Menú del día – three words that are guaranteed to bring joy, both to your stomach and your bank account. Barcelona is bursting at the seams with restaurants offering a lunchtime menu of the day, ranging on average from as little as 10€ to around 16€. We’ve compiled a list of our favourites so you can enjoy a three-course meal (yes, three!) of traditional freshly-cooked food without breaking the bank.
La Pubilla
For an authentic meal, journey on over to La Pubilla to feast on a timeless menú del día. This eatery located in the trendy Gràcia area is well known to locals for serving contemporary Catalan and Spanish cuisine. Perfectly executed, fresh, and seasonal, the menú del día lives up to its popularity and the exceptional customer service is right up there with the quality of food. Their dishes include plates such as vegetable ravioli, Galician octopus, and cod with romesco and asparagus. You just need to notice the recipe books that line the shelves to realise these guys are real foodies, oozing with inspiration.
Plaça de la Llibertat 23, 08012
Menu: 16€
Cometa Pla
Cometa Pla is a newer addition to the Barcelona restaurant scene and ideal for the more health-conscious diner. Situated in the back streets of the Gothic Quarter, this little bistro offers organic ingredients, a flexitarian menu with a variety of vegetarian options, and an exclusive and natural wine list. The simple and fresh dishes are offered on their menú del día for just 13.50€, which is more than reasonable given the quality of the food. Expect dishes such as swordfish sashimi, tofu with aubergine and kombu seaweed, and stuffed mini courgettes.
Carrer del Cometa 5, 08002
Menu: 13.50€
La Polpa
Teaming with designer shops and home to two of Gaudí’s most famous works, Passeig de Gràcia is a haven of class and sophistication in the centre of Barcelona. To rest your legs and feed your stomach after a long morning of shopping and sightseeing, La Polpa is the perfect pit-stop. Nestled a couple of blocks away in one of the side streets, it offers an exceptional menú del día priced very reasonably in comparison to its expensive surroundings. The menu features plates including gazpacho, yellow chicken curry, pear and caramel tart, and fresh fruit salad with mint.
Carrer d’Enric Granados 69, 08008
Menu: 11.35€
Kaiku
Located at the very tip of Barceloneta, Kaiku is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Fish and seafood are delivered freshly every day from the Barceloneta fish market and the menu is constantly changing, depending on what produce has been delivered. Since 2009, the restaurant has nurtured an ecological garden where they grow their own courgettes, tomatoes, fennel, carrots and more. Many locals know to head here for one of the best menús del día in the city, But watch out, make sure you specifically ask for it as they may not offer it on arrival…it’s a well-kept secret and they want to keep it that way.
Plaça del Mar 1, 08003
Menu: 12.50€
NAP
For something much less Spanish but still utterly delicious, check out NAP. At this buzzing pizzeria you can enjoy bruschetta to start, a margherita pizza, and a soft drink for just 7.50€. Desserts such as tiramisu, panna cotta, and cheesecake are another 3€. The owners are from Naples so you’ll be getting the real deal. Of course, if you’re in the mood for something fancier than a margherita then you can of course choose something from the à la carte menu, and if you feel like splashing out a few pennies more, you can get an authentic Italian lunch for around 12€.
Avinguda de Francesc Cambó 30, 08003 and Carrer del Baluard 69, 08003
Menu: 7.50€
Ófis
For just 11.90€, choose two dishes from a selection of six to pair with a well-rounded glass of wine and indulgent dessert. Tucked away in the heart of the Raval neighbourhood, attracting plenty of locals, Ófis serves up mouth-watering dishes inspired by both Italian and Argentinean flavours, with an equally unique ambiance. They create dishes such as steamed cod salad with watermelon and squid ink, and cuttlefish meatballs with duck ragout.
Carrer d’Espaltar 4, 08001
Menu: 11.90€
Please note: prices may vary
I love reading Marta Massaro’s blogs. Her writing is inviting and makes me want to do all of the things she writes about!!!