An image reading and recording apparatus which can prevent a reading unit from unexpectedly being opened even when an operation of a reducing unit such as a damper for reducing an opening/closing force of the reading unit is added to an interlocking motion caused by a force adapted to open a pressure plate portion is provided. The apparatus has: a recording unit which records images onto a recording medium; and a reading unit which is openably and closably arranged for the recording unit and has an original plate on which an original document is put and a pressure plate portion which presses the original onto the original plate. A restricting unit which can restrict the reading unit to the closed state is provided. In the closed state of the pressure plate portion, the restricting unit ismade inoperative. In the open state of the pressure plate portion, the restricting unit is made operative.