What is a la carte?

A la carte refers to a type of menu format where individual items are priced separately. This means that each dish or item on the menu has its own price, and diners can choose which items they want to order. A la carte menus are usually found in high-end restaurants and fine dining establishments, and offer guests more flexibility and control over their dining experience. Alternatively, restaurants may also offer a fixed or set menu, which offers a more limited selection of dishes at a set price. A la carte menus are often used when there is a wide variety of dishes on offer, and customers may want to mix and match different items to create their ideal meal. Common examples of a la carte items include appetizers, main dishes, sides, desserts, and drinks. The term "a la carte" is derived from French and literally means "on the card" or "according to the menu".