What is a list of food items available in a restaurant called?

A list of food items available in a restaurant is known as a menu. This document typically provides diners with various options, including appetizers, main courses, desserts, and beverages. It serves as an organized selection of dishes that the chefs are prepared to serve, often including descriptions of each item, prices, and sometimes ingredients.

In addition to being a tool to convey available options to customers, the menu also reflects the theme or cuisine style of the restaurant, such as Italian, Mexican, or fine dining. It plays a crucial role in the overall dining experience, helping patrons make informed choices about their meals.

The other terms refer to different concepts: a “dish” denotes a specific prepared food item rather than a comprehensive list; a “recipe” is a set of instructions for preparing a particular dish; and an “ingredient” refers to the individual components used to make a dish. Each of these terms highlights a different aspect of the culinary experience, but the menu is the one that encapsulates the entire selection of food offered to patrons in a restaurant setting.