Highlander

This is our first trip to Spain and I am a little suprised at how expensive resturant prices seem to be according to the guide books($25-35 per meal). Is it really that expensive to eat in Spain? We will have an apartment for a week so can do some cooking there but could anyone suggest how we might enjoy some local food without breaking our buget? Thanks

ira

Hi H,

$25 -35 is not high for large cities.

As in all countries, you can have a simple meal for $10-15.

Eating out at lunch, instead of dinner, is a good way to sample the higher priced restos at reasonable cost.

Intrepid1

The Dollar-Euro exchange rate notwithstanding, we've certainly had decent food all over Spain and not necessarily paid those kinds of prices for every meal.

Spain is certainly cheaper to eat in than some other European countries we've visited and within Spain itself you'll find price variations between cities/towns.

I wish I could consistently eat in my home area at a decent restaurant and only spend $25 per meal.

grsing

Guide books mostly review the nice places; it'd be impossible to review all the little casual places. I guarantee you the Spanish don't all spend $25-$35 a meal, and you don't have to either.

GeoffHamer

If you look for restaurants advertising a "menu del dia" ("menu of the day&quot, you'll see real bargains. I was in Spain in December and it was easy to find restaurants offering a three-course lunch with wine for around ten euros. Spain is still one of Europe's cheaper countries for restaurant meals.

lincasanova

also, you have "desayuno popular " in the morning which could be coffee, croissant and juice for maybe 3 euros.

then mid- morning "almuerzo popular" advertised at 2-4 euros for small sandwich, beer/drink and coffee, then menu of the day as mentioned.. 8-15 euros.. and to top off the afternoon , you have "merienda popular" the afternoon snack which is similar to the almuerzo/breakfast combos for about 3 euros!

unfortunately, in many cities there are few fixed price menus in the evening except for the "menu de degustación" which is a taster's menu, usually at least 30 euros plus drinks and coffee and tax.

one of the best priced filling "meals/snacks" i think is a "bocadillo de lomo con pimientos, cebolla and queso" (grilled pork, onion, peppers and cheese) or any other type of hot grilled sandwich on baguette bread. Ask them to do the bread "el pan..a la plancha". really makes it yummier.

these are rarely over 4 euros, and usually can be split by two people.you can also personalize these bocadillos. they really make them to order. they are never pre-made unless they are the cold ones.

try to check out the "bocadillo" list. they even have them of calamari.. etc.

a bocadillo is on spanish/baguette type bread, and a "sanwich" will ALWAYS be on "pan de molde", which is american style square white sandwich bread. it will also always be grilled or toasted.

also, many supermarkets and corte inglés department store have a nice array of ready to eat things which can help you stay in budget.

kayd

If you drink wine with meals, you'll think Spain is a bargain dining location. A bottle that goes for 15-20 Euros in a nice restaurant in Madrid would be $50 or mote in the States.