A Guide to Reading Restaurant Menus Like a Pro for Australian Diners
Having dinner outside feels enjoyable but reading and understanding menus can be tricky. Have you ever found your self unable to decide what to order? Menus are confusing due to their hidden prices, fancy terminology, and unfamiliar dish descriptions. Whether you are a tourist or a local understanding menus is necessary for everyone no matter the location, especially restaurant menu Australia.
This blog will help you read and understand a menu effectively. If you are unfamiliar with this, stay here to explore together!
Let’s begin!
Understanding Menu Structure
Most restaurants follow this general structure. You will find this pattern in the menus:
Entrées (Appetizers/Starters)
Entrée refers to a starter, not the main dish in Australia. These are smaller portions of food meant to kick off your meal, such as garlic prawns, arancini balls, or bruschetta.
Mains (Main Courses)
The largest and most filling part of your meal, mains include dishes like steak, seafood, pasta, or plant-based options. Many restaurants indicate portion sizes or offer add-ons like extra side options in their menus.
Sides (Accompaniments)
Sides like fries, salads, roasted veggies, or mashed potatoes are often meant to complement the main dish. Some restaurants charge extra for sides, be careful and check the pricing before placing the order.
Desserts
Sweet treats like pavlova, sticky date pudding, or gelato end your meal on a sweet note. Restaurants often the time list dessert wines or coffee alongside desserts.
Drinks & Specials
Menus typically feature a separate drinks section, including soft drinks, cocktails, beers, and wines for adding extra taste to the meals.
Decoding Common Menu Terms
Restaurants most of the time use culinary jargon that may seem confusing. Here are some common menu terms used in Australia:
Market Price (MP) – The cost varies based on availability (common for seafood dishes like lobster or oysters).
GF / DF / V / VG – Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegetarian, and Vegan labels help diners with dietary preferences of their choice.
A La Carte – Items priced individually rather than in a set meal.
Degustation – A multi-course tasting menu, often paired with wine.
Sous Vide – A slow-cooked technique where food is vacuum-sealed and cooked in water for precise tenderness.
Chargrilled – Cooked over an open flame for a smoky flavour.
Sautéed – Lightly fried in a small amount of oil or butter.
Confit – Slow-cooked in its own fat (common for duck or garlic).
Read More: Customs House Hotel Menu with Prices
How Can You Spot Hidden Costs and Save on Menu Prices?
Most Australian restaurants are upfront about pricing, here are a few things to watch out for before placing an order :
Service Charges & Surcharges – Some venues add a public holiday surcharge (typically 10-15%) or a service charge for large groups.
Extra Costs for Sides & Toppings – Some mains don’t include sides, and extras like avocado, cheese, or premium sauces may have an additional fee.
Tap vs. Bottled Water – If you ask for water, clarify whether you want tap water (free) or bottled/sparkling which costs extra.
How Can You Order Like a Local? Pro Tips for Authentic Dining
Check the Specials Board – Many restaurants offer seasonal specials that aren’t on the regular menu.
Ask About Portion Sizes – Some dishes are meant for sharing, while others are single servings.
Customize When Needed – If you have dietary restrictions, you may request ingredient modifications.
Pair Your Meal with a Drink – Australia is known for its wines, so consider asking for pairing recommendations.
I hope you liked our guide to reading restaurant menus and some secret tips. Keep visiting Menumaps for the latest stuff on this topic
