Cafeterias have had a bad rap. People’s perception of the food served in a cafeteria (or canteen if you live outside the United States) has been average at best. Anyone who ate lunch at a public school will acknowledge this fact. But changes are happening with the overall food quality in cafeterias that could change everything for the better. 

Cafeterias belong to the food service industry, along with restaurants, rehab and retirement centers, catering and vending companies, carryout operations, university dining halls, hotels and inns. The food service industry is responsible for a broad range of jobs (wait staff, cooks, dish washers, hostesses) in the U.S. In fact, the number of jobs in this sector in the state of California alone nearly reached 2 million back in 2019, according to Statista. Second is Texas with over 1.3 million, and at third place is Florida nearly reaching 1.1 million in employed personnel.

Are you planning to open one of these innovative cafeterias that serves high-quality meals? I share my best name ideas whether you plan to open in a school, hospital, office, or airport. I hope you’d want to dine at any of these establishments. 

Cafeteria Name Ideas

Below is a list of all-purpose cafeteria name ideas for you to consider. 

  • No Doze Cafeteria
  • Creative Food Plans
  • The Total Cafeteria
  • The Plastic Free Cafeteria
  • The Blue Plate Diner
  • (Your Location) Cafeteria
  • Simple Meals
  • The Mariposa Cafeteria
  • Los Bobos Cafetería
  • The Lion House Pantry
  • The Healthy Space
  • The Fresh Centre Cafeteria
  • My Organic Spot Cafeteria
  • The Buffet Station
  • The Vegan Canteen
  • The Lunch Break Buffet
  • The Community Canteen
  • The Break Zone
  • The Meal Station
  • The Buffet Break
  • Eating Zone
  • The Nutrition Station
  • Street Bean Coffee Roasters and Cafeteria
  • The Urban Backyard
  • The Capitol Cafeteria
  • Choice Foods
  • Go, Grow, and Glow
  • Green and Healthy
  • The Community Luncheon
  • Little Stompers Cafeteria
  • Speedway Cafe and Cafeteria
  • Derben Daisy Cafeteria
  • Henry’s Cafeteria
  • My Uncle’s Eating Spot
  • The Downtown Cafeteria
  • Eats Good to Go
  • Grace Street Coffee and Cafeteria
  • Lakewood’s Top Spot Cafeteria
  • Food Staples
  • The Ultimate Soul Food
  • Emely Deli & Cafeteria
  • Launch Espresso, Food and Spirits
  • (Your Name’s Cafeteria)
  • Morrison’s Delicious Cafeteria
  • The Sunny Side Cafeteria
  • El Nino Cafeteria
  • Dinner Bell Cafeteria
  • The Blue Tuna Cafeteria
  • Jet Fuel Coffee Shop and Cafeteria
  • The Vibin’ Food Corner
  • The Rendezvous Cafe
  • Urban Reclamations Cafeteria
  • Mood Lift Cafe
  • Black Rock Coffee and Cafeteria
  • Your Homeboy Diner
  • The Picnic Basket
  • The Minister’s Mug
  • The Hot Spot
  • Nacho Daddy Cafeteria
  • The Coal House
  • Bula Kava House
  • Hope Key Cafeteria
  • The Gypsy Cafeteria
  • City Groove Cafeteria
  • Flour Bakery & Cafe
  • The Full Flavored Cafeteria
  • The Common Ground Cafeteria
  • The Natural Coffee Shop and Cafeteria
  • Quince Essential House
  • The Black Rabbit
  • Premier Eats Cafe
  • The Triple Door
  • Old Stove Brewing
  • The Hide Out Cafe
  • Detour Roasters Cafe
  • The Drip Cafeteria
  • Madame Monsieur Cafeteria
  • Fleetwood Bar and Cafe
  • The Cafeteria Crew Collective
  • Delicious Grounds

Canteen Name Ideas

A cafeteria meal.

If you’re planning to open a canteen, consider these ideas.

  • Blossom Cafe and Canteen
  • The Brown Crunch
  • Bungee Buddy Canteen
  • Canteen at the Park
  • Lola’s Canteen
  • The (Your Location) Canteen
  • Simple Eats
  • Copeland’s Reliable Canteen
  • Crazy Frank’s Canteen
  • The Ding Dong Cafeteria
  • Rich and Pour
  • Foods of Goodness
  • Bean There Done That Cafe and Canteen
  • The Big League Pantry
  • The Social Canteen
  • Yummy Yummy Dining
  • The Casual Diner
  • The Daylight Canteen
  • The Good Morning Canteen
  • Frame Flip Cafeteria
  • The Fire Pit Canteen
  • Over The Counter Foods
  • Food 101
  • The Fresh Canteen

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  • My Auntie’s Canteen
  • The Food Cave
  • Custom Crell Cafeteria
  • Food Minute Cafeteria
  • The Walk In Cafeteria
  • The Urban Bite Canteen
  • Up Degree Canteen
  • Around the Counter
  • The Trebbo Tree Canteen
  • The Food Hour
  • The Food Corner
  • Canteen 101
  • Bright Starry Bites
  • The Birds Nest Canteen
  • Sling Berry Canteen
  • Semi Eater Canteen
  • PS Gourmet Cafeteria Inc.
  • The Popping Pop Cafeteria
  • The Hashbrown Canteen
  • The Saints Paradise Cafeteria
  • Out Wood East
  • Lotta Food
  • The One Way Canteen
  • Mountain Top Canteen
  • Delectable Eats Inc.
  • Midtown Global Food Market

Cafeteria Name Ideas for Schools

A school cafeteria.

Scroll down to see plenty of school-themed cafeteria names.

  • A Touch of Gourmet
  • The A+ Cafeteria
  • The Atomic Cafeteria
  • School Rocks Cafeteria
  • The Lunch Basket
  • The Smart Food Choice
  • A Purpose Driven Canteen
  • (Your School’s Name) Cafeteria
  • The Even Better Cafeteria
  • The Student’s Choice
  • The Alma Mater Cafeteria
  • Best Food Choice
  • No Sleep Cafeteria
  • The Student Lounge
  • The Popular Cafeteria
  • Motivational Space Cafeteria
  • Brain Smarts Cafeteria
  • (Your School’s Location) Cafeteria
  • The Express Cafeteria
  • School Food 101
  • The Cool Cafeteria
  • The Fried of (Your School’s Name)
  • Wrap and Roll
  • Study and Eat
  • The Eating Place
  • The Student Picnic
  • The Detention Free Zone
  • Mr. Fables’ Cafeteria
  • Just Eat It! Cafeteria
  • The Intelligent Cafeteria
  • Eats and Laughter
  • The Rabbit Hole Cafeteria
  • Hot n’ Cold Foods
  • The Common Cafeteria
  • The Triple Tree Cafeteria
  • Jolly Crew Cafeteria
  • The Zestful Cafeteria
  • The Top Standard Cafeteria
  • Henry Quest Cafeteria
  • The Happiness Hut
  • The Top Notchers Cafeteria
  • Ground Up Cafeteria
  • Grand North Cafeteria
  • Go Eat Cafeteria
  • Fresh Healthy Cafeteria
  • The Forum Cafeteria
  • Food and Friends
  • The Lunch Zone
  • Student Exclusive Cafeteria
  • Food Crest Cafeteria

Cafeteria Name Ideas for Hospitals

Cafeteria in a hospital.

Opening a cafeteria in a hospital? Below is where you’ll find the best names for your business.

  • Gastronomic Delights
  • The Healthy Body Cafeteria
  • Nutri Bites Cafeteria
  • The E.R. (Eating Room)
  • Hospitality Foods Galore
  • The Doctor’s Orders
  • The Break Room
  • The In and Out Diner
  • Healthy Foods Provider
  • The ICU (Intensive Cooking Unit)
  • The Requested Nutrition
  • The Rehabilitation Room
  • Healthy Foods Corner
  • Operating Tables
  • Zero Waste Break Room
  • The Food Standard
  • The Healthy Cafe
  • Food Body and Mind Cafeteria
  • The Foodology Department
  • Your Diet Rehab
  • The Healthy Food Spot
  • The Prescription Meals
  • The EMS (Exciting Meals Served)
  • Mastering Your Health
  • The Intensive Cooking Unit
  • The Staff Room
  • The Healthy Food Ward
  • Out Patient Diner
  • The Ambulance Cafe
  • The Mighty Tree Cafeteria
  • Better Health Cafeteria
  • Veggie Bites and More
  • Dr. (Your Name’s) Cafeteria
  • Digestive Juices Cafeteria

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  • Prescription Foods
  • The EMT (Epic Meal Time)
  • Medical Eats Cafeteria
  • The Good Place Cafeteria
  • Healthy Options Cafe
  • The Healthy Basket
  • Bites and Prescriptions
  • (Your Hospital’s Location) Cafeteria
  • Just Eat Healthy
  • The MRI (Most Requested Indulgence)
  • The Emergency Break Room
  • Vitamin Cafeteria
  • Food Surgery Table
  • Your Stomach Rehab
  • The Healthy Pantry
  • Health is Wealth Cafeteria

Cafeteria Name Ideas for Offices

Small cafeteria inside an office.

Look down to see amazing cafeteria names generated specifically for offices.

  • The Corporate Aroma
  • Grand Office Tables
  • The 11th Floor Cafeteria
  • The Steam Room Cafe and Canteen
  • The Overlooking Cafeteria
  • Jacked Up Coffee and Cafeteria
  • The Office Café
  • The Corporate Food Zone
  • Food Court Specials
  • Outside the Box
  • Moving Forward Cafeteria
  • Ordinary Joe Cafe and Cafeteria
  • The Capital Cafe
  • The Corkboard Cafeteria
  • The Business Express
  • Synergy Cafeteria
  • The Dining Room
  • Lava Java Cafe
  • Hopeful Executive Meals
  • Wake Up Cafe
  • Hey Joe Coffee Shop and Cafeteria
  • Grind House Cafeteria
  • Mugs Coffee and Cafeteria
  • The Corporate Family Bean
  • The Club Cafeteria
  • The 11th Floor
  • The Corporate Larder
  • Jumpstart Coffee Shop and Cafeteria
  • Mug Hug Cafe
  • The Busy Bean Cafe
  • The Team Cafe
  • President’s Choice Cafeteria
  • The Break Room
  • Breathe Calm Pantry
  • The Meeting Place
  • The Corporate Special
  • (Your Office Location) Cafeteria
  • The Friendly Bean Cafe
  • The Pinnacle Cafeteria
  • Grab a Joe and Go Go
  • Team Goals Cafeteria
  • Touch Base Cafeteria
  • The Boardroom Cafe
  • Paper Clips Cafeteria
  • Raising The Bar Cafe
  • Food Staples
  • The Hungry Corporate Tummy
  • Beans ‘n Cream Cafe
  • The Food Pipeline
  • The (Your Office Name) Cafeteria

Funny Canteen Name Ideas

  • The Chew Chew Train Canteen
  • The Food Cast
  • Brewer Than Brewed Canteen
  • The Morning Grind Cafe
  • The Monk & Mongoose Gourmet
  • Triple Two Croydon
  • Mastering the Drip
  • Feed Me Canteen
  • The Hangover Canteen
  • Stick for More
  • Eats a Date
  • Perfect Eats Canteen
  • The Meating Place
  • Freshly Frozen Foods
  • Time Out Canteen
  • The Lovely Lunch Lady
  • Daily Zest Cafeteria
  • It’s Five Thirsty O’Clock
  • The Garlic Clove
  • Mastering the Drip Cafe
  • The Bodega Louie
  • Meatropolis Canteen
  • Serendipity Bar and Cafe
  • The Live Food-Cast
  • The MacDonuts Canteen
  • Nestle Toll House by (Your Name)
  • Two and a Half Men Canteen
  • Famous in France
  • Blah Blah Java
  • Beech Street Canteen
  • The Smokey Cauldron
  • Let’s Do Eat
  • The Steak Side Grill
  • The Happy Bean Cafe
  • The Snobby Coffee Shop and Canteen
  • The Motivational Mug Cafe
  • Ray’s Happy Birthday Bar and Canteen
  • The Rising Sun Cafe
  • The Crema House
  • Clark Street Shop
  • Santa’s Fantasy Canteen
  • The Hidden Canteen
  • Cream and Sugar
  • The Spice Of Life
  • Meet at the Eiffel Tower
  • My Living Room
  • Another French Tourist
  • The Second Plate Company
  • Mastering The Morning
  • The Canteen Ministry

Alternative Names for a Cafeteria

There are literally multiple names that you can use instead of cafeteria. Scroll down to see all of them.

  • Lunchroom
  • Snack Bar
  • Commissary
  • Cafe
  • Lunch Counter
  • Tea Room
  •  Luncheonette
  • Lunchroom
  • Beanery
  • Lunch Wagon
  • Diner
  • Eatery
  • Grill
  • Restaurant
  • Greasy Spoon
  • Hash House
  • Steak House
  • Chophouse
  • Pizzeria
  • Coffeehouse
  • Coffee Shop
  • Estaminet
  • Teahouse
  • Tearoom
  • Bar
  • Barroom
  • Inn
  • Tavern
  • Buffet
  • Smorgasbord
  • Cold Table
  • Cupboard
  • Salad Bar
  • Bistro
  • Soup House
  • Noshery
  • Eating House
  • Pit Stop
  • Quick Lunch
  • Grease Joint
  • Cake Shop
  • Burger Joint
  • Sandwich Shop
  • Subway Shop
  • Charcuterie
  • Drive In Restaurant
  • Quick Lunch Counter
  • Dog Wagon
  • Deli
  • Hamburger Stand

Cafeterias are well-known for having multiple foods to choose from. Here are some of the most popular menu options consumers have come to expect. These are the old-school cafeterias of yesteryear. 

  • Broth based vegetable soups (beef and barley, minestrone)
  • Leafy Greens
  • Raw, Grilled or Roasted Vegetables
  • Pizza
  • Fresh Fruit
  • Beans ((chickpea, black bean, kidney)
  • Lentils
  • Salad and Garlic Bread
  • Hard Boiled Eggs
  • Breakfast Choices
  • Sandwiches
  • Corn Dogs

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  • Tater Tots
  • Whole Grain Pasta and Noodle Dishes with Tomato-based Sauces
  • Baked, Grilled or Steamed Fish
  • Fried or Grilled Chicken
  • Common Mexican Foods (Nachos, Tacos and/or Burritos)
  • French Fries
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Lean Beef, Turkey or Veggie Burgers
  • Vegetarian Options (chili, baked beans, tofu, lentils, chickpeas)
  • A Variety of Dessert Options (cookies, cakes, cupcakes, cheesecakes, biscuits, sweet rolls, cinnamon rolls, macarons, ice cream, or donuts)
  • Sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime
  • Lower sodium vegetable juice
  • Coffee with milk and little or no sugar
  • Plain latte or cappuccino made with lower fat milk or fortified soy beverage
  • Black, green or herbal tea
  • Lower fat milk (skim, 1%, 2%), low fat fortified soy beverage
  • Stir-fry dishes with brown rice or whole grain pasta, plenty of vegetables, lean meats, fish or tofu and just a little sauce
  • Hot Dogs

What do Modern Cafeterias Offer on the Menu?

The modern cafeteria.

As I mentioned earlier, cafeterias have really stepped up when it comes to food quality. Here are a few reasons why.

Vegetables and Leafy Greens (i.e. Salads)

Modern cafeterias nowadays offer an array of healthy foods, such as a salad that’s just as fresh as restaurants.

Organic Foods

Organic foods are made more accessible for cafeterias and canteens, which is good news for those looking to have healthier and budget-friendly meals. Organic fruit and vegetable options isn’t something you’d expect to see at an old-school cafeteria. 

Ethnic Foods

Cafeterias offer more than mass produced American foods like sloppy joes, burgers and hotdogs. They also offer plenty of ethnic foods – from Asian cuisines to Middle Eastern flavors. Mexican and Italian dishes are also more common these days. Many cafeterias offer a rotating ethnically inspired many each week. 

Keto Foods

People of this generation are more aware of what they put in their bodies. Cafeterias all over the US have also adapted and they are all looking to promote a healthier diet for customers. Keto friendly food now available in cafeterias include salami, strawberries, celery, asparagus, peanut butter, chicken thighs and skirt steak to name a few. 

Vegetarian Meals

Cafeterias are now serving a lot more greens in order to accommodate the dietary needs of consumers. On top of that, this could also be of great help for the environment. According to a 2018 Gallop Poll, 5% of U.S. adults consider themselves as vegetarian. Consumers will specialty diets of all kinds are expected to steadily increase over the next decade.