Restoration Comedy, genre of English drama, dating from the time of the Restoration, when the English monarchy was re-established under Charles II in 1660. The plays are still frequently performed.

The genre placed much emphasis on wit and sexual intrigue and it was in Restoration comedy that women first appeared on the English stage. The so-called breeches part was specially created in order to costume female actors in male attire, and thus to reveal the female figure. Notable examples of the genre include The Country Wife (around 1674) by William Wycherley, The Way of the World (1700) by William Congreve, and The Beaux Stratagem (1707) by George Farquhar.