How did restaurants originate?

The cook shops of London in the 12th century were among the precursors of the restaurant. Before that there were taverns where people gathered to drink, talk and eat. In the 15th century, taverns provided meals at certain hours. In 1650 came coffee houses serving tea, coffee and chocolate. In 1765, a man called Boulanger opened what he called a restaurant in Paris, serving light meals and refreshments.