A buffet restaurant is a type of dining establishment where customers can choose from a variety of food items that are displayed in a self-service manner. Customers take their plates and serve themselves, selecting the desired portions of each item they wish to eat. The term "buffet" comes from the French word for "table," which is often used as a reference to a large table laden with an array of food choices. Buffets are popular in many countries around the world and offer convenience, variety, and flexibility to customers who want to enjoy multiple dishes without having to order each item individually.