About .restaurant domain
.restaurant is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by Donuts (via Snow Avenue, LLC). It was delegated to the DNS root zone in August 2014 after a private auction resolved multiple applications. The TLD was introduced as part of ICANN's New gTLD Program, offering a new, descriptive namespace for domain registrations.
Who can register .restaurant domain
Registration for .restaurant domains is open to anyone globally, with no geographic or professional restrictions. There is no requirement to prove affiliation with the food service industry to register a domain. Both individuals and organizations can register names on a first-come, first-served basis after any applicable sunrise or trademark priority periods have concluded.
How to register .restaurant domain
- Search for your desired .restaurant domain name on a registrar's website to check its availability and see if it is offered as a standard or premium name.
- Compare pricing, registration term lengths, and add-on services like WHOIS privacy protection across different accredited registrars before selecting one.
- Complete the checkout process, providing accurate registrant contact information and selecting your desired registration period, which is typically one to ten years.
- After purchase, verify your contact email and configure your domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point to your hosting provider or website.
Typical uses of .restaurant domain
The .restaurant extension is most commonly used by businesses and professionals within the food service and hospitality industry. Restaurants, cafes, catering companies, food critics, and culinary schools choose this TLD to create a direct, memorable, and topic-specific web address that immediately communicates their field. It offers a clear alternative to more generic extensions for entities wanting to emphasize their niche.
Tips for registering .restaurant domain
- Domains can typically be registered for 1 to 10 years, with renewal required to maintain ownership.
- WHOIS privacy protection is generally available for this gTLD through most registrars, allowing you to shield personal contact details from the public database.
- The registry operated a Sunrise Period for trademark holders prior to general availability, and premium domain names may be priced higher than standard registrations.
- Standard domain transfer policies apply, allowing transfers between registrars after an initial 60-day lock period following registration or a previous transfer.
Frequently asked questions about .restaurant domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .restaurant domain?
As of today, .restaurant domains start from $10.55/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $161.64/yr across 33 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .restaurant domains?
NameBeta tracks 33 registrars that support .restaurant domain registration, with the cheapest option at $10.55/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .restaurant domain?
The registry for .restaurant domains is Identity Digital, administered by Binky Moon, LLC.
Who can register a .restaurant domain?
There are no eligibility restrictions based on location or profession; the TLD is open to the public. Trademark owners had an exclusive opportunity to register corresponding names during the initial Sunrise Period. Now, any individual, business, or organization can register available names through any ICANN-accredited registrar selling the extension.
Can I transfer a .restaurant domain between registrars?
Transferring a .restaurant domain follows standard inter-registrar transfer procedures. You must first unlock the domain at your current registrar and obtain an authorization code (EPP code). The transfer itself typically initiates a one-year extension to your registration term. Be aware that domains cannot be transferred within 60 days of registration or a previous transfer.
Are there any content restrictions for .restaurant websites?
The registry operator, Donuts, has not published specific content policies mandating that .restaurant websites must be related to the food industry. However, all registrants must adhere to ICANN's mandatory policies, including the Acceptable Use and Anti-Abuse Policy. Using a domain for illegal activities, such as phishing or malware distribution, can result in suspension.
What dispute resolution policies apply to .restaurant domains?
.restaurant domains are subject to ICANN's Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP), which allows trademark holders to challenge bad-faith registrations. Additionally, the registry participates in the Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS) system, a faster and lower-cost process for clear-cut cases of trademark infringement. These mechanisms help protect intellectual property rights within the TLD.
What happens if I forget to renew my .restaurant domain?
After a domain expires, it typically enters a renewal grace period (often 30-45 days) where you can still renew it at the standard rate. If not renewed, it may then enter a redemption grace period, where recovery is possible for an additional fee. Finally, if still not recovered, the domain is deleted and becomes available for public registration again.
