What does a degustation menu usually consist of?

A degustation menu is designed to provide a curated dining experience that typically consists of multiple courses, often up to seven, with each course featuring a carefully crafted dish that highlights the chef's skill and creativity. This format usually includes minimal choice for each course, as the purpose is to take diners on a culinary journey, allowing them to taste a variety of flavors and presentations crafted by the chef.

Additionally, degustation menus are frequently paired with complementary wines, enhancing the overall dining experience by allowing diners to appreciate how each dish interacts with different wine choices. This structured approach is what distinguishes a degustation menu from other dining styles, such as à la carte menus, where guests have a wider selection of individual dishes to choose from.

The specific focus on a limited number of courses and the potential for wine pairing is what makes this option the defining characteristic of a degustation menu.