Learn English – What’s the term for a person who eats at a restaurant

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I'm not a native speaker and I'm trying to find a very specific term for a person who eats at a restaurant (from the owner's perspective).

In my native language, there's a word for 'client' and another word that exclusively means 'person who eats at a restaurant.' 'Customer' and 'client' came to mind, but they don't seem to fit, as they're broad terms (they can refer to multiple products / services, not just restaurants).

I already know of the term 'diner.' But it may also refer to a location, not just a person.

Is there any other term I could use? I want the term to be very formal and I don't know if 'diner' is formal / professional / clear enough.

Best Answer

Another common term is "guest".

"Customer" would be appropriate as would be "diner", but "client" would be incorrect.