set menu

Meaning

A set menu is a meal at a restaurant that offers a pre-selected list of courses (usually an appetizer, main course, and dessert) for a fixed price. There are limited choices for each course, making it a budget-friendly and quick dining option.

Examples

• The lunch set menu is only fifteen dollars and includes a drink.

  The lunch set menu is only fifteen dollars and includes a drink.

• We decided to go with the three-course set menu because it was much cheaper than ordering à la carte.

  We decided to go with the three-course set menu because it was much cheaper than ordering à la carte.

• Does the set menu have any vegetarian options, or is it only meat dishes?

  Does the set menu have any vegetarian options, or is it only meat dishes?

• During the holidays, many restaurants only offer a special set menu instead of their regular options.

  During the holidays, many restaurants only offer a special set menu instead of their regular options.

• I highly recommend the chef's tasting set menu if you want to try a bit of everything.

  I highly recommend the chef's tasting set menu if you want to try a bit of everything.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I ordered the fixed menu because it was cheaper.

  ✓ I ordered the set menu because it was cheaper.

  While 'fixed price' is used, the physical menu with pre-selected meals is called a 'set menu' in standard English. 'Fixed menu' sounds unnatural.

• ✗ Is there a set menu for ordering separate dishes?

  ✓ Can we order à la carte, or is there only a set menu?

  A 'set menu' is the opposite of ordering separate individual dishes, which is called 'ordering à la carte'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The restaurant offers a great value three-course ___ during lunch hours.

  💡 A pre-selected meal for a fixed price.

  Show answer

  set menu

• We couldn't order individual dishes because they only served a special Valentine's Day ___.

  💡 A fixed list of courses.

  Show answer

  set menu