Glossary
Table d'hôte
Table d'hôte is a fixed-price menu of multiple courses with a limited set of choices, served as a complete meal.
How table d'hôte works
French for the host's table, table d'hôte offers a complete meal at one price, historically with little or no choice. In practice today it overlaps closely with prix fixe; the distinction is mostly tradition, with table d'hôte implying a more hosted, set progression.
The format simplifies the kitchen, speeds service, and locks a predictable margin per cover.
Example
A country inn serves a nightly table d'hôte at $48: a single soup, one of two mains, and a set dessert. The fixed structure lets a small kitchen run lean and forecast purchasing precisely.
Operational limitations
Usage overlaps with prix fixe and varies by market. Explain the actual number of courses, choices, inclusions, supplements, and service conditions rather than relying on the label alone.
See also
Related
Build your restaurant menu now
Describe your restaurant and get a structured, editable menu with a hosted QR link and print-ready layout. Free to start.
Start building