Menu

Menu Engineering 101: Design Choices That Raise Your Average Check

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Waiter serving dishes to a table in a restaurant

Great menus do more than list dishes—they guide choices. With a few smart tweaks, you can lift your average ticket without compromising guest trust.

Highlight Stars and Workhorses

Use subtle badges or frames to draw the eye to high-margin favorites. Keep counts tight—too many “specials” dilutes impact.

Trim Decision Fatigue

Group items clearly, keep descriptions tight, and avoid near-duplicates. Fewer, clearer options speed ordering and reduce second thoughts.

Price for Psychology

Drop currency symbols, use price “ladders,” and anchor categories with one premium item to make the rest feel more attainable.

Bundle the Experience

Create value meals and pairing suggestions. Starters + mains, mains + drinks, desserts as an add-on—put the thought in for the guest.

Use Real-Time Data

Rotate spotlights based on inventory and performance. If an item lags, test placement, copy, or pairings before deleting it.