noun
A general term for a restaurant, often implying a traditional Japanese-style establishment, though it can refer to any place serving meals.
駅前に新しい料理屋ができた。
A new restaurant opened in front of the station.
あの料理屋は魚料理がおいしい。
That restaurant serves delicious fish dishes.
食堂 is a casual dining hall or cafeteria, often more informal and less specialized than 料理屋.
Compound of 料理 (cooking, cuisine) and 屋 (shop, establishment).