If you live on (or are visiting) the Costa Tropical, you’ll quickly hear locals talking about the menú del día. It’s one of Spain’s best-kept everyday pleasures: good food, multiple courses, and excellent value – all enjoyed at a relaxed, local pace. Here is a starter list of restaurantes con menu del dia (restaurants with a menu of the day).
In this guide, I’ll explain exactly what the menú del día is, how it works in Almuñécar and La Herradura, and then spotlight a selection of restaurants where you can enjoy a great lunchtime menu. Whether you’re a resident, long‑term visitor, or just passing through, this list will help you eat well without breaking the bank. It doesn’t cover every location in the area, but we highlight several. If you have more to add, contact us.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Menú del Día?
- How the Menú del Día Works in Practice
- Menú del Día Restaurants in Almuñécar
- 🍽️ Meson Francisco II
- 🍽️Restaurante El Mirador De La Corregidora Casa de Comidas
- 🍽️ Bodega Francisco I
- 🍽️ Restaurant Pepe Digame
- 🍽️ Restaurant Sabina
- 🍽️ Restaurant La China
- 🍽️ Restaurant Naandus
- 🍽️ Restaurant China Town II
- 🍽️ Restaurant Playa Andalusi
- 🍽️ Restaurante Asiático Sheng Almuñécar (Sheng)
- More options that our readers have mentioned:
- Menú del Día Restaurants in La Herradura
- What to Expect as a Foreigner or Visitor
- Why the Menú del Día Is Worth Seeking Out
What Is a Menú del Día?
The menú del día (menu of the day) is a fixed-price lunchtime menu offered by many Spanish restaurants, typically Monday to Friday. It was originally introduced to ensure workers could enjoy a proper midday meal, and it remains a cornerstone of Spanish food culture.
A typical menú del día includes:
- First course (Primer plato) – soup, salad, vegetables, rice, pasta, or legumes
- Second course (Segundo plato) – meat or fish, often grilled or stewed
- Bread
- Drink – usually water, soft drink, beer, or wine
- Dessert or coffee
Prices in Almuñécar and La Herradura usually range from €10 to €20, depending on the restaurant and location.
How the Menú del Día Works in Practice
A few things to know before you go:
- 🕐 Lunchtime only: Most menus are served roughly between 13:30 and 16:00
- 📅 Weekdays are best: Many places don’t offer a menú del día at weekends or on public holidays, but there may be a couple.
- 📝 Changes daily: Menus are often handwritten on a board and change every day. While other locations have a permanent set menu.
- 🐟 Fresh, seasonal food: Dishes usually reflect what’s fresh and local.
- 💬 Spanish helps: Some menus aren’t translated, but staff are usually happy to explain. Alternatively, Google Lens is a great help, as it can take a photo and translate it.
Menú del Día Restaurants in Almuñécar
Below are some solid options for enjoying a good menú del día in Almuñécar. (Menus and prices can change, so think of this as a guide rather than a guarantee.)
🍽️ Meson Francisco II
Location: Almuñécar Old Town / Near Playa Puerta del Mar, tucked away in the pedestrian area in a little plaza with indoor/outdoor seating
C. Alta del Mar, 12, 18690 Almuñécar
958 63 98 42
Why it’s popular:
- Known for friendly service, many selections on the menu del dia, and traditional home‑style cooking
- A regular menu del dia is posted in front and offered on the weekends as well
Sample dishes might include:
- First courses: Shrimp cocktail, berenjenas, soup, mixed salad
- Second courses: Grilled pork loin, baked fish, chicken in sauce
- Dessert: Flan, fruit, ice cream or coffee
Good to know: Busy after 2 pm – arrive early for a table or call to reserve Friday- Sunday.
🍽️Restaurante El Mirador De La Corregidora Casa de Comidas
Location: Cotobro off of the N340 on the west side of town
82 83 78 73
Why it’s popular:
- Known for the amazing views and good food. Fabulous homemade food, they cater well for veggies too.
- The menu del dia changes often, so it is always a treat
Sample dishes might include:
- First courses: Croquettes, Lentil stew, mixed salad and more
- Second courses: Meat, Fish, or Vegetarian
- Dessert: Flan, fruit, or coffee
Good to know: Busy after 2 pm – arrive early for a table, or best to make reservations for the terrace.
🍽️ Bodega Francisco I
Location: in the heart of the old town of Almuñécar (Calle Real 7)
958 63 01 68
Why it stands out:
- Friendly, traditional, no‑frills atmosphere, with Jamón hanging all around.
- They don’t close during siesta
Sample dishes:
- Fresh fish or the meat of the day
🍽️ Restaurant Pepe Digame
Location: Playa San Cristóbal Almuñécar
Why it’s popular:
- Known for its ambiance and ideal location on the beach. good breakfast menu too, popular all year long
🍽️ Restaurant Sabina
Location: Playa San Cristóbal Almuñécar
Why it’s popular:
- Known for great menu del dia choices, good services and food, popular all year long
🍽️ Restaurant La China
Location: Paseo de Cotobro , Playa San Cristóbal Almuñécar
Why it’s popular:
- Known for good food and service. The wife is the chief, and the husband runs the restaurant, with the most exquisite home-cooked food, excellent value and variety. You will definitely want to return time and time once you have eaten here.
🍽️ Restaurant Naandus
Location: Central Almuñécar / Avenida Juan Carlos I / Near the beach
Why it’s popular:
- Known for quick service and Indian cuisine, close to the beach.
🍽️ Restaurant China Town II
Location: Playa San Cristóbal Almuñécar
Why it’s popular:
- Known for good prices for the menu del dia
🍽️ Restaurant Playa Andalusi
Location: Playa San Cristóbal Almuñécar
Why it’s popular:
- Known for food and ambiance, popular all year long. A seaside bar with a terrace serving excellent and generous tapas, as well as more substantial dishes.
🍽️ Restaurante Asiático Sheng Almuñécar (Sheng)
Location: P4 Near the stadium and the Friday market in Almuñécar
Why it stands out:
- Asian food choices and a few menus to choose from
- They don’t close during siesta
More options that our readers have mentioned:
- Plaza Higuitos, Emilio
- Bar Higuitos in Almuñécar: fantastic Italian cuisine made with fresh local ingredients, including pizza and homemade pasta.
- mar de plata
- Menu del dia, Tandoori House in Almunecar. Excellent value.
- Menu del Dia at Chiringuito Tropical in Velilla is an amazing deal at €8.
Menú del Día Restaurants in La Herradura
La Herradura also has some excellent lunchtime menus, often with a more relaxed, village feel.
🍽️ Restaurant Pizzería Venezia
Location: P.º Andrés Segovia
Why locals love it:
- Their first plate of mushroom pilpil is gorgeous, I’m always spoiled for choice for a second plate, but mainly because their homemade TIRAMISU IS TO DIE FOR!
- Homemade desserts are a highlight
🍽️ Restaurant Hideaway Bar
Location: La Herradura village, hidden behind the Mercado Municipal
Why locals love it: Breakfast, menu del dia and comfort food
🍽️ Restaurant Txoko
Location: P.º Andrés Segovia
Why locals love it: good food, quality products, and an atmosphere that makes you feel at home
website
What to Expect as a Foreigner or Visitor
If you’re new to Spain, the menú del día might feel surprisingly generous – and slow. That’s normal! Lunch is meant to be enjoyed, not rushed.
Don’t be afraid to:
- Ask what dishes are included
- Swap dessert for coffee (“¿Puedo tomar café?”)
- Sit back and enjoy the rhythm of local life
- Ask for the bill
Why the Menú del Día Is Worth Seeking Out
The menú del día is one of the best ways to experience everyday Spanish food culture in Almuñécar and La Herradura. It’s affordable, filling, and often far more authentic than ordering à la carte.
I’ll keep updating this list as I discover new places and menus worth sharing. If you have a favourite menú del día spot in Almuñécar or La Herradura, feel free to let me know. Please tell me why you like it, and send a photo with your permission for me to share it on my site.
Looking for more local food tips on the Costa Tropical? Explore my guides to tapas in Almuñécar, tapas bars in La Herradura, vegan and vegetarian options, fine dining, and affordable local restaurants along the Costa Tropical.
