What type of menu allows guests to order items individually rather than as a set?

The correct answer is the a la carte menu, which is designed to allow guests to select and order items individually based on their preferences. This type of menu provides flexibility, as customers can mix and match different dishes to create their own meal experience.

In contrast, a set menu offers a fixed selection of items, typically consisting of a predetermined number of courses or dishes for a single price, limiting the guest's choices. The table d'hôte menu is similar in that it also features a fixed menu, offering a limited number of courses for a set price, often emphasizing a cohesive meal experience rather than individual selections. A buffet menu, while allowing for a variety of choices, still requires diners to choose from an array of items laid out, but it does not offer the individual ordering aspect that the a la carte menu provides. Therefore, the a la carte menu is the only option that fits the specific criteria of allowing guests to order items individually.