What is table d'hote?

In restaurant terminology a table d'hôte menu is a menu where multi-course meals with only a few choices are charged at a fixed total price. Such a menu may also be called prix fixe ("fixed price"). The terms set meal and set menu are also used. This is because the menu is set; the cutlery on the table may also already be set for all of the courses.

Table d'hôte contrasts with "A la carte", where customers may order any of the separately priced menu items available if given.

What is A la carte?

À la carte  is a French language loan phrase meaning "according to the menu", and used in

·         is reference to a menu of items priced and ordered separately, i.e. the usual operation of restaurants (In contrast to a table d'hôte, at which a menu with limited or no choice is served at a fixed price.)

·         To order an item from the menu on its own, e.g. a steak without the potatoes and vegetables is steak à la carte