Is Spain’s famous ‘Menú Del Día’ slipping away? The cheap lunch isn’t so cheap anymore

Spain's beloved weekday lunch, the menú del día, may be facing a decline in popularity. The average price for this traditional set lunch has risen by 3.5% to €14.70, as reported by the national hospitality association and meal-voucher firm Edenred. While the price hike may not seem substantial for an occasional visit, it adds up quickly for regular diners. A weekly menú del día patron would incur a yearly increase of approximately €52, assuming the national average and consistent weekly visits.

Prices vary across regions, with the cheapest average being €13.50 in Murcia and the Canary Islands, and the priciest at €16.30 in the Basque Country. Even within Spain, there are significant differences, with prices ranging from €13.50 to €16.30. Despite the slight price increase, about four million menús del día are still served each weekday, but many Spaniards are now opting for quicker lunches, such as homemade meals or supermarket ready meals.

Restaurant owners are adapting to the changing landscape by offering more budget-friendly options. Almost half of the establishments surveyed now provide a smaller 'medio menú,' which offers customers the chance to reduce portions and costs without sacrificing the traditional experience. Some have also introduced a cheaper 'dish of the day' (plato del día) alternative, while 68.7% offer a menú del día for takeaway, and 84.9% serve traditional cuisine at least once a week.

While the menú del día is not going away anytime soon, the combination of rising prices and increased consumer preference for online ordering and budget-conscious dining habits may eventually lead to a decline in its popularity.