Definition

A restaurant's menu is a list of all the food and drink that the restaurant offers. It is generally displayed on a wall or in a folder. Menus can be à la carte – which guests use to choose from a list of options – or table d'hôte, in which case a pre-set menu is offered. The à la carte menu usually features a wider selection of dishes than the table d'hôte, which offers a smaller number of dishes at a set price. 

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When creating a menu, restaurateurs take into account many factors, such as the type of restaurant, the price of the dishes, the number of guests, and dietary restrictions. In fine dining restaurants, the menu is often designed to showcase the restaurant's best dishes and to impress the guests. In more casual restaurants, the menu may be more simple and straightforward.

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Example

Menu for Grill and Chill

Meat and fish

Grilled fish of the day

£8.00

Steak with chips or salad

£12.00

Sausage and roast tomato pasta

£7.00

Chicken salad with garlic yogurt dressing

£7.00

Vegetarian

Cheese and tomato pizza

£7.00

Mushroom omelet

£6.00

Vegetable chili

£7.00

Soup of the day with brown or white bread

£4.00

Something sweet

Homemade carrot cake

£3.50

Homemade banana cake

£3.50

Chocolate ice cream with chocolate sauce

£3.50

Fresh fruit salad with grapes, mango, melon and apple, served with cream or ice cream

£3.50

Drinks

Cup of coffee

£2.00

Cup of tea

£1.50

Glass of wine, white or red

£3.00

Beer

£3.00

Water, still or sparkling

£1.00

Orange juice

£2.00

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Conclusion

The restaurant menu is an important part of the dining experience, and can be a great way to learn about a restaurant's style and personality.

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