I've Lived in Spain for 10+ Years-and This Is the One Thing I Always Recommend Visitors Order at a Restaurant

"A menú del día includes a starter, an entree, and a dessert-often a piece of fruit, yogurt, flan, or even tartas caseras (homemade cakes)-plus bread, and drink for a fixed price. Typically, there are four to eight dishes per category, though I've dined at restaurants where the daily menus only had two dishes to choose from per section, and upward of 15."

"Prices range from 10 to 20 euros-higher, if it's a more elevated place. When an American friend visits, I always take them for lunch, and they're wide-eyed and surprised that a three-course menu is reasonably priced. I don't eat a menú del día every week nor every month, but I'll admit, I'm always excited when there's an opportunity to dine midday."

"In the Basque Country, Andalusia, Madrid, and other regions, it's typical if someone orders wine with the menú del día, they'll be asked if they prefer white or red, and then a bottle will be brought to the table-though this varies from restaurant to restaurant. Many restaurants in Catalonia don't include drinks in the price, and sometimes select dishes will incur a supplemental charge."

Arrival in Spain included a focus on learning local gastronomy through social meals with fellow expatriates. Neighborhood restaurants commonly offer a menú del día: a fixed-price midday meal featuring a starter, entrée, dessert (often fruit, yogurt, flan, or homemade cakes), bread, and a drink. Choice counts per course vary from two to fifteen dishes. Prices typically range from 10 to 20 euros, higher at upscale venues. Regional differences occur: some areas bring a bottle of wine when requested, while Catalonia often excludes drinks or charges supplements for select dishes. Occasional weekday lunches remain a favorite.

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