How do you say "menu" in French?

‘Menu’ *(m) is a word also used in English, but in a different context. What we call the menu – the list of all items you can pick and choose from is called ‘la carte’ in French. The ‘menu’ is what we called a ‘set menu’, and if you order it, you are ordering a number of courses, usually between 2 (entrée and plat principal) and 3 (when dessert is added), and possibly more (see the menu order below).

Take note that the ‘entrée’ is NOT the main course in France, it is the first course. The main course is called ‘le plat principal’.

• le menu à prix fixe – menu at a set price
• menu dégustation – special tasting menu
• menu découverte – similar to le menu dégustation. It means ‘discovery menu’
• menu gastronomique – gourmet menu
• au menu – on the menu.

The menu order in traditional French cuisine is as follows:

• Hors d’oeuvres – Starters
• Potage – Soup course
• Poisson – Fish course
• Entrée – First main course
• Le plat principal – Main Course
• Le Fromage – Cheese Course
• Le dessert – dessert
• Entremets – dessert

menu

mə/new