Menu

A menu is a list of items presented for selection, typically indicating a choice among dishes, beverages, or commands. The word derives from a French term meaning a detailed or small list and has been used in various contexts to describe a selectable set of options.

In the dining industry, a menu communicates available food and drink, along with pricing and often dietary information. Menus vary by service style, such as à la carte menus that price individual items, set menus that offer a fixed sequence of courses, and tasting or prix fixe menus that provide curated experiences. Menu design considers legibility, portion descriptions, and the relationship between offerings and the kitchen’s capabilities. Historical menus emerged in European eateries, evolving alongside changes in culinary culture and hospitality practices.

In everyday life, menus also guide event planning, institutional meals, and catering, where choices may reflect dietary restrictions, seasonal availability, and budget constraints. The menu can influence customer expectations and meal satisfaction by balancing variety with clarity.

In computing and user interfaces, a menu is a navigational element that presents commands or options in grouped form. Common formats include a menu bar with drop-down menus, context or right-click menus, and nested submenus. Digital menus may adapt to device, language, accessibility needs, and user preferences, and they can be static or dynamically generated from data or user actions.

Across domains, menus serve to organize options in an accessible, predictable way, supporting efficient decision-making and interaction. They remain central to how people choose, consume, or command in both physical and digital environments.