Management & Operation

What is a Prix Fixe Menu?

Last updated on Sep 22, 2022
Hannah Herrera

A prix fixe menu offers guests a multi-course meal for a fixed price. In most circumstances, guests will have options to choose from for each course. In some cases, the entire meal is planned and selected ahead of time by the chef. In this blog, we'll introduce what prix fixe menus are, how they work, and the advantages and disadvantages associated with them.

Prix Fixe Menu Definition

Prix fixe (pronounced pree-feks), is the French term for “fixed price.” Sometimes referred to as a table d’hote, a prix fixe menu typically features a full-course meal consisting of an appetizer, entree, and dessert. It’s important to note that some prix fixe menus feature more than the typical 3-course meal, while others may feature less.

How Does a Prix Fixe Menu Work?

colorful plates of food on white plates on white table

There are several different ways that a prix fixe menu can work. Below, we’ll investigate some of the most popular options:

  • Individually: In most cases, a prix fixe menu is ordered individually.
  • Shared: Some restaurants offer a prix fixe menu for two at a set price. This can consist of two smaller meals or one larger meal to be shared.
  • Platters: Select restaurants may offer a shared tapa, entree, or even dessert platter for an entire table at a fixed price per person.
  • Buffet: In some cases, a restaurant can offer a buffet-style menu at a fixed price per person.

Prix Fixe Menu Examples

hands gathering white and red wine glasses for a cheers

Prix fixe menus are typically found at fine dining or contemporary casual restaurants and can be used for several different occasions. Below, we’ve included examples of events, occasions, and situations where a prix fixe menu might be beneficial:

  • As a tasting menu: In some cases, a prix fixe menu can serve as a tasting menu of sorts. A tasting menu is a multi-course meal that consists of small portions of different dishes, many of which showcase the chef’s skills or highlight local flavors.
  • For a special occasion: Many restaurants may offer price fixed menus for occasions such as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and New Year’s Eve. Not only does this set a special tone for the day, but it also provides a convenient way for restaurants to prepare ahead of time for the large crowd.
  • For weeknight dining: If your restaurant usually experiences slow weeknights, consider offering a special weeknight prix fixe menu. Doing so can prompt customers who wouldn’t normally dine during the week to visit your restaurant.
  • Incorporated on your everyday menu: Some restaurants choose to implement a prix fixe menu alongside their everyday menu. This allows them to appeal to different guests and offer different pricing options. Other restaurants might offer a prix fixe menu for lunch, creating a unique happy hour promotion.

Prix Fixe Menu Advantages

charcuterie board on table with woman and other person holding red wine glasses out of focus

Prix fixe menus offer significant benefits that can improve the happiness of your guests and reduce stress on your staff. Below, we’ll introduce some of the most notable advantages associated with a prix fixe menu:

  • Makes ordering easier: According to menu psychology, offering fewer choices on your menu can reduce stress on customers and make ordering more convenient.
  • Creates memorable experiences: In some instances, a prix fixe menu can help to create a special experience for your guests. Not only will they have the ability to experiment with different foods, but they may be enticed to come back.
  • Convenient for large crowds: Whether it’s a special occasion such as Restaurant Week or a busy holiday, prix fixe menus allow you to manage large crowds. With a set choice of dishes, back-of-house staff can easily prepare for the crowd without sacrificing quick service.
  • Increased sales: If your menu is correctly priced to maximize your bottom line, a prix fixe menu should ultimately optimize sales in your restaurant. Guests who take advantage of the deal will be treated to more food than they typically would order at a slightly higher price, boosting sales while keeping them satisfied.

Prix Fixe Menu Disadvantages

While prix fixe menus feature a variety of benefits, there are still potential downsides. Below, we’ve included a list of the most common disadvantages associated with offering them:

  • Market changes: The price of ingredients can fluctuate over time. In some cases, the ingredients for a dish on your prix fixe menu can dramatically increase, leaving you with the decision to either remove that dish from the menu entirely or lose profits on it.
  • Financial commitment: Some high-priced prix fixe menus can deter customers from ordering.

How to Create a Prix Fixe Menu

chef holding white plate with steak, shrimp, and assorted colorful vegetables

Whether you’re putting together your first prix fixe menu or are looking for tips to improve your existing menu, there are many different details to take into account. Below, we’ve listed some of the most common:

  • Analyze sales: Figure out which of your items sell the most, and create a prix fixe menu that incorporates those dishes.
  • Keep margins in mind: Include high profit margin items to make your prix fixe menu lucrative.
  • Highlight seasonal foods: Feature seasonal items, such as fruit and vegetables. Not only does this resonate with health-conscious, environmentally aware patrons, but the lower purchase price of seasonal items will be beneficial to your bottom line.
  • Embrace a theme: Ensure that all dishes are cohesive together to create continuity throughout the courses. Try basing the meal off the season, a region, or a certain mix of flavors.
  • Focus on the main course: However you choose to structure or create your meal, make sure that it can provide a high-quality main course.

Offering a prix fixe menu is an excellent option for restaurants and guests alike. Whether for a special occasion or as a permanent part of your restaurant menu, fixed-price menus have the potential to increase guest satisfaction, quicken up service, and improve your bottom line.

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You can invite a local band or comedian in for live entertainment, which allows you to support local artists and bring in more customers with the promise of free entertainment. A karaoke night is another fun take on this event that engages customers more than just listening to music. Having prizes and extra discounts for karaoke participants ensures a fun night for your most enthusiastic guests. Either way, check that you have the proper sound equipment to accommodate local artists and karaoke lovers. Late Night Menu and Brunch Happy Hour In addition to your regular happy hour in the early evening, you can host a second happy hour for people who work during your first one. A second happy hour provides extra opportunities to capitalize on higher revenue during low-volume times of the day, and the event allows you to try some unique menus. Brunch happy hour is ideal for mimosas and Bloody Mary cocktails served alongside breakfast-themed appetizers, while a midnight happy hour lets you break out a late night menu for customers. Team Up with a Local Brewery Partnering with a local brewery for your happy hour is a great way to promote and support local businesses, allowing both establishments to bring in new customers. Feature drink samples and specialty brews from your partner’s menu. Additionally, introduce customers to the head brewer or hold a Q&A event for even more engagement. Happy Hour Marketing Ideas Half the battle of hosting a successful happy hour is ensuring potential customers know about your happy hour events and offerings. Great marketing covers this crucial step for you and lets you rake in more revenue from the night. Check out some of our favorite happy hour marketing ideas and tips to make your bar a popular happy hour location. Use social media - Social media is the best way to showcase your happy hour, especially if you have a unique theme or event. Customers can also share your posts and stories with their friends on their profiles for more free advertising. Offer complementary items - Nothing draws a crowd like free food. Free samples of food and drinks give people the opportunity to see what they like, making them more likely to order more from the menu. Plus, it gives you great chance to use up those open bottles of liquor that are no longer at peak freshness. Flip a coin night - A fun way to promote discounts is to have customers flip a coin when they order something or at the end of the night to see if they get the largest happy hour discount on that item. If they lose the coin toss, they pay full price. Pay attention to trends - Whether you’re looking for ideas for new menu items or events, look at current trends to understand customers’ interests. Adding options like butter boards that became popular on social media is a great way to make your bar stand out. Tips for a Successful Happy Hour Whether you’re hosting an event or crafting the perfect happy hour menu, use these tips for a successful happy hour to create a crowd-pleasing night. First come, first served seating - Establishing a specific seating section for happy hour customers with a first come, first served policy ensures your regular dining customers enjoy their night as well. We recommend extending your happy hour if you use this policy so more happy hour guests can take advantage of your deals. Be generous - It might feel like losing profit, but offering complementary side dishes, small desserts, or drink samples draws in customers. This mindset will create loyalty from guests who had an enjoyable experience at your restaurant, making them likely to come back for your next event. Consider weekend happy hours - Customers have the most free time during the weekend, so capitalize on their desire to get out and have fun by hosting weekend happy hours. Pay attention to the behavior of your guests - Customers want to go where everybody knows their name. An attentive host that pays attention to the needs of guests creates a warm, welcoming environment that keeps customers engaged for longer. Understand your target market - College students have different tastes and interests than business managers or sports enthusiasts, so adjust your happy hour events and menu deals accordingly. If large groups frequent your bar, provide shareable dishes and pitcher specials. If your restaurant attracts a high-end crowd that prefers upscale dishes, create a discounted cheese plate with a wine pairing. Offering specialty food and drink, hosting fun events, and using supreme marketing are all ideas that extend beyond happy hour. Bring in more new guests and keep your regulars coming back for more by providing consistent, high-quality service and keeping your strategies creative.