a la carte
ah-lah-KART
/ˌɑː lɑː ˈkɑːrt/
Referring to food that can be ordered as separate items from a menu rather than as part of a fixed-price set meal.
Implies complete freedom of selection where each individual dish carries its own separate charge.
The story behind the word. In the early 19th century, French dining shifted from host-served communal feasts to individual restaurant service. Diners chose items 'according to the card' (carte), establishing the modern individual order format.
Word relationships
- individually priced: Individually priced is a descriptive descriptive phrase, whereas a la carte is standard restaurant industry jargon.
- prix fixe: Prix fixe offers a complete multi-course meal for a single set price.
- table d'hôte: Table d'hôte is a set menu with limited choices at a fixed package price.
Commonly confused with
- buffet: A buffet is self-serve dining at a fixed price, while a la carte involves individually priced cooked-to-order dishes.
Collocations
- order a la carte
- a la carte menu
- a la carte pricing
- available a la carte
Example sentences
- "Guests may choose from the prix fixe set menu or select dishes a la carte." Restaurant menu option
Memory hook
CART = picture picking items individually into your shopping cart. Pick items individually off the menu card.
When not to use
Do not use when describing a set multi-course meal that comes at a unified package price.
Fun facts
- The word 'card' and 'chart' come from the same Greek root chartes as carte in French.
Related words
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