What does "A la carte" refer to on a menu?

The term "A la carte" refers specifically to a style of menu where individual items are priced and served separately. This allows customers to select dishes based on their preferences rather than being confined to a predefined selection. Each dish can be ordered independently, which enhances the dining experience by providing more choices and customization.

This approach contrasts with other dining styles like buffet, fixed-price menus, or family-style meals, where the offerings are either served all at once or shared among guests, often limiting individual choice. By allowing each item to be ordered separately, "A la carte" menus cater to diverse tastes and dietary restrictions, making it a popular choice in many restaurants.