Ready for a typical Spanish lunch that will make your head spin? Well take all your big plans and break them… Seeing all the sights will be tough after taking down this three course meal! If you’ve never heard of the plato del dia, menu del dia, or simply plate of the day, then I hope you’re hungry. We’re going to break down some of the best food in Spain in this article!

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Where to Find the Best Food in Spain

When searching for a plato del dia you may be surprised by all the places you’ll find them! Some of the best food in Spain we’ve had has been off the beaten path and out of the main tourist areas. If you have a car don’t hesitate to get out into the mountains on your hunt for the best menu.

Let’s put it this way… You’re just as likely to find an amazing meal on the outskirts of Barcelona than you are on the famous Las Ramblas street. This also can be a great way to save money if you’re on a budget. Believe it or not, some of the best plate of the day deals we’ve found only cost 7 Euros! Yet, just because you find a low price is no guarantee for a local delight. A 12-15 Euro plate could bring you something more exquisite, and still be totally worth the price!

Typical Plate of the Day

Drink: Beer, wine, soda, juice or water. Primer Plato: Soup, salad, or light small plate. Segundo Plato: Heavier dish of meat or seafood. Dessert or Coffee: Flan, pudding, ice cream, or a coffee with milk. Cost: 7-12 Euros Time: 12-3pm



Plato Del Dia Drinks

Not every menu del dia comes with a drink, but the majority will include a beverage of your choice. Usually it’s a local beer, wine, or soda that will go perfectly with your meal.

Just the fact that you’re getting a drink for free with lunch is amazing, right?? In the summer we prefer beer or tinto de verano (wine of the summer), and in the winter we gravitate towards a nice glass of Spanish red. Cheers!

Our Favorite: Tinto de Verano

Plato Del Dia Primer Plato

Let’s start out with the first course. It’s important to know that the appetizer to your entree will make or break your plato del dia! Depending on where you are in Spain you should have at least two options to pick from.

One will most likely be a salad with toppings, while the others will be some sort of soup or small seafood dish. Even though it may be tempting to go with something heavy to start your typical Spanish lunch, you might want to avoid that. The 2nd course will be heavier, and you’ll need to save room for dessert as well!

Our Favorite: Octopus Salad

Plato Del Dia Segundo Plato

Okay it’s time for your main dish! This is where you get your moneys worth, and some of the best food in Spain. Here you’ll have anywhere from two to five different options for the 2nd course which makes it a little more difficult to choose than your app.

Our general rule of thumb is to go with what’s local to each area. For example, on the islands or near the sea we go with fish. While on the mainland we might have pork or beef for our typical Spanish lunch. Only you can truly know what you’re in the mood for, but do some research to see what’s popular in the area for the best results.

Our Favorite: Pescado a la Plancha

Plato Del Dia Desert and Coffee

Still hungry? We hope so because it’s time for something sweet to finish off your plate of the day! If you’ve never had a Spanish dessert then you’re in for a real treat. Common finishers of the menu del dia are flan, cake, or chocolate mousse.

Rarely does a menu include coffee and dessert though so you may need to pick between the two. Dessert was the easy choice for us, but just know that you can easily pay one euro for a coffee to go with it.

Our Favorite: Flan and Cafe con Leche

Some of Our Favorite Plates of the Day

€7 Family Style

€11.95 Catalonia Plate of the Day

€12 Mountain Meal

€8 Local Specialties

At this point you’re likely ready for a siesta… And trust us, we know how you feel! Have any questions on the best food in Spain or want to share your own plato del dia experience? Comment below!

Safe Travels,

Brigitte & Jake



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