A restaurant that serves moderately-priced food in a casual atmosphere is called a casual dining restaurant. Such restaurants usually provide table service. Casual dining comprises a market segment between fast food establishments and fine dining restaurants.
 There is a synonym for a casual-dining restaurant, particularly used for chains such as Denny's and IHOP that serve mild breakfast-style foods around the clock. And this is family-style restaurants. A diner is a specific casual-dining restaurant in the United States that emphasize traditional food such as hamburgers and sandwiches.
A fast casual restaurant is alike to a fast-food restaurant. It does not offer full table service, but promises a somewhat higher quality of food and atmosphere. And average prices charged are higher than fast-food prices and non-disposable plates and cutlery are usually offered.
It is typical for such restaurants that counter service is accompanied by handmade food and it is often visible via an open kitchen. Besides, alcohol may be served too. Such dishes like steak, which require experience on the part of the cook to get right, may be offered. As for the menu, it is typically limited to an extended over-counter display, and options in the way the food is prepared are emphasized.
Most fast casual-dining restaurants are marketed as health-conscious. This means that healthful items may have a larger than normal portion of the menu and high-quality ingredients such as free-range chicken and freshly made salsas may be advertised. In general, the quality of the food is presented as much higher than conservative factory-made fast food. An ethnic theme may be present in the menu.
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