1820-30; < French: according to the menu; see carte
Examples from the web for à la carte
The restaurant offers a number of a la carte items, combination plates and vegetarian dishes.
Some restaurants found in these high-end areas serve small plates, or tapas, a series of a la carte items which diners may share.
The menu has both combination plates and a la carte options.
Diners may choose to order from an a la carte menu or select from a fixed price tasting menu.
Utilize these resources to complete the application and/or make enhancements to the school's menu or a la carte program.
Or, choose the a la carte options from this page to put together your own curriculum.
Some spa vacation rates include only the cost of the room and meals, with all activities and spa treatments sold a la carte.
Inclusive meals can be enjoyed at any of the five a la carte dining options or two poolside buffet restaurants.
Soups, salads, sides and starches are available to go along with a la carte steaks and entrees.
Some hotels are offering full meals while others are serving a la carte options to mix and match.
British Dictionary definitions for à la carte
à la carte
/ɑː lɑː ˈkɑːt; æ lə; French a la kart/
adjective, adverb
1.
(of a menu or a section of a menu) having dishes listed separately and individually priced Compare table d'hôte
2.
(of a dish) offered on such a menu; not part of a set meal
Word Origin
C19: from French, literally: according to the card
Word Origin and History for à la carte
a la carte
1826, from French à la carte, literally "by the card" (see card (n.)); in other words, "ordered by separate items." Distinguished from a table d'hôte, meal served at a fixed, inclusive price.