Mallorca Gastronomy and Food - Menú del Dia

Eating out on Mallorca is generally cheap. But if you want to grab a real bargain check out the low price "menú del Dia" that is often available in Mallorquin cafe's and restaurants.

Invented during Franco's rule as a nutritious, fixed price way for the workers of Spain to get a decent meal, the Menú del Dia is generally advertised outside the restaurant on a chalk board. The menú del dia is a three course meal, with wine and water included in the price.

You will general be offered a choice of food but this choice can vary from two to three dishes at smaller establishments all the way up to ten or more if you are really lucky enough to stumble upon a more popular place.

The menú often consists of soup, salad or a small portion of paella to start, followed by a simple meat or fish dish, with potatos, for the main course. The wine offered will always be a cheap red table wine, and the pudding will include Spanish flan, ice cream or fruit. The Menú del dia is generally served in Mallorca from Monday to Friday between 1pm and 4pm.

Some places serve a menú del dia on a saturday but be warned as these places tend to be slightly more expensive but offer a greater choice of dishes.

A Selection of Menu del Dia Restaurants

Although we've included the telephone numbers you don't need to book a table for a menu del dia, just turn up and enjoy!

Restaurante Casa Paco

Spanish restaurant with a covered terrace area which is extremely popular at lunchtime with the ex pat crowd. The Menu del Dia is excellent quality with 3 choices of each course, 1/2 bottle of wine and water or lemonade included.

Address: Portals Plaza, Portals Nous
Telephone: 971677281
Price: less than 10 euros

Restaurante Celler Sa Premsa

Address: Plaça del Bisbe Berenguer de Palou 8, Palma de Mallorca
Telehone: 971 72 35 29
Price: less than 10 euros

Celler Sa Premsa is like walking back in time, it feels like Spain in the 50s. Originally a wine press the huge oak barrels still line the back wall. The rest of the walls are covered with old bull fighting posters. Unusually for a menu del dia there is a large choice of dishes for each of the three courses. Wine (3/8 of a bottle for each person) and lemonade (gaseosa) come with the meal. The choice and portion size are good. Great value for money.

El Cruce - Son Caliu

Address: On main road between Palma Nova and Portals Nous, roundabout 6.
Telehone: 971 68 23 45
Price: less than 10 euros

Good quality menu del dia with a choice of 3 starters and mains. Always very busy and full of Spanish workmen for that authentic spanish feel! Menu includes wine, water and lemonade (gaseosa)

Restaurante Churchill's

Address: Jardiel Poncela, Son Caliu
Telephone: 971 68 02 39

Pleasant terrace. Always a large choice of starters and mains, good quality. Menu includes wine, water and lemonade (gaseosa).

Restaurante Tomeu

Jardiel Poncela, 7 07181 - Calviá
Telephone: 971 68 10 58

A few doors up from Churchills there's not a lot in it, as Tomeu's also has a terrace and a good selection every lunchtime. So if you're a resident or an a longer holiday make sure to try both places.