Canteen vs. Cafeteria: Know the Difference

An establishment within an institution like a school or military base.

A place offering diverse food choices in a casual setting.

A small facility providing quick and convenient food options.

An establishment designed for leisurely dining within an institution.

A small eating place providing simple meals and drinks.

A dining area where customers serve themselves from a range of options.

An informal setup for eating and socializing within a workplace.

A self-service restaurant found in educational or medical facilities.

A place offering basic food services to a specific group.

A larger eating establishment within a corporate or public setting.

A snack bar or small cafeteria, as on a military installation.

A restaurant in which the customers are served at a counter and carry their meals on trays to tables.

A recreational facility, bar, or small general store formerly established for the patronage of soldiers.

A dining area, as at a school or office building, where meals may be purchased or brought from home and eaten.

A recreation hall or social club where refreshments are available.

A restaurant in which customers select their food at a counter then carry it on a tray to a table to eat.

A temporary or mobile eating place, especially one set up in an emergency.

A dining area in an institution where meals may be purchased (as above), provided, or brought in from elsewhere.

A usually metal container for carrying drinking water, as on a hike.

A restaurant or café at which the patrons serve themselves with food kept at a counter, typically paying a cashier at the end of the counter and taking the food to tables to eat.

A box with compartments for carrying cooking gear and eating utensils.

A room within a building functioning in the same manner as a cafeteria{1}. In certain organizations, as schools, the food may be provided gratis.

A soldier's mess kit.

A restaurant where you serve yourself and pay a cashier

Chiefly British A box used to store silverware.

A small cafeteria or snack bar, especially one in a military establishment, school, or place of work.

A temporary or mobile café used in an emergency or on a film location etc.

A box with compartments for storing eating utensils, silverware etc.

A military mess kit.

A water bottle, flask, or other vessel, typically used by a soldier or camper as a bottle for carrying water or liquor for drink

A small vessel used by soldiers or hikers for carrying water, liquor, or other drink.

A chest containing culinary and other vessels for military officers in a garrison.

The sutler's shop in a garrison.

A store or small shop within a larger establishment where refreshments and sometimes other supplies are sold. At a military base the canteen may be as large as a general store; within a school or small company it may be only a small counter with very limited supplies, or a snack bar.

A temporary location where food is dispensed during an emergency.

A flask for carrying water; used by soldiers or travelers

Sells food and personal items to personnel at an institution or school or camp etc.

A restaurant outside; often for soldiers or policemen

A recreation room in an institution

Restaurant in a factory; where workers can eat