The Curious Spelling of 'Restaurateur'

The word 'restaurateur' often trips up spellers. Its origin lies in the French verb 'restaurer,' meaning 'to restore.' In the Middle Ages, a 'restaurateur' was a medical assistant who prepared restorative soups, also called 'restaurant,' to help patients recover. Over time, 'restaurant' came to refer to the place serving these soups, eventually evolving into the modern meaning. The spelling of 'restaurateur' directly reflects its French etymology, dispelling the common misconception of a missing 'n'.