5 Best Menú del Día Restaurants in Barcelona
What is a menú del día
A menú del día is a popular lunchtime option offered by many restaurants across Spain. It usually includes two courses, followed by a dessert or coffee as well as a drink and bread.
It is typically available Monday to Friday during lunch hours, usually from around 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm. It’s a great way to enjoy a complete meal at a reasonable price and experience an authentic part of Catalan and Spanish dining culture.
Unlike a quick takeaway lunch, the menú del día encourages you to slow down, sit at the table and enjoy several courses while discovering the flavours of Catalan and Spanish cuisine.
How does it work?
When ordering a menú del día, you’ll usually be given a small selection of dishes to choose from for each course. These may be listed on a printed menu, displayed on a chalkboard or simply explained by the waiter. The options often change from day to day, allowing restaurants to make the most of fresh and seasonal ingredients.
In this article, we have rounded up five restaurants in Barcelona where the menú del día is well worth trying, from traditional local favourites to spots serving fresh, seasonal dishes.
What dishes can you expect to find on a menú del día?
As a starter, you’ll usually find lighter options such as traditional salmorejo or gazpacho, small salads, pasta dishes or other seasonal starters. For the main course, there is often a choice between a meat and a fish dish, with many places offering a vegetarian option. To finish, a dessert might include crema catalana, a slice of cake, fresh fruit or another homemade dessert.
- Casa Jaime: Best for a classic local menú del día
Casa Jaime is a traditional-style restaurant in Barcelona’s Eixample neighbourhood, inspired by the atmosphere of an old-fashioned bodega. Its menú del día costs €14.95 and includes a starter, main course, dessert or coffee, bread and a drink. The dishes change daily according to the fresh, seasonal ingredients available, making it a great place to experience a more local approach to lunchtime in Barcelona. The restaurant also has outdoor seating and offers non-stop service from 1pm to 11pm.
Address: Carrer del Consell de Cent, 222, Eixample, 08011 Barcelona
Source: Instagram: @casajaime
- Restaurant Transatlàntic: Best for traditional Catalan and Spanish cooking
Restaurant Transatlàntic is a local favourite located in El Born, known for its authentic atmosphere and traditional Catalan and Spanish cuisine. Its menú del día is under €20 and offers a selection of classic, home-style dishes, making it a great option for experiencing a more traditional Barcelona lunch. The menu varies, so the dishes on offer may change from day to day depending on what’s available.
Address: Pl. de Víctor Balaguer, 3, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
Source: Instagram @transatlantic_restaurant
STARTERS
🍴 Potatoes “a lo pobre”
🍴 Salmorejo
🍴 Russian salad
MAIN COURSES
🍴 Meatballs in sauce
🍴 Sausage with mushrooms
🍴 Oven-baked sea bream
- Can Boneta: Best for seasonal, locally sourced food
Can Boneta focuses on seasonal cooking made with high-quality local ingredients, with flavour and quality at the heart of its menu. Their €17.60 menú del día includes three small starters, one main course, dessert and a drink, with the selection changing every day depending on the ingredients available. You can check their instagram page for the latest daily menu before visiting. Can Boneta has three locations in Eixample.
Addresses:
- C/ Aribau, 212
- C/ Balmes 139,
- C/Rosselló, 118
Source: Instagram @canboneta
- Elisabets Restaurant: Best for a lunch near La Rambla
Elisabets Restaurant is a popular spot in Ciutat Vella, just off La Rambla, offering home-cooked food in a relaxed, local atmosphere. Its menú del día costs around 16.50, making it an affordable option for a traditional lunch right in the city centre. Thanks to its central location and popularity with locals, it can get quite busy, so booking a table in advance is recommended.
Address: Carrer de les Ramelleres, 3, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona
- Mabel the Granja: Best for lunch near Ciutadella
Mabel the Granja offers a weekly changing menú del día priced at around €16.50 on weekdays and €23 on weekends. The menu includes bread, dessert, and a drink, making it a great option for enjoying a complete meal at a reasonable price. The restaurant also has outdoor seating, perfect for soaking up the Barcelona sunshine. Located next to Parc de la Ciutadella and close to the beaches, it’s an ideal spot for a relaxed lunch while exploring the city.
Address: Carrer de la Marina, 114, Sant Martí, 08018 Barcelona
Source: Instagram: @mabelthegranja
Exploring Barcelona is bound to work up an appetite, and luckily, there’s no shortage of great places to explore along the way. Whether you find yourself in El Born, Eixample or the city centre, these restaurants are perfect additions to a day of sightseeing.
