A restaurant is a business that serves prepared food and beverages to customers in exchange for money. Restaurants are typically located in a public area such as a street, mall, or plaza, or in a private area such as a hotel, office building, or a residential area. They are often a gathering place for friends to meet, family to dine together, or colleagues to socialize. Restaurants also offer a variety of cuisine from different cultures, allowing customers to experience a variety of tastes and flavors. Restaurants may also offer catering services and private dining rooms for special occasions.