What Does MP Mean on a Menu? Guide to Market Price in Restaurants
If you’ve ever opened a restaurant menu and spotted “MP” where the price should be, you’re not alone in wondering what it means. Many diners pause and think: Is this a mistake? Is it code? Is it going to cost me a fortune?
The good news is, it’s not a secret code—it’s simply restaurant shorthand. In this article, we’ll break down exactly what does MP mean on a menu, why restaurants use it, and how you can confidently handle it the next time you’re dining out.
What Does MP Mean on a Menu?
The abbreviation MP stands for Market Price.
When you see “MP” on a menu, it means the dish doesn’t have a fixed price. Instead, the restaurant charges based on the current market cost of the main ingredient — usually seafood, premium meats, or other items that fluctuate in price.
For example:
- Lobster might cost more in summer than in winter.
- Fresh oysters may vary depending on the season and source.
- A rare cut of steak could change based on supply.
So rather than printing (and reprinting) menus every time the cost changes, restaurants simply write “MP.”
Why Do Menus Use MP Instead of Prices?
Restaurants don’t use MP to hide prices or trick customers. Instead, it’s a practical and flexible way to manage dishes that rely on market-based costs. Here’s why:
1. Fluctuating Ingredient Costs
Items like lobster, crab, or fresh catch of the day can change in price weekly, even daily. By using MP, restaurants don’t have to constantly update their menus, much like how Domino’s Nutrition Calculator is updated to reflect accurate calorie and ingredient details.
2. Seasonal Freshness
Many MP items are seasonal. For example, wild-caught salmon might be available only at certain times of the year. The cost changes depending on supply and demand.
3. Premium Quality Control
Some restaurants pride themselves on serving the freshest ingredients. By charging market price, they ensure they can buy top-quality products without cutting corners.
4. Flexibility for the Kitchen
Chefs can adjust menu offerings without being locked into a fixed printed price. This is especially important for seafood restaurants or high-end steakhouses.
Examples of Dishes With MP on Menus
You’ll most often see MP next to dishes that rely on seasonal or luxury ingredients. Some common examples include:
- Seafood: Lobster, king crab, oysters, clams, scallops, shrimp, or “catch of the day.”
- Premium Steaks: Wagyu beef, tomahawk ribeye, or dry-aged cuts.
- Luxury Ingredients: Truffles, caviar, or rare imported items.
- Seasonal Specials: Fresh mushrooms, unique vegetables, or farm-to-table dishes.
For example, a menu might list:
- Lobster Roll — MP
- Fresh Oysters (Half Dozen) — MP
- Wagyu Ribeye (16 oz) — MP
This doesn’t necessarily mean the dish is out of reach; it simply depends on the current market price of those ingredients.
Is MP Always Expensive?
A common question diners ask is: “Does MP mean this dish will cost a fortune?”
Not necessarily. While it’s true that MP is often used for premium items, it doesn’t always equal sky-high prices.
Here’s what you should know:
- Seafood can vary widely — Lobster may be $30 one week and $50 the next, depending on supply.
- Steaks with MP pricing usually lean toward higher-end cuts, so expect them to cost more than standard menu items.
- Seasonal vegetables with MP pricing may actually be quite affordable.
In short, MP usually indicates premium or specialty dishes, but the price depends on current conditions.
How to Ask About MP at a Restaurant
So, what should you do if you see “MP” on a menu and want to order it?
1. Just Ask the Server
There’s no need to feel embarrassed. Servers are used to this question and will gladly tell you the current price.
You could say something like:
- “Can I ask what the market price is for the lobster today?”
- “What’s the price for the oysters right now?”
2. Check the Specials Board
Some restaurants write the MP price of the day on a specials board or chalkboard.
3. Consider Your Budget
If you’re dining on a budget, it’s smart to check before ordering. MP dishes can sometimes be double or triple the price of regular entrées.
4. No Obligation to Order
Asking doesn’t commit you. If the price feels too high, you can simply choose another dish.
Restaurant MP Pricing Explained
To put it simply:
- MP = Market Price
- It’s a way to cover fluctuating ingredient costs.
- Commonly used for seafood, steak, and seasonal items.
- Not always expensive, but often premium.
- Customers should feel free to ask about the price before ordering.
This type of dynamic menu pricing helps restaurants remain flexible while still serving the freshest and best-quality dishes, similar to how Golden Corral Prices for Adults may vary depending on location and offerings.
Conclusion
Next time you see “MP” listed on a menu, you’ll know it’s not a secret code — it’s simply Market Price. Restaurants use MP to reflect the real-time cost of ingredients like seafood, steak, and seasonal specials.
And here’s the most important takeaway: Don’t be afraid to ask. It’s perfectly normal (and smart) to ask your server about the price before ordering.
So the next time you’re out and see lobster, oysters, or steak listed as MP, you’ll be in the know — and ready to order with confidence.
