Aaron wrote:
- quote -

You are light on the details, but I'd guess that this may be shares the
employer has matched but as company stock. They are permitted (I think)
to have a holding period during which time you can't sell those shares.

Really, most questions that have this twist - wording within one's plan,
or specifics of a given plan - should be answered through the OP's
benefits department or human resources. In some cases, they will refer
you to the company managing the 401(k), depending on the company size,
they make have people within the department capable of answering.
JOE

what does it mean when employer contributes an amount that is listed as 'restricted'
and then another amount 'unrestricted' ?

in case it matters, the employee is fully vested