Spanish Menú del día - Eat like a local

Spanish Menú del Día – Eat Like a Local : Spanish cuisine is delicious and varied. If you want to eat like a local and save money, try the menú del día while you’re here in Spain.

💡 What is a Menú del Día?

In Spain, the menú del día (menu of the day) is a set menu offered at lunchtime (la comida) – traditionally the largest meal of the day for Spaniards. It includes a generous meal at a very economical price.

⏰ Spanish Dining Guide – Meal Times

Most restaurants serve the menú del día between 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm. In tourist areas, some offer it in the early evening too.

Dining out in Benidorm

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🔍 Spanish Menú del día : How to Find It

Look for a chalkboard outside restaurants displaying the menu, or ask staff directly:

👉 “¿Hay un menú del día?” (Is there a menu of the day?)

Menus change daily and usually use fresh, local, seasonal ingredients.

🥖 What’s Included in a Menú del Día?

Most menú del día meals include:

1. Bread (Pan)
   Often served when seated or with your salad.

2. Entrante (Starter or Appetiser)
   Choices like salads, soups, or croquetas.

3. Primer Plato (First Course)
   Dishes such as rice, pasta, eggs, vegetables, soups, or salads. Usually three or four options.

4. Segundo Plato (Second Course / Main Dish)
   Fish or meat with chips and seasonal vegetables. Some places may offer vegetarian or vegan options, but this is not always common.

5. Postre (Dessert)
   Options include flan, cheesecake, ice cream, or fresh fruit. Dessert can sometimes be swapped for a coffee if not included in the set price.

6. Bebida (Drink)
   Often includes a small beer, glass of wine, water, or soft drink.

🍽️ Portion Sizes

• Starters and first courses are generous.

• Main courses are often smaller than what tourists expect, similar in size to the starter – but combined, the meal is very filling.

📜 What if I Don’t Want the Menú del Día?

You can always order from “la carta” (the full menu), which includes all available dishes and beverages.

Interesting Fact

The menú del día was made a legal requirement in 1965 to support tourism, offering a quality meal at a fair price. Initially targeted at tourist areas, it soon spread nationwide and became popular among workers who couldn’t return home for lunch.

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💬 Where is your favourite place for a menú del día in Benidorm or Spain? Comment below and share your recommendations.