Take away menus seem to be top of the list for having dreadful type choices. (in my area anyway) The typography above is from a menu for Café India and claims to have “an award winning master chef” who uses “fresh ingredients” in “original authentic recipes.”  These bold claims should at least be presented in a menu which uses a type to communicate the high quality food it offers.

The typography used to show off their American burgers appears to be extremely childish and cheap. The word “American” which is filled with cliché stars and stripes (and is even pixelated) rests above a ridiculous “melting” white font which is surrounded by flames. This idea would be understandable for a kids menu or even fast food, but this restaurant claims to have high quality food cooked by an award winning, trained chef.

The design even holds at least 8 variations in font colour and 5 different fonts.

The inappropriate type makes me realise that if there’s no effort put into the menu, what effort is put into the food? For the menu to be taken that little bit more serious, the menu should be displayed in a font which holds a certain level of sophistication and attractiveness. The design should also hold a maximum of 2 fonts at probably 1 or 2 colours.

The font should be stylish and proud, to communicate its modern take on authentic food and to show off its awards.

Fonts which would be suitable are Charlemagne std and Kalinga. Both appear contemporary and have a certain style and class to them which would communicate the restaurants high quality modern food.

The new design would appeal to people who enjoy good quality food and would also appeal to your average “fella” who just wishes to enjoy a good slap up meal and not be bombarded and put off by childish looking dishes.