AIBU? Is it rude to only offer guests a set menu?

[SoLongAsTheresCheese]

We're planning on organising a smallish family gathering(within guidelines) as we still haven't met a cousin's almost two year old and haven't seen other family members for some time.

A family member is paying for everyone. It'll be in a local Italian which has very nice food. I suggested they offer the set menu which is quite extensive. But very reasonably priced. But they're concerned that it's rude.

Is it really so rude to offer a set menu and not offer guests the full a la carte experience?

@SoLongAsTheresCheese Wow thats a good range of choices , it is good to see so many veggie options too most places would only give one or maybe two options .
I am surprised there are so many things with a £1. /£1.50 supplement , it will increase the bill by quite a lot if everyone goes for the dearer options but it still keeps the cost within a manageable amount. and at £12 for a three course meal that is a very good deal .

ummm >>thinks for 30 seconds

That set menu is one of the largest I've seen and there is even an option for sides. Definitely the best idea and far easier for the kitchen with a large group too. Agree with Pre ordering to make it even smoother for all involved. On a side note - anyone know if there is one of these in Edinburgh? 👀😆

That looks great, not mean at all. I'd be very surprised if people ordered any of the mains with supplements but you never know I guess.

That reminds me I had a tenant once who was always late with rent and borrowed money on a few occasions. I didn't mind except I had to chase it up. She took the proverbial though with a few things and I wasn't sorry when she got a placement in another town and left. She was vegetarian.

By completed coincidence she knew a friend of my friend in another country and they all ended up at the mutual graduation of the mutual friend. My friend took a strong dislike to her which was unusual. Apparently ex-tenant stayed out drinking all night without putting her hand in her pocket and when the mutual friend announced she was paying for the very expensive restaurant ex-tenant immediately changed her order to the steak with a hefty supplement. My friend (who is so generous you generally have to arm wrestle her for the bill) was disgusted. I was very confused as ex-tenant was vegetarian but it turned out that was only when she was paying.

Just seen the menu. Can I come? I'm sure I can find some very (very) tangential family link somewhere.

Thanks all for the tips and thoughts. As the majority think it's ok, we're going to stick with the set menu. It makes it easier, keeps costs relatively reasonable and means that no one has to worry much about the cost of their orders. We're happy for people to order regardless of the small supplements and to have some sides.

You're all very welcome to join us. You've got to be better company than some of my family.(Not so much those who'll be attending, but others.)