Restaurant Menu Types & Styles

Types of Restaurant Menus

Menus can be categorized by type based on the way items are sold and organized to create the perfect menu. Use this glossary of menu types to familiarize yourself with common types of menus and see what can work for your business!

• Static menu: Separated into categories like appetizers, pastas, sandwiches, sides, etc. The dishes are served all year-round and are mostly prevalent in fast casual and fast food restaurants.
• A La Carte: French for "according to the menu;" This menu usually features seasonal faire and offers greater flexibility for ordering when compared to a static menu.
• Du Jour: A menu that changes daily. Plat du jour is a dish of the day, which is equivalent to a daily special
• Cycle Menu: Different daily menus for a set period of time, then menus are repeated; For example, there could be a different menu every day for two weeks, and then the menu's cycle starts again from the beginning.
• Table d'Hote: French for "the host's table." All main courses have a set price with the customer's choice of an appetizer or dessert. Surcharges may apply if certain appetizers and desserts are pricier.
• Prix Fixe: A meal that includes an appetizer, entree, and dessert that is set at one price. Unlike a Table d'Hote menu, the chef picks the three courses in a Prix Fixe menu, whereas a Table d'Hote allows customers to pick and choose their set of three courses.
• Tasting Menu: A collection of a certain number of small courses that serves as a customer's entire meal. Tasting menus can be tweaked to fit dietary needs or created anew if the same customer is dining again, giving them a whole new tasting menu experience.
• Beverage: A list of a restaurant's drinks. This is often cocktails, wine, beer, and other alcoholic drinks sold a la carte, or the menu can be displayed on the wall at coffee shops or juice bars with their list of options.
• Dessert: A list of desserts, like a beverage menu it is often separate from the regular menu and sold a la carte. It is usually presented along with the beverage menu again for after dinner drinks at the end of the main meal.
• Wine Captain's Book: An extensive beverage menu that covers each wines history and features so guests have a better understanding of how they would like to pair their drinks with their meal.
• Children's: This menu often has more limited choices and incorporates bright colors and activities. It is often disposable for easy clean up.

Ways to Display Your Menu