General:
* Dining hall: This is a common synonym for a large, institutional cafeteria.
* Lunchroom: This is a more informal term for a cafeteria, often used in schools.
* Food court: This refers to a collection of different food vendors, typically found in malls or shopping centers.
* Canteen: This is a British term for a cafeteria, often found in workplaces or schools.
* Buffet: This term implies self-service, where people choose their own food from a selection of dishes.
More specific:
* Cafeteria-style restaurant: This emphasizes the self-service aspect of the dining experience.
* Employee dining room: This is a cafeteria specifically for employees of a company.
* Student union: This refers to a building on a college campus that often includes a cafeteria.
* Mess hall: This is a cafeteria in a military setting.
* Commons: This is a cafeteria in a residential setting, such as a college dorm.
The best synonym to use will depend on the specific context and the tone you want to convey.