A single word for Unpretentious

Question

I'm looking for a strong positive word that means the following:

• Unpretentious
• Doesn't try to be anything more than it is
• Unassuming

The restaurant is very _________.

I'm looking for a word that doesn't start with 'Un' and has a really positive connotation. Synonyms like 'simple' and 'genuine' don't quite seem to fit.

Answer 1

How about authentic? Merriam-Webster includes the following definition:

: true to one's own personality, spirit, or character

\\ is sincere and authentic with no pretensions

which might suit your purposes?

Answer 2

Is modest what you're looking for? Merriam-Webster even says it's a synonym for 'unpretentious':

1 b: neither bold nor self-assertive

4 b: unpretentious

Answer 3

I like humble for this use.

Humble: Having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance.

Answer 4

If you'll settle for a fixed phrase, you could say that it is down-to-earth:

1 : practical • down-to-earth traveling tips
2 : unpretentious • surprised to find the movie star so down-to-earth
_{definition from merriam-webster.com}

Answer 5

What about sincere?

Sincere

1a : free of dissimulation : HONEST
b : free from adulteration : PURE
2 : marked by genuineness : TRUE

Answer 6

The word "charming" is often used as a more positive substitute for "humble" or "small," especially in reviews, especially about things related to the hospitality industry.

Alternatively, at least in my part of California, we'd unhesitatingly describe the kind of place you're talking about as "chill."

Answer 7

In the right context, "plain" is the best alternative: "plain speaking"--no frills, straight from the shoulder, as an antonym to "fancy". The usage must avoid ambiguity with the alternative meaning of "plain" as an antonym for "attractive".