For those enjoying a lunch break in Mallorca, the menu del dia now comes with a hefty price tag. At an average of 16 euros, the Balearic Islands lead Spain in terms of lunchtime costs, surpassing other regions where menus typically range from 13 to 15 euros. Despite this, the price has remained steady compared with last year.
The menu del dia has long been a go-to for workers who want a decent meal without losing too much time in the middle of the day. With seasonal produce, comforting dishes and a nod to local cooking, they offer good value and tend to create far less food waste than eating at home. Even so, customers are quick to notice any price rise, leaving restaurateurs trying to balance rising costs with what people are willing to pay.
Ingredients such as eggs, beef and coffee have seen substantial price hikes, while energy bills and rents continue to climb. These increases place pressure on restaurants to maintain quality without eroding margins, particularly in high-demand tourist regions like Mallorca.
While olive oil has dipped in price lately, giving chefs a small moment of relief, most other cooking oils are still climbing. In September alone they were up 18.2%, with a year-to-date increase of 7.5%, adding yet another pressure point for restaurants.
Across Spain, the Balearic Islands, the Basque Country and Catalonia are the priciest areas for a menu del dia, whereas regions like the Canary Islands and Asturias offer a more modest 13 euros average. But experts stress that these menus are more than just a convenient lunch—they preserve regional culinary heritage and support local businesses.