off-menu
/ɒf ˈmɛnjuː/
CommonSomething ordered or served that isn't listed on the restaurant's menu.
Broader than 'hidden menu'. Can refer to any unlisted request, not just curated secret items.
Real-world examples4 examples
| # | Example | What it means | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | asked if they'd make it without the sauce and off-menu they had a whole different version | An informal request revealed an unlisted preparation the kitchen knew. | tiktok, 2024 |
| 02 | the chef made me something off-menu, didn't even charge extra | The kitchen prepared an unlisted dish as a gesture of hospitality. | instagram, 2023 |
| 03 | at this point going off-menu is just how i order at my regular spots | The person knows their regular restaurants well enough to order outside the menu. | x, 2024 |
| 04 | they technically stopped serving brunch but if you ask nicely they'll still do it off-menu | A discontinued menu section is still available if you ask directly. | reddit, 2023 |
Use it when
- Ordering something the restaurant can make but doesn't list.
- Requesting a customization beyond the listed options.
- Describing a dish that's not on the current menu but a kitchen will still make.
Do not use it when
- You're describing a standard substitution listed on the menu.
- The item is simply sold out.
Off-menu vs hidden menu
off-menu
Off-menu is anything ordered outside what's listed, including custom one-off requests.
VS
hidden-menu
Hidden menu refers to a known collection of secret items, often documented and shared online.
Origin and context
Common restaurant industry phrase that moved into casual usage as food culture spread online and diners became more comfortable asking for unlisted options.
- First seen
- pre-2000s
- Confidence
- low
Cite this page
Use this stable URL to reference the entry.
https://slang.fyi/off-menuUpdated: 2026-08-29License: CC BY 4.0