Objective: To review the effects of feed restriction in finishing pigs on production efficiency and meat quality. Design/methodology/approach: A bibliographic review of feeding management in pigs fed ad libitum, restricted, and their combination was carried out. Results: Feed restriction decreases the growth rate, but if the restriction is moderate, better feed efficiency can be obtained. Feed restriction followed by feed ad libitum results in compensatory growth, which equals or improves continuous free access feeding. Study limitations/implications: Implementing feed restriction can be useful to improve feed efficiency and in periods that it is necessary to slow down growth. Findings/conclusions: Moderate feed restriction (10%) of finishing pigs improves feed efficiency. Feed restriction of less than 20% for 30 days, followed by ad libitum feed, promotes compensatory growth and improves feed efficiency.