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How Many Dishes Should a Menu Have? The Easy Choice Rule

2 min read Ordinami editorial team

When creating a menu, one of the most common problems is deciding how many dishes to include. A menu that's too long can be overwhelming for customers, while one that's too short may not offer enough options. The rule of easy choice can help you find the right balance.

The Rule of Easy Choice

The rule of easy choice states that customers can easily choose between 5 and 7 options. If the menu is too long, customers may feel overwhelmed and have difficulty deciding. On the other hand, if the menu is too short, customers may not find anything that appeals to them.

The Ideal Number of Dishes

The ideal number of dishes on a menu depends on various factors, such as the type of restaurant, cuisine, and target audience. However, in general, a menu with 10-15 main courses and 5-7 appetizer and side dish options can be considered a good starting point.

Menu Example

For example, an Italian restaurant could have a menu with 10 main courses, such as:

  • Pasta alla carbonara
  • Pizza margherita
  • Risotto alla milanese
  • Pollo alla cacciatora
  • Branzino al forno
  • Vitello alla milanese
  • Lasagna
  • Cannelloni
  • Fettuccine Alfredo
  • Tortellini en brodo

And 5 appetizer options, such as:

  • Bruschetta
  • Carpaccio di manzo
  • Insalata caprese
  • Arancini
  • Fritto misto

The Importance of Variety

Variety is essential on a menu. Customers want to have the option to choose from different dishes and find something that suits their tastes and preferences. A menu that offers a good variety of dishes can help increase sales and improve customer satisfaction.

To learn how to create a digital menu that offers a good variety of options, visit https://ordinami.it/crea-menu-digitale.

The Simplicity of a Digital Menu

A digital menu can help simplify the choice for customers. With a digital menu, customers can easily navigate through the different options and find something that suits their tastes. Additionally, a digital menu can help reduce waiting times and improve service efficiency.

To learn how to create a digital menu with a QR code, visit https://ordinami.it/menu-qr-code.

In Practice

To create a menu that offers a good variety of options and is easy to navigate, follow these tips:

  1. Offer a limited number of options, between 10 and 15 main courses and 5-7 appetizer and side dish options.
  2. Make sure to offer a good variety of dishes, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
  3. Consider creating a digital menu to simplify the choice for customers and improve service efficiency.
  4. Visit https://ordinami.it/menu-digitale to learn how to create a digital menu that suits your needs.

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