Definition

1. Adjective: (Of a restaurant meal) having unlimited choices with a separate price for each item.
2. Adverb: By ordering items listed individually on a menu.
3. Noun: A menu having individual dishes listed with separate prices.

Usage

• Adjective: Describes a style of menu or dining.
  • The restaurant offers an a la carte menu alongside its fixed-price options.
• Adverb: Describes the manner of ordering.
  • We decided to order a la carte rather than choosing the set menu.
• Noun: Refers to the physical menu itself.
  • The waiter handed us the a la carte.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • For more flexibility, I prefer a la carte dining.
  • Is the seafood selection available on the a la carte menu?
• Adverb:
  • They ate a la carte, selecting three appetizers to share.
  • You can dine a la carte or opt for the chef's tasting menu.
• Noun:
  • Please consult the a la carte for dessert options.
  • The a la carte had a wider variety than the daily specials board.

Advanced Usage

• Contrast with 'prix fixe' or 'table d'hôte': "A la carte" is often contrasted with fixed-price menus where a complete meal is offered for a single price.
  • The restaurant's business model focuses on a la carte sales rather than prix fixe packages.

Variants and Related Words

• Prix fixe (noun): A meal consisting of several courses offered at a fixed total price.
• Table d'hôte (noun): A meal offered at a fixed price with limited or no choice of dishes.

Synonyms

• Adjective/Adverb: Individually priced, by the item.
• Noun: Individual menu, separate-price menu.

Related Phrases

• Order a la carte: To choose dishes individually from a menu.
  • We have different dietary needs, so let's just order a la carte.

Adjective

1. (of a restaurant meal) having unlimited choices with a separate price for each item

Adverb

1. by ordering items listed individually on a menu
   • we ate a la carte

Noun

1. a menu having individual dishes listed with separate prices