first thing on the menu

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first thing on the menu" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the initial item or option presented in a list, particularly in the context of food or activities. Example: "For our dinner party, the first thing on the menu is a delicious appetizer of bruschetta."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

What people decide they want is often a product of the way a choice is framed for them they take the first thing on the menu, or a bit of everything.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's my second favorite thing on the menu.

The New York Times

It's like a restaurant with one thing on the menu, or a business card without a number on it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We took a table in back and ordered the one thing on the menu: "lunch".

The New York Times - Style

They go to these restaurants and find one thing on the menu that suffices.

Huffington Post

Even more unusually, Marcus Wareing, who claims the dish was "the first thing I put on the menu when I took over at the Savoy Grill", goes for two layers of softly set scrambled eggs instead.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So when he accepted this job, a seafood gumbo was the first thing he placed on the menu.

Forbes

Best thing on the menu: the cigarettes.

The Guardian - Film

They were my favorite thing on the menu.

The New York Times

It's my favorite thing on the menu.

The New York Times

"It's my favorite thing on the menu," she insisted.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first thing on the menu" when you want to refer to an initial option or selection, especially when discussing food choices or priorities.

Common error

Avoid using "first thing on the menu" to describe something that is simply a personal first choice, if it is not actually the first listed item on a menu. Instead, focus on expressing preference directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first thing on the menu" primarily functions as a noun phrase acting as an adjective to describe an item or choice, typically in a restaurant setting. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first thing on the menu" is a commonly used expression that refers to the initial item or option one notices or selects on a menu, often indicating a preference or starting point. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and widespread use. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase functions as a noun phrase, helping to describe initial choices in a restaurant context. Related phrases include "initial menu selection" and "top menu item". When using this phrase, it's best to ensure it accurately reflects an initial menu item and not just a personal preference. Steer clear of using it in highly formal contexts. The phrase is suitable for both informal and general use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial menu selection

Focuses on the act of choosing from a menu, highlighting the starting point.

top menu item

Emphasizes the position or ranking of an item on the menu.

primary dish available

Highlights the availability and the main status of a dish.

first dish offered

Focuses on the act of offering the dish, highlighting its place in the service.

starting menu option

Highlights that it is the first option when looking at the menu.

the initial course

Replaces 'thing on the menu' with 'course', focusing on a meal's progression.

the chef's recommendation

Implies a suggestion or highlight made by the chef.

the most popular item

Highlights popularity instead of order.

the house special

Emphasizes that the dish is unique to the establishment.

the quickest order

Highlights speed of preparation instead of preference or listing.

FAQs

How can I use "first thing on the menu" in a sentence?

You might say, "The "first thing on the menu" that caught my eye was the seafood platter" or "When I go there, the "first thing on the menu" I always order is the burger".

What's a good alternative to "first thing on the menu"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "top menu item" or "primary dish available".

Is "first thing on the menu" formal or informal?

It's generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both informal and some formal contexts, but avoid it in highly formal writing.

What does "first thing on the menu" actually refer to?

It refers to the initial item or option that you notice on a menu, not necessarily the best or most important item.