Restaurant and menu terms
Restaurant and menu terms: a diner’s guide
Restaurant terms tell you what kind of place, dish or service you are choosing. Start with the definition, then confirm the portions, inclusions and ordering steps on the actual menu.
Find a term
Restaurant types
- Chain / franchise
- A shared group identity and a brand operating agreement are different concepts.[12][13]
Menu structure
- Appetizer / hors d’œuvres
- Appetizers precede a meal; savoury hors d’œuvres can serve that role.[15][16]
- À la carte
- Dishes ordered at individual prices.[20]
- Tasting menu
- A selection offered together as a meal or tasting experience.[22]
Drinks
- Bottle service
- A bottle-based service package whose inclusions depend on the venue.[23]
- Rail / well / call / top shelf
- House selection, named-brand orders and premium labels; confirm the actual spirit.[24][25]
- Neat / on the rocks
- Without water, mixer or ice / with ice.[26][27]
- Wine pairing
- Wine chosen to accompany food, sometimes as a course-by-course sequence.[2]
Service and payment
- Service charge / tip
- For US federal tax, a required charge differs from a voluntary tip.[1]
- Counter service / fast casual
- Ordering, and usually paying, at a counter rather than with a server at the table;[29][30] fast casual adds food made to order.[3]
- Self service
- Customers collect their food; charging arrangements vary.[31]
Restaurant roles
- Kitchen brigade
- The organised roles within a kitchen team.[4]
Is a service charge the same as a tip?
For US federal tax purposes, a mandatory service charge is different from a voluntary tip.[1] That distinction does not tell you how this restaurant distributes the charge or whether an additional tip is expected. Ask what the bill includes before adding another payment.
This is a US tax distinction, not a universal rule for every country. Look at the restaurant’s written policy and ask staff to explain the service or gratuity line. The label alone cannot settle local obligations.
What is wine pairing?
Wine pairing means choosing wine to accompany the food; on a tasting menu it can mean a sequence of wines matched to courses. Michelin’s published examples also include alcohol-free drink pairings.[2] Ask whether the pairing is optional, how it is charged and whether you can choose a single glass instead.
What does fast casual mean for my visit?
Fast casual blends counter-ordering features with elements such as made-to-order food.[3] As a diner, confirm where to order and collect your meal. Kitchen brigade describes the organisation of kitchen roles.[4] For a dish question, start with your server; they can direct your question to the kitchen.
When you see it on the menu
Treat a heading as a clue, then read the description and inclusions. Terms do not certify ingredients, portion sizes or a restaurant’s policies.
How to order
Choose the term group below, open the relevant guide and use its questions with staff before ordering.
Questions to ask staff
- What does this heading mean on your menu?
- What is included with the dish or service?
- Who can confirm the preparation before I order?
Use the definition with your actual menu
SeEat helps you understand and compare dishes for your taste. Confirm current ingredients, preparation and service details with the restaurant.