The types of customers you’re hoping to attract. Your background, the style of cooking, the vibe of the dining room…these are all things that you must try to capture perfectly, when naming your restaurant. How can you possibly get started?
Make a list. Then throw that list away, and make another list. That’s right. Begin by scribbling down every single restaurant name idea that comes into your head, without being too harsh or judgmental about what could work, and what absolutely couldn’t work. Write everything down. Even the less-than-savory ideas may help jog your brain, and lead to other, more viable names for your business.
After you’ve got 30 or 40 ideas down, run through them with a marker and cross half of them out. Copy the remaining names to a new list, and use those names to spin off new ideas. Keep going. Something should present itself.
Related Reading: 149 Profitable Indian Restaurant Name Ideas by Menu Theme
Keep it short and sweet. Alternately, make it long and weird. Shorter names are likelier to stay fresh in the minds of your customers, though it may be challenging to find a one or two word domain name for your restaurant’s website. If short and sweet isn’t your style, make it so long and weird that it stands out that way.
For example, if you’re going to launch a restaurant specializing in chili (don’t do that, that’s my idea), you could call it either “Chili Bowl,” if you’re into the whole “brevity” thing, or alternately, “Mac’s Royal Chili Emporium and Medieval Toastery.” Both names are memorable, for their own reasons.
Don’t get too specific. Look, the needs of your business may change. You want the name of your business to be able to grow and change, as your concept grows and changes. If you name your restaurant, “Strictly Burgers,” what’s going to happen if nobody likes your burgers, and you need to change the focus of your menu to primarily vegan chilled soups? Pick a name that has room to change with you. Also, please don’t start a vegan chilled soup restaurant.
Similarly, while it may be tempting to incorporate the name of your geographic location into your restaurant name, remember: Things change in this business. You may find yourself having to find a new location when the popularity of your restaurant triples your rent, or you may find yourself opening additional locations in different towns or cities.
Do some market research. Don’t bother trying out your new name on your friends and family; they’re going to be so supportive of you and your new venture (bless them), that they’re likely to be super encouraging of any name you come up with. Instead, ask potential customers for their opinion on your new name. This group is likelier to be more forthcoming with criticism.
Related Reading: 147 Clever to Hilarious Chinese Restaurant Name Ideas
Crowdsource your new restaurant name. What if I told you that there was an interconnected network of networks, where millions of people with strong opinions and an underdeveloped sense of the rules of polite society, were just WAITING to help you with your restaurant idea?
Try out a restaurant name generator. Sure, you may not get something usable magically handed to you, but these generators can help get your brain working in new directions and coming up with new ideas. Sign up for a few restaurant industry forums, as well…you’ll find plenty of people who are happy to brainstorm name ideas with you.
When all else fails, use one of my favorite restaurant names. Okay, fair warning: These ideas aren’t all winners. But our hope is that even if you don’t use one of the following ideas off-the-shelf, one may still get you thinking in a different direction and help you come up with a new idea you hadn’t previously considered.