What does it mean to “up-sell” a menu item?

"Up-selling" a menu item refers to the practice of encouraging customers to choose a higher-priced item. This technique is commonly used in restaurants to enhance the dining experience while also increasing the overall check total. In this context, it involves suggesting premium versions of a dish or highlighting special features of a menu item that warrant a higher price.

For instance, a server might suggest a premium steak cut instead of a regular one or recommend a gourmet version of a dish. This not only provides customers with an opportunity to indulge in a special or enhanced meal but also benefits the restaurant by increasing sales and potential tips for the server.

The other choices describe related interactions that servers can have with customers, such as encouraging additional orders or drink pairings, but they do not capture the specific essence of "up-selling" as focusing on persuading customers to opt for higher-priced options.