The aim of this study was to reduce voluntary dry matter intake (DMI) to increase feeding efficiency of pre-classified low efficient (LE) dairy cows through restricted feeding. We studied the effects of feed restriction on eating behavior, milk and energy corrected milk (ECM) production, in vivo digestibility, energy balance, and measures of feed efficiency [residual feed intake (RFI) and ECM/DMI]. Previously to the present study, the individual efficiency of 220 cows in ARO herd was estimated. Average RFI (actual DMI - predicted DMI according to NRC 2001 equation) of ARO lactating cows was 1.5, LE cows were characterized by RFI > 2.7 and efficient cows by RFI < 0.5 (20% least and most efficient). Based on this characterization, 24 LE and 12 E cows selected for this study. Follow 2 wk adaptation, the 24 LE cows were paired and divided into 2 groups with similar BW, DIM, ECM yield, and RFI (average ± SE, 710 ± 12, 213.1 ± 11.3 d, 38.4 ± 0.90 kg/d, and 3.92 ± 0.27, respectively). In parallel, the 12 E cows were also paired (668 ± 16.5, 129.3 ± 8.83 d, 49.5 ± 1.08 kg/d, and 0.21 ± 0.23). The 2 dietary treatments consisted of ad libitum feeding vs. restricted feeding (13% of ad libitum) of the same 36.5% roughage diet, for 5 wk. Comparisons between restricted and ad libitum LE cows and between restricted and ad libitum E cows analyzed by using Mixed Model with treatment, date and date × treatment as fixed effects and animal as random effect. Restricted LE cows had shorter eating time, lower meal and visit frequency, but similar rate of eating; meal size and meal duration compared with LE cows fed ad libitum. Their DM and neutral detergent fiber digestibility were similar, and their ECM yield decreased by 5.3%, compared with the LE cows fed ad libitum. Feed efficiency (RFI, ECM/DMI and net energy retained / digestible energy intake (NE_T/DEI)) was improved in the LE restricted cows compared with the ad libitumLE cows. Similar increase in feed efficiency (RFI and ECM/DMI) found also in restricted E cows vs. E cows fed ad libitum. Our results show the potential of improving feed efficiency of LE and E cows by moderate restriction. However, TMR restriction reduced ECM yield of E cows by 9.3% while their energy efficiency (NE_T/DEI) remained similar to that of E cows fed ad libitum.