In ____, customers are given separate items at separate prices.

The correct answer is a la carte. In this dining style, customers select individual items from the menu, each priced separately. This allows for customized meal choices where guests can tailor their orders to their specific preferences and appetite. This flexibility is a key characteristic of a la carte service, making it distinct from other dining options.

Table d'hote, for instance, typically features a set menu with a fixed price for a complete meal, lacking the individual pricing appeal offered by a la carte. Similarly, the fixed price option also involves a predetermined menu at a single price, or multiple courses for a set fee, which doesn’t provide the same personalized experience. A combo meal usually combines several items into one package at a discounted rate, further diverging from the a la carte concept of separate pricing for individual selections. Therefore, a la carte distinctly represents the idea of ordering separate items at individual prices, aligning perfectly with the question's stipulation.