French cuisine is often considered the epitome of fine dining and even invented the word “restaurant” itself

• However, etymologists and historians attribute the origins of both to A. Boulanger, a Parisian soup vendor who set up shop in 1765.
• The concept of seating guests and allowing them to choose their desired meal exploded in popularity after the French Revolution at the end of the 18th century
• By 1804, French diners could choose from more than 500 restaurants across the country