Menus are the primary communication tool between a restaurant and its customers. Depending on the type of restaurant and its target audience, different menu formats are used. Here are some of the most famous menu types. Customers can freely choose any combination of items they desire...
Famous Menu Types
Coord. Chef Ahmet ÖZDEMİR
Menus are the primary communication tool between a restaurant and its customers. Depending on the type of restaurant and its target audience, different menu formats are used. Here are some of the most famous menu types:
À La Carte Menu:
Dishes are individually priced.
Customers can freely choose any combination of items they desire.
Most common type of menu in many restaurants.
Table d'hôte (Prix Fixe):
A set menu at a set price with a limited number of choices.
Often includes an appetizer, main course, and dessert.
Common in fine dining restaurants and during special events or promotions.
Du Jour Menu:
This is the "menu of the day." Items change daily, based on the chef's selection and available fresh ingredients.
Common in farm-to-table establishments or chef-driven restaurants.
Buffet Menu:
Customers pay a fixed price and can choose from a variety of dishes displayed.
Common in hotels, catered events, and certain themed restaurants.
Cyclical Menu:
Rotates over a specific period (e.g., weekly or monthly).
Popular in institutions like schools, hospitals, or corporate cafeterias to offer variety while managing inventory efficiently.
Beverage Menu:
Exclusively lists drinks, including soft drinks, cocktails, wines, and beers.
Seen in bars, pubs, or restaurants with an extensive drink selection.
Dessert Menu:
Features only dessert items.
Often presented to diners at the end of their main meal in upscale establishments.
Static Menu:
Items and their prices remain constant over time.
Common in many fast-food chains and casual dining establishments.
Tasting or Degustation Menu:
Offers small portions of multiple dishes as a single meal.
Allows diners to experience the chef's specialties.
Common in high-end, fine dining restaurants.
Wine/Beverage Pairing Menu:
Dishes are paired with specific wines or beverages to enhance the dining experience.
Seen in wine-centric restaurants or during special wine tasting events.
Specialty Menus:
Cater to specific dietary preferences or restrictions, like vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or ketogenic menus.
Kids' Menu:
Specially designed for children, often featuring smaller portions and kid-friendly dishes.
Seasonal Menu:
Changes based on the season to utilize fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Popular in restaurants that emphasize fresh and local produce.
Each menu type serves a specific purpose and sets the tone for the dining experience. The choice of
Famous Menu Types often reflects the restaurant's concept, target audience, and operational model.
Coord. Chef Ahmet ÖZDEMİR
International And Intercontinental
Restaurant Consultant and Kitchen Consultant
World Ambassador of Ottoman and Turkish Cuisine