set menu

USAGE SUMMARY

"set menu" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a menu (usually in a restaurant) that has a pre-determined selection of dishes. For example, "We decided to try out the new Italian restaurant, which only had a set menu."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Set menu is $44.

The New York Times - Travel

Set menu €29.

The Guardian - Travel

Set menu £68, plus drinks and service.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Reservations are accepted only for the $50 set menu.

The New York Times - Food

Lunchtime set menu, two courses, £8, three, £10.

The Guardian - Travel

Set menu only, £35 for four courses, plus drinks & service.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Dinner from 7 p.m. Set menu is $64.

The New York Times - Travel

Tasting menus, $55 to $80; three-course set menu, $25.

The New York Times - Travel

At night, they let loose, preparing a set menu that wanders farther afield.

The New York Times

Set menu €12 A la carte €40 Famous customers The Spanish royal family and Isabella Rossellini.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The byword for the single set menu is 'whatever we have at hand' (Elandsgracht 108; set menus £25).

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a restaurant's offerings, use "set menu" to clearly indicate a pre-defined selection of dishes at a fixed price. This helps customers understand the dining format and potential cost.

Common error

Avoid using "set menu" when referring to a menu where customers can choose individual dishes. "Set menu" implies a pre-selected, multi-course meal, while "a la carte" allows for individual item selection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set menu" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a specific type of menu in a restaurant or dining establishment. Ludwig AI provides examples showcasing its use in various contexts, such as describing the price or contents of a meal.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Travel

32%

Food

15%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Science

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set menu" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a pre-defined selection of dishes offered at a fixed price, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's frequently encountered in travel guides, news articles about restaurants, and general dining contexts. While alternatives like "prix fixe menu" and "tasting menu" exist, "set menu" offers a clear and widely understood way to communicate the dining format. When using the term, ensure you're referring to a pre-selected meal and not an "a la carte" option, where dishes are ordered individually. The source analysis reveals its prevalence in reputable publications such as The New York Times and The Guardian, solidifying its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prix fixe menu

Uses the French term for a fixed-price menu, implying a multi-course meal at a set cost.

tasting menu

Focuses on the experience of sampling a variety of dishes, often smaller portions.

table d'hôte

A more formal term for a set menu, typically used in European restaurants.

fixed-price meal

Emphasizes the cost aspect of the meal being pre-determined.

pre-set meal

Highlights the fact that the meal is arranged in advance.

chef's choice menu

Indicates that the chef has selected the dishes, offering a curated dining experience.

menu degustation

A more elaborate tasting menu, often with wine pairings.

complete meal

Highlights that all courses are included in the selection.

special menu

Indicates a menu offered for a limited time or special occasion.

lunch special

Refers to a discounted or pre-defined lunch option.

FAQs

What does "set menu" mean in a restaurant context?

A "set menu" refers to a pre-arranged meal with a fixed selection of courses offered at a specific price. It contrasts with "a la carte", where dishes are ordered individually.

What are some alternatives to saying "set menu"?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you could use alternatives like "prix fixe menu", "tasting menu", or "fixed-price meal".

Is there a difference between "set menu" and "tasting menu"?

While both are pre-defined, a "set menu" typically offers a more standard multi-course meal. A "tasting menu" focuses on showcasing a range of the chef's creations in smaller portions, offering a broader culinary experience.

How can I use "set menu" in a sentence?

You can say something like, "The restaurant offers a delicious "set menu" for lunch", or "We opted for the "set menu" to try a variety of their signature dishes".