Science fiction
The Restaurant at the End of the Universe
The second Hitchhiker's book sends its stranded travellers off to a restaurant where diners watch the end of the universe over dinner. It also adds a ruler, a missing planet and a lot of absurd detours.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1980
- Pace
- Fast
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 205
- Format
- Book 2 of 6 in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Read this if you have read the first book and want more of the same silly, quotable cosmic comedy.
Skip this if you have not read the first book, as the story picks up directly and assumes you know the cast.
The feel
Content warnings
None noted yet.
Also reported by Hardcover readers:
Quick answers about The Restaurant at the End of the Universe
- What is The Restaurant at the End of the Universe about?
- The second Hitchhiker's book sends its stranded travellers off to a restaurant where diners watch the end of the universe over dinner. It also adds a ruler, a missing planet and a lot of absurd detours.
- Who should read The Restaurant at the End of the Universe?
- Read it if you have read the first book and want more of the same silly, quotable cosmic comedy. Skip it if you have not read the first book, as the story picks up directly and assumes you know the cast.
- How long and how fast is The Restaurant at the End of the Universe?
- It is a fast-paced, short read of about 205 pages, first published in 1980.
- Does The Restaurant at the End of the Universe have content warnings?
- We have not noted any content warnings for this book yet.
- Can I borrow The Restaurant at the End of the Universe for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Restaurant at the End of the Universe; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after The Restaurant at the End of the Universe?
- Readers who liked it often move on to Good Omens, The Colour of Magic, We Are Legion (We Are Bob).
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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Because you might love it
If you loved The Restaurant at the End of the Universe
-
Good Omens Another funny, clever story about the end of the world, written with the same affectionate silliness.
-
The Colour of Magic A fantasy answer to this book's style, with equally ridiculous creatures and deadpan footnotes.
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We Are Legion (We Are Bob) A more modern, lighter-hearted space adventure that mixes science-fiction ideas with jokes.
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