à la carte in 30 Seconds
- Ordering individual dishes from a menu, each with its own price.
- Offers flexibility and customization of your meal.
- Contrasts with set menus like 'menu do dia'.
- Commonly used in restaurants worldwide.
- Definition
- 'À la carte' is a French expression that has been adopted into many languages, including Portuguese and English. It literally translates to 'by the card' or 'from the menu.' In the context of dining, it refers to ordering individual dishes from a menu rather than choosing a pre-set meal or a fixed-price menu. When you order à la carte, you select each item you want to eat – appetizers, main courses, desserts, and drinks – and each item is priced separately. This offers diners flexibility and the ability to customize their meal according to their preferences and budget. Restaurants often offer both set menus (menus fixos) and à la carte options, allowing customers to choose the dining experience that best suits them. Ordering à la carte is common in many types of restaurants, from casual eateries to fine dining establishments. It's the default way of ordering in many places, especially when a set menu isn't explicitly offered or when a diner prefers not to have a set meal. Think of it as building your own meal, dish by dish, from the available options presented on the restaurant's menu. It emphasizes individual selection and pricing for each component of the meal.
We decided to go à la carte so we could each choose exactly what we wanted.
- When to Use
- You use 'à la carte' when you are describing the act of ordering individual dishes from a menu, where each item has its own price. This is in contrast to ordering a 'menu do dia' (menu of the day) or a 'menu degustação' (tasting menu), which are fixed-price, multi-course meals. It's a common term in restaurants, cafes, and bistros. When you see a menu with individual prices for appetizers, main courses, and desserts, you are looking at an à la carte menu. If you want to customize your meal, perhaps by skipping a starter or adding an extra side dish, ordering à la carte gives you that freedom. It's also used when discussing dining options in general. For instance, a travel guide might mention that a hotel restaurant offers both set menus and à la carte dining. The key is the individual selection and pricing of each component of the meal.
The restaurant offers a fixed-price menu or the option to order à la carte.
- Basic Sentence Structure
- The phrase 'à la carte' functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs related to ordering or dining. It typically follows the verb it modifies, indicating the manner in which something is ordered or offered. Common verbs it pairs with include 'pedir' (to order), 'comer' (to eat), and 'servir' (to serve). It can also be used attributively, describing a menu or dining style. When used as an adverbial phrase, it answers the question 'how?' about the ordering process. For instance, 'We ordered à la carte' means 'We ordered in a way where we selected individual dishes.' As an adjective, it describes the type of menu or dining experience, such as 'an à la carte menu' or 'à la carte dining.' The flexibility of this phrase allows it to be integrated into various sentence structures, making it a versatile addition to your Portuguese vocabulary. Remember that it is a fixed expression, so its spelling and pronunciation should be maintained.
O restaurante serve pratos à la carte.
- Examples
- Here are more examples demonstrating its usage: * **Ordering:** 'Eu prefiro pedir à la carte para poder escolher minhas sobremesas favoritas.' (I prefer to order à la carte so I can choose my favorite desserts.) * **Describing a Menu:** 'O cardápio é principalmente à la carte, com algumas opções de menu fixo.' (The menu is mainly à la carte, with some fixed menu options.) * **In a Conversation:** 'Você quer o menu do dia ou prefere pedir à la carte?' (Do you want the menu of the day or do you prefer to order à la carte?) * **As a Dining Style:** 'Este hotel oferece um serviço de jantar à la carte no terraço.' (This hotel offers à la carte dinner service on the terrace.) * **Comparing Options:** 'Geralmente, comer à la carte pode ser mais caro do que um menu fechado.' (Generally, eating à la carte can be more expensive than a set menu.) Notice how 'à la carte' modifies the action of ordering or describes the dining style. It's a concise way to convey the concept of individual dish selection.
- Restaurants and Cafes
- The most common place you'll hear 'à la carte' is in restaurants. Waitstaff will often ask if you prefer the 'menu do dia' (menu of the day) or if you'd like to see the 'cardápio à la carte' (à la carte menu). Even if they don't explicitly use the phrase, the concept is present whenever you're ordering individual dishes. In more casual settings like cafes, if they offer a selection of sandwiches, salads, or light meals with individual prices, that's essentially à la carte service. You might also hear it when discussing dining options with friends or family. For example, someone might say, 'Let's go to that new Italian place; I heard they have great pasta dishes à la carte.' The phrase is widely understood in the culinary world, making it a useful term for any traveler or food enthusiast.
O garçom perguntou se queríamos o menu executivo ou pedir à la carte.
- Travel and Hospitality
- In the tourism and hospitality industry, 'à la carte' is frequently used. Hotel concierges, travel agents, and online booking platforms often describe restaurant options using this term. For instance, a hotel might advertise its restaurant as offering 'gourmet cuisine à la carte.' When you're looking at hotel reviews or dining recommendations online, you'll often see mentions of whether a restaurant provides à la carte service. This helps travelers make informed decisions about where and how they want to dine. It's a standard term in the language of international dining and travel, ensuring that communication about meal choices is clear and consistent across different cultures and establishments.
- Confusing with Set Menus
- One common mistake is to confuse 'à la carte' with set menus, such as the 'menu do dia' (menu of the day) or 'menu executivo' (executive menu). These set menus offer a pre-selected combination of dishes, often at a fixed price, providing less flexibility than ordering à la carte. People might mistakenly believe that 'à la carte' refers to a special or premium menu, when in reality, it simply means ordering individual items. It's important to remember that 'à la carte' is about the *method* of ordering (individual items), not necessarily the *quality* or *price point* of the food, although it can sometimes be more expensive than a set menu if you order many dishes.
Mistake: 'Quero o menu à la carte.' (Incorrect when a fixed menu is intended.)
Correct: 'Quero o menu do dia, por favor.' (If you want the set menu.)
- Incorrect Usage of Articles/Prepositions
- Since 'à la carte' is a foreign phrase, learners might try to insert Portuguese articles or prepositions incorrectly. For example, saying 'um à la carte' or 'pedir o à la carte' is generally not done. The phrase is used as is. It functions adverbially, modifying the verb, or adjectivally, describing a menu. It's best to treat it as a fixed expression. Think of it like 'en route' or 'bona fide' in English – you don't typically add articles before them when they function adverbially. The correct usage is to place it after the verb or to use it to describe a noun directly, like 'menu à la carte'. Paying attention to how native speakers use it in context will help avoid these grammatical errors.
- Set Menus
- The primary alternative to ordering 'à la carte' is choosing a set menu. These have various names in Portuguese: * Menu do Dia: This is the most common term for a 'menu of the day.' It usually includes a starter, a main course, a drink, and sometimes dessert or coffee, all for a fixed price. It's often the most economical option. * Menu Executivo: Similar to 'menu do dia,' often found in business districts or during weekdays, targeting professionals. It's a fixed-price meal. * Menu Fixo: A general term for a 'fixed menu' or 'set menu,' which could be for lunch or dinner. * Menu Degustação: A 'tasting menu,' which is a more elaborate set menu featuring a series of small, carefully curated dishes, often showcasing the chef's specialties. This is typically more expensive and found in fine dining restaurants.
Contrast: While 'à la carte' offers flexibility, 'menu do dia' offers convenience and value.
- Descriptive Alternatives
- While 'à la carte' is specific, you can also describe the concept without using the French phrase: * Pedir pratos individuais: 'To order individual dishes.' This is a direct Portuguese explanation of what 'à la carte' means. * Escolher do cardápio: 'To choose from the menu.' This is a very general phrase but implies selecting items. * Comer por item: 'To eat by item.' This emphasizes that you are paying for each item separately. However, 'à la carte' is the most widely recognized and concise term for this specific dining style, so it's still the preferred option in most contexts.
How Formal Is It?
"O estabelecimento oferece uma experiência gastronômica meticulosamente curada, com um cardápio exclusivamente à la carte."
"Gostaria de pedir à la carte, por favor. Qual é o preço deste prato?"
"Vamos só pegar uns petiscos à la carte, tipo pra ir beliscando."
"Podemos escolher nossos pratos favoritos um por um, como num jogo!"
Fun Fact
The concept of ordering à la carte became popular in the 19th century as restaurants moved away from the older system of table d'hôte (fixed-price meals) and offered more individualized dining experiences. This shift allowed diners greater freedom and customization.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'à' as 'a' (like in 'cat'). It should be an open 'ah' sound.
- Not rolling or tapping the 'r' in 'carte'.
- Incorrect stress, placing it on 'la' instead of 'carte'.
Difficulty Rating
The phrase itself is short, but understanding its nuances in different contexts (e.g., contrasting with set menus, implications for cost) requires higher comprehension.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Use of French loanwords in Portuguese.
'À la carte' is a French phrase used as is in Portuguese, maintaining its original spelling and pronunciation. It functions adverbially or adjectivally.
Adverbial phrases modifying verbs.
In 'Eles pediram à la carte,' 'à la carte' modifies the verb 'pediram' (ordered), indicating how they ordered.
Adjectival phrases describing nouns.
In 'O menu à la carte é extenso,' 'à la carte' describes the noun 'menu'.
Contrast with set menus.
While 'à la carte' offers individual choices, 'menu do dia' is a fixed-price set meal, often including starter, main, and dessert.
Pronunciation of foreign phrases.
Maintain the original French pronunciation as closely as possible: /ˌɑː lə ˈkɑːrt/.
Examples by Level
Quero comer.
I want to eat.
Simple verb usage.
Vamos pedir à la carte?
Shall we order à la carte?
'À la carte' as an adverbial phrase modifying 'pedir'.
Gosto de pedir pratos diferentes.
I like to order different dishes.
Using 'pratos diferentes' to convey the idea of individual selection.
O restaurante tem menu do dia e à la carte.
The restaurant has a menu of the day and à la carte.
Contrasting two dining options.
Prefiro comer à la carte hoje.
I prefer to eat à la carte today.
'À la carte' as an adverbial phrase modifying 'comer'.
Cada prato tem um preço.
Each dish has a price.
Explaining the pricing structure of à la carte.
Não quero um menu fixo.
I don't want a fixed menu.
Negating the desire for a set menu.
Podemos escolher o que quisermos.
We can choose whatever we want.
Highlighting the freedom of choice.
O cardápio à la carte é longo.
The à la carte menu is long.
'À la carte' used attributively to describe the menu.
Decidimos jantar à la carte para experimentar mais opções.
We decided to dine à la carte to try more options.
'À la carte' used as an adverbial phrase indicating the reason for the decision.
O restaurante oferece um menu degustação, mas também a opção de pedir à la carte.
The restaurant offers a tasting menu, but also the option to order à la carte.
Contrasting a tasting menu with à la carte ordering.
Se pedirmos à la carte, o custo total pode ser maior.
If we order à la carte, the total cost might be higher.
Conditional sentence discussing the financial implications of à la carte.
Ela prefere a liberdade de escolher pratos individuais em vez de um menu pré-definido.
She prefers the freedom to choose individual dishes instead of a pre-defined menu.
Using descriptive Portuguese to explain the concept of à la carte.
Este hotel tem um restaurante com serviço à la carte durante todo o dia.
This hotel has a restaurant with à la carte service all day.
'À la carte' used attributively to describe the service.
É comum em muitos países europeus oferecerem opções à la carte juntamente com menus fixos.
It's common in many European countries to offer à la carte options alongside fixed menus.
Discussing dining practices in a broader context.
Para ocasiões especiais, muitos optam por um jantar à la carte mais elaborado.
For special occasions, many opt for a more elaborate à la carte dinner.
'À la carte' used to describe a type of dinner.
O garçom explicou que poderíamos combinar entradas e pratos principais como quiséssemos.
The waiter explained that we could combine starters and main courses as we wished.
Describing the flexibility of à la carte ordering through dialogue.
A política do restaurante é oferecer uma experiência totalmente à la carte, permitindo que cada cliente personalize sua refeição.
The restaurant's policy is to offer a fully à la carte experience, allowing each customer to personalize their meal.
'À la carte' used attributively, emphasizing customization.
Embora o menu degustação seja tentador, a flexibilidade de escolher pratos individuais à la carte me agrada mais.
Although the tasting menu is tempting, the flexibility of choosing individual à la carte dishes appeals to me more.
Comparing à la carte with a tasting menu, using 'à la carte' adjectivally.
O custo de uma refeição à la carte pode variar significativamente dependendo das escolhas feitas.
The cost of an à la carte meal can vary significantly depending on the choices made.
'À la carte' used adjectivally to describe the meal.
Em muitos restaurantes de alta gastronomia, o serviço à la carte é o padrão, com menus fixos sendo menos comuns.
In many fine dining restaurants, à la carte service is the standard, with fixed menus being less common.
'À la carte' used adjectivally to describe the service.
A capacidade de adaptar um pedido à la carte para atender a restrições alimentares é uma grande vantagem.
The ability to adapt an à la carte order to meet dietary restrictions is a big advantage.
'À la carte' used adjectivally in relation to an order.
Os críticos gastronômicos elogiaram a variedade e a qualidade dos pratos oferecidos à la carte.
Food critics praised the variety and quality of the dishes offered à la carte.
'À la carte' used adverbially, indicating how the dishes were offered.
Para garantir a frescura dos ingredientes, o chef opta por preparar os pratos apenas sob demanda, no estilo à la carte.
To ensure ingredient freshness, the chef opts to prepare dishes only on demand, in the à la carte style.
'À la carte' used adverbially, describing the preparation style.
A experiência de jantar à la carte permite uma exploração mais aprofundada do repertório culinário do chef.
The à la carte dining experience allows for a deeper exploration of the chef's culinary repertoire.
'À la carte' used adjectivally to describe the dining experience.
A filosofia do estabelecimento reside em proporcionar uma experiência gastronômica totalmente personalizável, onde o cliente dita o ritmo e a composição do seu menu à la carte.
The establishment's philosophy lies in providing a fully customizable gastronomic experience, where the customer dictates the pace and composition of their à la carte menu.
'À la carte' used adjectivally, emphasizing the customer's control.
Contrastando com a rigidez dos menus fixos, a liberdade inerente à seleção à la carte fomenta uma apreciação mais íntima e individualizada da culinária.
Contrasting with the rigidity of fixed menus, the freedom inherent in à la carte selection fosters a more intimate and individualized appreciation of the cuisine.
'À la carte' used adjectivally, highlighting the type of selection.
A precificação à la carte, embora potencialmente mais dispendiosa, reflete o valor intrínseco de cada componente do prato e a exclusividade da escolha.
À la carte pricing, although potentially more expensive, reflects the intrinsic value of each dish component and the exclusivity of the choice.
'À la carte' used adjectivally to describe pricing.
A arquitetura do menu, concebida para permitir combinações ilimitadas, sublinha a abordagem resolutamente à la carte do restaurante.
The menu architecture, designed to allow unlimited combinations, underscores the restaurant's resolutely à la carte approach.
'À la carte' used adjectivally to describe the approach.
A degustação à la carte permite uma jornada culinária que se desdobra organicamente, em sintonia com o apetite e as preferências do comensal.
The à la carte tasting allows for a culinary journey that unfolds organically, in tune with the diner's appetite and preferences.
'À la carte' used adjectivally to describe the tasting experience.
A reputação do estabelecimento foi construída sobre a excelência dos seus pratos preparados à la carte, cada um uma obra de arte culinária.
The establishment's reputation was built on the excellence of its à la carte prepared dishes, each a culinary work of art.
'À la carte' used adverbially, modifying 'preparados'.
A introdução de um serviço à la carte mais acessível visa democratizar o acesso à alta gastronomia sem comprometer a qualidade.
The introduction of a more accessible à la carte service aims to democratize access to fine dining without compromising quality.
'À la carte' used adjectivally to describe the service.
A versatilidade do formato à la carte garante que o restaurante possa atender a uma clientela diversificada, desde o comensal casual ao conhecedor exigente.
The versatility of the à la carte format ensures that the restaurant can cater to a diverse clientele, from the casual diner to the demanding connoisseur.
'À la carte' used adjectivally to describe the format.
A curadoria meticulosa do cardápio, que privilegia a autonomia do cliente na montagem do seu percurso gastronômico à la carte, é o cerne da proposta de valor do restaurante.
The meticulous curation of the menu, which prioritizes customer autonomy in assembling their à la carte gastronomic journey, is the core of the restaurant's value proposition.
'À la carte' used adjectivally, modifying 'percurso gastronômico'.
Distanciando-se da previsibilidade dos menus compostos, a abordagem intrinsecamente à la carte fomenta uma interação mais dinâmica e exploratória com a oferta culinária.
Diverging from the predictability of composed menus, the intrinsically à la carte approach fosters a more dynamic and exploratory interaction with the culinary offering.
'À la carte' used adjectivally, emphasizing its intrinsic nature.
A precificação à la carte, concebida para refletir a complexidade e a singularidade de cada preparação, constitui um testemunho da dedicação do chef à excelência.
À la carte pricing, designed to reflect the complexity and uniqueness of each preparation, stands as a testament to the chef's dedication to excellence.
'À la carte' used adjectivally to describe pricing.
A arquitetura do menu, que desincentiva a rigidez e encoraja a experimentação, é um reflexo inequívoco da mentalidade à la carte que permeia toda a experiência.
The menu architecture, which discourages rigidity and encourages experimentation, is an unmistakable reflection of the à la carte mindset that permeates the entire experience.
'À la carte' used adjectivally to describe the mindset.
A experiência de degustação à la carte transcende a mera refeição; é uma sinfonia de sabores orquestrada pelo paladar do cliente.
The à la carte tasting experience transcends a mere meal; it is a symphony of flavors orchestrated by the diner's palate.
'À la carte' used adjectivally to describe the tasting experience.
A fama do estabelecimento advém da magistral execução dos seus pratos preparados à la carte, cada um uma ode à arte culinária.
The establishment's fame stems from the masterful execution of its à la carte prepared dishes, each an ode to culinary art.
'À la carte' used adverbially, modifying 'preparados'.
A democratização da alta gastronomia é perseguida através da oferta de um serviço à la carte mais flexível e adaptável, quebrando barreiras de acesso.
The democratization of fine dining is pursued through the offering of a more flexible and adaptable à la carte service, breaking down access barriers.
'À la carte' used adjectivally to describe the service.
A inerente versatilidade do formato à la carte assegura que o restaurante se posicione como um destino culinário adaptável a um espectro vasto de preferências, do ep curiano ao hedonista.
The inherent versatility of the à la carte format ensures that the restaurant positions itself as a culinary destination adaptable to a vast spectrum of preferences, from the epicurean to the hedonist.
'À la carte' used adjectivally to describe the format.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— A menu that lists individual dishes with their prices.
Você pode ver o menu à la carte aqui.
— To have dinner by ordering individual dishes.
Decidimos jantar à la carte para celebrar.
— A service where food is ordered dish by dish.
O hotel oferece serviço à la carte no quarto 24 horas.
— The choice to order individual dishes.
Além do menu do dia, temos a opção à la carte.
— To eat by choosing individual dishes.
Prefiro comer à la carte para experimentar mais.
— Individual dishes offered on a menu.
Os pratos à la carte são preparados na hora.
— The manner of ordering individual dishes.
O restaurante opera num estilo à la carte.
— A dining experience centered around choosing individual dishes.
Buscamos oferecer uma experiência à la carte única.
Often Confused With
'Menu do dia' is a set menu of the day, usually with limited choices and a fixed price. 'À la carte' means ordering individual dishes, each priced separately.
Similar to 'menu do dia', an executive menu is a fixed-price meal, often for business lunches, offering a selection of dishes but not the full flexibility of à la carte.
A tasting menu is a multi-course meal designed to showcase the chef's skills, with a predetermined sequence of dishes. It's different from the individual selection offered by 'à la carte'.
Idioms & Expressions
— To order individual dishes from a menu, as opposed to a set meal. It implies a desire for choice and customization.
Em vez de aceitar o pacote, ele preferiu pedir à la carte para ter controle total sobre seus gastos.
Neutral— To have the freedom to choose individual items or options, particularly in a dining context.
Gosto de restaurantes que me dão a liberdade à la carte, assim posso montar meu prato perfeito.
Neutral— A menu that lists individual dishes with their respective prices, allowing for flexible ordering.
O restaurante apresentou um menu à la carte impressionante, com opções para todos os gostos.
Neutral— To dine by selecting individual dishes from a menu.
Para celebrar a ocasião especial, eles optaram por jantar à la carte.
Neutral— A dining service where customers order individual items from a menu.
O serviço à la carte do hotel é conhecido pela sua qualidade e rapidez.
Neutral— The choice to order individual items from a menu.
Além do menu do dia, o restaurante oferece a opção à la carte.
Neutral— To eat by ordering individual dishes.
Prefiro comer à la carte para poder experimentar diferentes combinações.
Neutral— Individual dishes available for ordering from a menu.
Os pratos à la carte são o destaque da casa.
Neutral— The manner of ordering and serving individual dishes.
O restaurante adota um estilo à la carte, focado na experiência do cliente.
Neutral— A dining experience characterized by the selection of individual dishes.
Buscamos proporcionar uma experiência à la carte memorável.
NeutralEasily Confused
Both relate to ordering food in a restaurant.
'Menu do dia' is a fixed-price, pre-selected meal. 'À la carte' means ordering individual dishes, each with its own price, offering much more flexibility.
Preferimos o menu do dia porque é mais barato e rápido. / Escolhemos pedir à la carte para provar pratos diferentes.
Both are related to food items in a restaurant.
'Prato' means 'dish'. 'À la carte' refers to the method of ordering individual 'pratos' from the menu, each with its own price.
Este é o meu prato favorito. / Gostaria de pedir este prato à la carte.
Both refer to the list of food options.
'Cardápio' is the Portuguese word for menu. 'À la carte' is a specific way of ordering from that menu, where each item is priced individually.
O cardápio tem muitas opções. / O cardápio é principalmente à la carte.
Both can relate to dining choices.
'Fixo' means fixed. A 'menu fixo' is a set menu. 'À la carte' implies a lack of fixed choices, offering individual selection.
O menu fixo inclui sobremesa. / Preferimos a opção à la carte para escolher a sobremesa.
Both imply selection of single items.
'Individual' describes a single item. 'À la carte' describes the system of ordering these individual items from a menu, each with its own price, as opposed to a set meal.
Quero um prato individual. / Quero pedir pratos individuais à la carte.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + Pedir + à la carte
Eu pedi à la carte.
Menu + à la carte
Este é o menu à la carte.
Subject + Preferir + Verb + à la carte
Nós preferimos comer à la carte.
Subject + Ter + Opção + à la carte
O restaurante tem a opção à la carte.
Contrast: Subject + Verb + à la carte + Em vez de + Set Menu
Eles pediram à la carte em vez do menu do dia.
Adverbial Phrase: À la carte, + Subject + Verb + Object
À la carte, podemos escolher os nossos pratos favoritos.
Subject + Oferecer + Noun Phrase + à la carte
O hotel oferece serviço de quarto à la carte.
Subject + Descrever + Experiência + à la carte
Eles descreveram a refeição como uma experiência à la carte inesquecível.
Word Family
Related
How to Use It
Common, especially in dining contexts.
-
Confusing 'à la carte' with 'menu do dia'.
→
'À la carte' means ordering individual items. 'Menu do dia' is a fixed set meal.
Learners often assume any menu option is 'à la carte'. It's crucial to distinguish between ordering individual, priced items and a pre-set meal.
-
Pronouncing it like 'a la cart' with a short 'a'.
→
Pronounce 'à' as an open 'ah' sound and 'carte' with a clear 'r' sound.
The French origin requires specific vowel sounds and an emphasis on the 'r'. Incorrect pronunciation can hinder understanding.
-
Using articles before 'à la carte'.
→
Use 'à la carte' as a phrase without articles, e.g., 'pedir à la carte', not 'pedir o à la carte'.
'À la carte' functions as an adverbial phrase or an adjective and doesn't typically take articles when used this way.
-
Thinking 'à la carte' is always the most expensive option.
→
'À la carte' offers flexibility. The cost depends on the individual items chosen.
While often more expensive if many items are chosen, à la carte can be economical if only a few inexpensive items are selected.
-
Treating it as a singular noun.
→
'À la carte' is a phrase, not a countable noun. You order *from* an à la carte menu or order *à la carte*.
It's incorrect to say 'I want an à la carte' or 'The à la cartes were good'. It functions adverbially or adjectivally.
Tips
Understand the Contrast
Always remember that 'à la carte' is about ordering individual items with individual prices. This is in direct contrast to set menus like 'menu do dia' or 'menu degustação', which offer a pre-selected meal for a single price.
Nail the Pronunciation
Pronounce it as 'ah lah kart'. The 'à' has an open 'ah' sound, and the stress is on the last syllable, 'carte'. Practicing this will make you sound more natural.
Use it in Context
When you're discussing dining plans or looking at menus, try to use 'à la carte' to describe the option of ordering individual dishes. This reinforces your understanding and usage.
Adverbial and Adjectival Use
Recognize that 'à la carte' can function as an adverb modifying a verb (e.g., 'pedir à la carte') or as an adjective describing a noun (e.g., 'menu à la carte').
Cultural Relevance
Understanding 'à la carte' is essential for navigating dining culture in Portuguese-speaking countries and globally. It's a key term for expressing preferences and making informed choices.
Visual Association
Imagine a chef holding a menu that looks like a special 'card' with artistic dishes. This visual can help you remember 'à la carte' means ordering from the menu's artistic selections.
Role-Playing
Practice dialogues with a friend or language partner. One person can be the waiter offering options ('Menu do dia ou à la carte?'), and the other can respond with their choice.
Connect to English
Since 'à la carte' is also used in English, recognize that your understanding of the term in one language directly benefits your comprehension in the other, making it a useful cognate.
Consider the Cost
Be mindful that while à la carte offers flexibility, it can sometimes lead to a higher bill than a set menu. Plan your choices accordingly if budget is a concern.
Explore Alternatives
Familiarize yourself with Portuguese alternatives or descriptive phrases like 'pedir pratos individuais' or 'comer por item' to fully grasp the concept and express it in different ways.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a chef holding a 'card' (menu) and pointing to each 'art'fully prepared dish, saying 'à la carte' for each one you choose. The 'card' and 'art' sounds can help you remember the phrase.
Visual Association
Picture a restaurant menu that is designed like a beautifully illustrated playing card. Each section or dish is like a different card you can pick from to build your meal.
Word Web
Challenge
When you next visit a restaurant, consciously identify whether you are ordering à la carte or from a set menu. Try to explain the difference to someone else using the term 'à la carte'.
Word Origin
The phrase 'à la carte' originates from French. It literally translates to 'by the card' or 'from the menu.' The term was adopted into English and subsequently into Portuguese due to the influence of French cuisine and its terminology in fine dining.
Original meaning: 'By the card' or 'from the menu.'
Indo-European (French is a Romance language, part of the Italic branch).Cultural Context
The term 'à la carte' is neutral and widely accepted. It doesn't carry any negative connotations and is a standard part of dining vocabulary.
In English-speaking countries, 'à la carte' is also commonly used in restaurants and has the exact same meaning: ordering individual dishes from a menu.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Ordering food in a restaurant.
- Gostaria de ver o menu à la carte.
- Podemos pedir à la carte?
- Qual o preço deste prato à la carte?
Discussing dining options.
- Você prefere menu do dia ou à la carte?
- Este restaurante é mais à la carte.
- Comer à la carte pode ser mais caro.
Reading restaurant reviews or descriptions.
- O restaurante oferece serviço à la carte.
- Os pratos à la carte são excelentes.
- Uma experiência gastronômica à la carte.
Comparing dining styles.
- A diferença entre menu fixo e à la carte.
- Prefiro a flexibilidade do à la carte.
- O menu degustação é diferente do à la carte.
Making reservations or inquiries.
- Vocês têm opções à la carte?
- O que significa 'à la carte'?
- Posso pedir à la carte no quarto?
Conversation Starters
"What's your favorite type of restaurant: one with a fixed menu or one where you can order à la carte?"
"Have you ever had a meal where you ordered completely à la carte? What did you choose?"
"Do you think ordering à la carte is usually more expensive than a set menu? Why or why not?"
"When you're feeling adventurous, do you prefer a tasting menu or the freedom of ordering à la carte?"
"What's the most memorable dish you've ever ordered à la carte?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you ordered à la carte and how it enhanced your dining experience. What dishes did you choose and why?
Imagine you are designing your own à la carte menu for a special occasion. What three dishes would you include and what would you name them?
Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of ordering à la carte versus choosing a set menu. Which do you prefer and in what situations?
Reflect on a restaurant experience where the 'à la carte' option significantly impacted the cost of your meal. How did you manage your choices?
If you could have any meal à la carte from any restaurant in the world, what would it be and why?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'À la carte' in Portuguese means ordering individual dishes from a menu, where each item has its own price. It's the same meaning as in English and French, offering flexibility in choosing your meal rather than selecting a set menu.
Not necessarily, but it often can be. Ordering à la carte allows you to choose exactly what you want, so if you select many expensive items, the total cost will be higher than a fixed-price set menu. However, if you choose only a few inexpensive items, it might be comparable or even cheaper.
You should use 'à la carte' when you want the freedom to choose specific dishes from the full menu, perhaps skipping a starter or adding extra side dishes. Use 'menu do dia' when you want a pre-selected, often more economical, meal that includes a starter, main, and sometimes dessert.
Most restaurants offer an à la carte option, especially those with a detailed menu. However, some places might specialize only in set menus (like tasting menus or daily specials), so it's always good to check the menu or ask the staff.
The pronunciation is very similar to English: /ˌɑː lə ˈkɑːrt/. The stress is on the last syllable, 'carte'. It's pronounced like 'ah lah kart'.
Yes, 'à la carte' is a very common and well-understood term in both Portugal and Brazil, widely used in restaurants and discussions about dining.
'Menu à la carte' refers specifically to the menu itself, which lists individual dishes with prices. 'À la carte' as a phrase is used when describing the act of ordering or the dining style itself (e.g., 'pedir à la carte' or 'serviço à la carte').
While primarily used for dining, the concept can sometimes be metaphorically applied to other situations where individual choices are made from a selection, but its primary and most common use is in the culinary world.
In such cases, you usually cannot order 'à la carte' unless the restaurant specifically allows it. You would typically have to choose one of the set menus or might be able to order individual items if they are offered as add-ons to the set menu.
You can say, 'Gostaria de ver o menu à la carte, por favor' (I would like to see the à la carte menu, please) or 'Podemos pedir à la carte?' (Can we order à la carte?).
Test Yourself 10 questions
/ 10 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
À la carte means ordering individual dishes from a menu, with each item priced separately. This offers diners the flexibility to choose exactly what they want and customize their meal, unlike a fixed-price set menu.
- Ordering individual dishes from a menu, each with its own price.
- Offers flexibility and customization of your meal.
- Contrasts with set menus like 'menu do dia'.
- Commonly used in restaurants worldwide.
Understand the Contrast
Always remember that 'à la carte' is about ordering individual items with individual prices. This is in direct contrast to set menus like 'menu do dia' or 'menu degustação', which offer a pre-selected meal for a single price.
Nail the Pronunciation
Pronounce it as 'ah lah kart'. The 'à' has an open 'ah' sound, and the stress is on the last syllable, 'carte'. Practicing this will make you sound more natural.
Use it in Context
When you're discussing dining plans or looking at menus, try to use 'à la carte' to describe the option of ordering individual dishes. This reinforces your understanding and usage.
Adverbial and Adjectival Use
Recognize that 'à la carte' can function as an adverb modifying a verb (e.g., 'pedir à la carte') or as an adjective describing a noun (e.g., 'menu à la carte').
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More food words
a conta
A1The bill or check (in a restaurant).
a gosto
A2To taste, according to one's preference for flavor.
à mão
A2By hand (e.g., prepare by hand), done manually.
à mesa
A2At the table, referring to dining.
à parte
A2Aside; separately, served separately.
à pressa
A2In a hurry, with great haste.
à saúde
A2A toast, meaning 'to health' or 'cheers'.
a vapor
A2Steamed; cooked by steam.
à vontade
A2At ease/As much as you want; freely, comfortably.
abacate
A2Avocado.
