Summary
- Restaurant simulation games offer a range of experiences, from casual mini-games to strategic management sims.
- Kairosoft brings cozy and addictive management simulation games like Cafe Master Story and Burger Bistro Story to players.
- One-Armed Cook and Good Pizza, Great Pizza provide unique gameplay experiences with challenges and memorable characters.
Gamers who want to bring their love of cooking into gaming may appreciate business simulators - especially those that let gamers fulfill their dreams of being restaurant managers. Thankfully, the gaming world doesn't fall short of restaurant simulation games for casual and strategic minds alike.
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In fact, certain games offer a simpler simulation experience through mini-games or a hardcore restaurant management sim where budgeting and supplies remain an integral part of the game experience. Which restaurant sims deserve that chef's kiss of approval? This answer isn't an easy one, but players willing to make an informed decision about the games in this genre that encompass everything they want will find themselves spoiled for choice.
Updated on October 13, 2024, by Gemma Johnson: Cooking in video games, or games where players run a restaurant, can be incredibly satisfying and drudge up a whole recipe book of emotions. From chill restaurant sims to frantically running a kitchen with friends, restaurant games can take players to various places. With so many restaurant games to check out, it's no surprise that many players may want to know all about the best restaurant games, and while there are many restaurant games for players to choose from, some undoubtedly stand out from the crowd and offer players more reasons to set aside time to play them. In no particular order, this list updates the original entries and adds one new restaurant game for consideration.
24 Rolling Hills: Make Sushi, Make Friends
A Great Introduction To Restaurant Sims
Rolling Hills: Make Sushi, Make Friends
- Released
- June 4, 2024
- Developer(s)
- Catch & Release
- Platform(s)
- PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One
- Genre(s)
- Adventure, Simulation
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Inspired by games like The Sushi Spinnery and Lemon Cake, Rolling Hills: Make Sushi, Make Friend s puts players into the shoes (or rather, wheels), of an adorable sushi bot who takes over a sushi restaurant. Players can serve all kinds of sushi dishes from a conveyor belt system, grow their restaurant, and get to know the villagers through the game's life sim elements. While the game is about helping the townsfolk through quests and making their lives better, its restaurant management aspect helps players progress. It's also not overly challenging, making it a great introduction to restaurant management sims.
Sushi Bot can also obtain additional abilities, like honking at customers who've fallen asleep. Players who appreciate a bright, colorful, and cute art style may just fall in love with Sushi Bot and the town of Rolling Hills.
23 Cafe Master Story
Perfect For Players Who Like To Run A Cozy Restaurant
- Release Date: June 29, 2023
- Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Mobile
- Developers: Kairosoft
Players seeking out cozy management simulation games to spend some time on will love what Kairosoft brings to the table. These games all feature a distinct art style and a familiar gameplay loop as players try to accomplish the goals set by these games across a wealth of different verticals.
One such game that players will certainly adore is Cafe Master Story. As the name suggests, players have to manage and maintain a café, taking care of numerous verticals as they strive to appease their customers time and time again.
22 Burger Bistro Story
Create Custom Burger Recipes
- Release Date: May 7, 2021
- Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Mobile, PS4
- Developers: Kairosoft
Burger Bistro Story has pretty much everything players would want from a Kairosoft game. Cute visuals, addictive management simulation gameplay, and a laid-back approach that lets players relax as they try to supply customers with the best burgers in town!
It's a simple game that players who love running a virtual eatery will have a great time with. The straightforward gameplay is a boon for players who are tired of their restaurant simulation games being full to the brim with too many complex metrics.
21 One-Armed Cook
A Challenging Restaurant Game With A Twist
One-Armed Cook
- Released
- August 30, 2022
- Developer(s)
- Duhndal
- Platform(s)
- PC
- Genre(s)
- Simulation
Embark on a culinary journey in One-Armed Cook, where players take on the role of a chef who has one simple issue - they only have one arm. Master the art of multitasking, slicing, dicing, and cooking up delectable dishes for demanding customers while dealing with the fun and clever physics incorporated into the game.
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The game's chaotic gameplay showcases the power of perseverance in conquering all obstacles in the kitchen. Explore diverse cuisines, upgrade the restaurant, and witness the satisfaction on customers' faces. Players will rise to the top, becoming legendary chefs with a single arm in this cooking adventure, also available for multiplayer.
20 Good Pizza, Great Pizza
A Pizza Lover's Dream
Good Pizza, Great Pizza
Enter the world of dough and toppings in Good Pizza, Great Pizza, assuming the role of an aspiring pizza maker. Players satisfy customers' pizza cravings by crafting their dream pies. This cozy restaurant game challenges culinary skills with dough stretching and creative topping combinations to reach pizza perfection.
Encounter quirky characters, handle eccentric pizza requests, and face fierce pizza critics while managing the pizzeria. Aim to create the finest pizza in town, build a loyal customer base, and unlock new ingredients and recipes. Become a true pizza maestro, building an empire of pizza goodness in this immersive cooking experience.
19 Cooking Mama: Let's Cook!
Family-Friendly Cooking With Mini-Games
- Release Date: February 26, 2014
- Platforms: Android, iOS, Wii, Nintendo DS
- Developers: Office Create
Embark on a delightful cooking adventure with Cooking Mama in Cooking Mama: Let's Cook! Players embrace their inner chef as Mama guides them through various recipes and techniques. Chop, stir, and bake their way to culinary expertise using intuitive touch controls. The game offers step-by-step instructions to prepare mouthwatering meals from around the world.
Fun mini-games test cooking speed and accuracy, earning rewards to upgrade kitchen tools. With Mama's nurturing presence and delightful graphics, Cooking Mama: Let's Cook! Provides a family-friendly cooking experience that's both entertaining and educational.
18 World Chef
Dazzle Celebs And VIP Customers With Dishes
- Release Date: April 6, 2016
- Platforms: Android and iOS
- Developers: Socialpoint
Experience the diversity and creativity of the culinary world in World Chef. Players build and manage their restaurants, catering to a global audience with distinct tastes. Players can hire skilled staff, decorate the dining space, and whip up a plethora of international dishes. Satisfying hungry patrons, including celebrities and VIPs, earns fame and accolades.
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Collaborating with other players, trading ingredients, and participating in thrilling events enhance the gameplay. Players expand their restaurant empire, unlock new recipes, and dazzle their clientele. With vibrant graphics and engaging gameplay, World Chef offers a flavorful adventure for food enthusiasts and entrepreneurs alike.
17 Coffee Shop Tycoon
Cafe Management With Quirky Visuals
- Release Date: December 5, 2016
- Platform: PC
- Developers: Riff Studios
Contrary to the business-heavy Coffee Tycoon, the experience of Coffee Shop Tycoon focuses more on the active aspect of management. In this quirky-looking game, players build and take charge of their coffee shop. They might start small with a tiny space that can accommodate a few tables into a sprawling coffee house tailored to executives and their favorite caffeinated drinks.
What makes Coffee Shop Tycoon interesting is its rather deep approach to the management side of the coffee shop. Aside from tending to customers, players also need to manage little things such as equipment and inventory. In fact, they also need to pay close attention not just to their stock of coffee but to their freshness.
16 Chef: A Restaurant Tycoon Game
Many Restaurant Customization Options, Including Speciality Food
- Release Date: December 6, 2018
- Platform: PC
- Developers: Inner Void Interactive
Aspiring chefs get to don their apron and hat in Chef: A Restaurant Tycoon Game as they become rising stars in the realm of cooking. Embarking on a journey to the top of the food chain, players have humble beginnings with a small restaurant and little money. They must build up their empire, as they must work to boost their restaurants' popularity and become world-regarded professional chefs.
Having all the necessary features of a traditional restaurant simulator, Chef: A Restaurant Tycoon Game allows players to hire their own staff, fully customize their restaurant, and even choose their specialty food. From exotic meals to a vegan-catering menu - there's something to suit every palette and keep customers coming back for more!
15 PlateUp!
Choose And Level Up A Restaurant Specialization, Or Team Up With Friends
PlateUp!
- Released
- August 4, 2022
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Developer
- It's happening
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, Party Game, Simulation
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
Seemingly inspired by the beloved Overcooked series, PlateUp! Is a similar game that sees up to four players frantically dashing around a kitchen. They must cook and fulfill customer orders in a restaurant they have designed and built from the ground up, being wary not to cause any fires!
Featuring classic chaotic co-op action, players can cooperate together on dishes with their own separate roles like sous chef and pot-washer. Their menu can also be customized and curated with different offerings, from simple steak to more complex dishes. PlateUp! Is the perfect couch-cooking party game to play with friends!