1.
family restaurant
A casual chain restaurant offering a wide variety of affordable dishes in a family-friendly atmosphere. Major chains include Gusto, Denny's, Saizeriya, and Royal Host.
Usage
A fixture of Japanese suburban and urban life. ファミレス are known for their extensive menus (Japanese, Western, Chinese dishes all on one menu), drink bars (ドリンクバー), and long operating hours. They serve as casual dining spots, study spaces, and meeting places.
Common collocations
- ファミレスに行く (go to a family restaurant)
- ファミレスのドリンクバー (family restaurant drink bar — unlimited refills)
- ファミレスチェーン (family restaurant chain)
Etymology
Abbreviation of ファミリーレストラン (family restaurant), itself a Japanese coinage from English words. The abbreviated form ファミレス is far more common in everyday speech.