The Restaurants Association of Ireland claims 120,000 jobs could be permanently lost in the next two months.
The trade body claims 90 per cent of restaurants may not reopen even when the Covid-19 pandemic is over.
It's calling on the government to take nine vital measures to prevent the industry from collapsing.
Chief executive Adrian Cummins says significant support is needed.
"What we require is help from the government around commercial rent, reduction of VAT to 0%, continuation of the wage subsidy support scheme, and an encouragement from the government that every business will be saved in this crisis - not just restaurants but all SMEs."
