Advantages and Disadvantages of Menu

Advantages and Disadvantages of Menu A restaurant menu categorizes the types of food it offers by grouping it into sections such as appetizers, soups, salads, entrees and desserts. Restaurants that offer a variety of meals, i.e., breakfast, lunch and dinner, often separate the menu by meal to aid diners in their review. Having categories can simplify even the largest menu, making it easy for diners to make their selections. Restaurant menus give diners the advantage of knowing how much the meals cost before ordering them. The price of a particular dish often influences whether or not a diner wishes to order that meal. Many people are on budgets, or don't want to spend a fortune while dining out. Since restaurant menus list the price of each meal, from entrees to side dishes, decision-making by price is more convenient.

Categorization * A restaurant menu categorizes the types of food it offers by grouping it into sections such as appetizers, soups, salads, entrees and desserts. Restaurants that offer a variety of meals, i.e., breakfast, lunch and dinner, often separate the menu by meal to aid diners in their review. Having categories can simplify even the largest menu, making it easy for diners to make their selections.
Prices
* Restaurant menus give diners the advantage of knowing how much the meals cost before ordering them. The price of a particular dish often influences whether or not a diner wishes to order that meal. Many people are on budgets, or don't want to spend a fortune while dining out. Since restaurant menus list the price of each meal, from entrees to side dishes, decision-making by price is more convenient.
Ingredients
* A restaurant menu is also the place for diners to learn about what particular dishes contain. Some restaurants may have dish names that are in another language,e.g., Spaghetti alla Gricia. A well-done menu will explain the ingredients in that dish--spaghetti, pancetta, olive oil, crushed hot pepper, onions, garlic and romano cheese--to allow diners to make informed ordering decisions. Ingredient lists can also help diners stay away from dishes that could cause them to have an allergic reaction, although those with serious food allergy problems should always ask if their forbidden ingredient is used in a specific dish.
Nutrition
* Some restaurant menus contain nutrition facts that tell diners how many calories, fats, proteins, carbohydrates, sugars and sodium are in each meal. This is a beneficial menu feature for those who have dietary issues, including everything from watching their caloric or sodium intake to steering clear of sugar. Having it up-front makes the dining experience more educational and convenient for weight-watching or health-conscious diners.
Marketing
* According to Restaurant Informer, menus are restaurant marketing tools. They're considered to be internal advertising tools because they help sell food and beverages to diners once they're already at the restaurant -- or browsing the online menu. Every person who comes into a restaurant is going to read the menu, so it's important that its design and layout are attractive and appealing.