For anyone new to Spain, does this feel familiar? You see restaurants everywhere, eager to try authentic local cuisine, but you’re worried about breaking the bank. Don’t worry, you can actually eat and drink very well in Spain without spending a fortune! Today, I’m sharing my tried-and-tested tips for affordable eats that I’ve gathered over the years.
For lunch, you absolutely have to know about Spain’s lunchtime institution—the Menú del Día! It’s the undisputed king of value for money. Typically offered on weekdays during lunchtime, you can find great recommendations for affordable Spanish food for around 10-15 euros. A standard Menú del Día includes: a starter, a main course, and a dessert or coffee, plus a drink. For the price of a fast-food meal, you get a full, proper sit-down meal. It’s an absolute godsend for students and the working crowd!
You should also make the most of Spain’s Tapas culture. Tapas are small plates served with drinks, and they are inexpensive and come in endless varieties. In many cities, especially in Granada and León in the south, you get a free Tapa with every drink you order! You can hop between a few bars, have a few drinks, and that’s dinner sorted, all while experiencing authentic local life. Getting full for just a few euros—how great is that?
Apart from set menus and tapas, some individual items are also great money-savers. For example, the classic Spanish sandwich, the Bocadillo, is a baguette filled with ham, cheese, steak, or calamari rings. One is usually enough to fill you up, and they typically cost between 3-6 euros. For breakfast, a serving of fried dough sticks oops, I mean Churros with hot chocolate, is a source of pure happiness on a cold day, and it’s very budget-friendly too. For even more ideas, check out these recommended affordable Spanish food brands.
To give you a better overview, I’ve put together a simple table summarizing affordable options for different situations. You can find more ideas in this guide to affordable Spanish meals under €15:
| Meal Type | Recommendation | Price Range | Where to Find |
|---|
| Hearty Lunch | Menú del Día | €10 - €15 | Standard restaurants outside major tourist hubs |
| Dinner/Drinks | Tapas | €2 - €5 /plate | Bars everywhere, especially recommended in southern cities |
| Quick Meal | Bocadillo | €3 - €6 | Bakeries, small bars |
| Classic Breakfast | Churros con Chocolate | €3 - €5 | Cafeterías (Coffee shops) |
In Spain, if you’re willing to walk a little further and avoid the overpriced tourist-trap restaurants, you’ll discover countless hidden gems that are both delicious and cheap. I hope this list helps you out! Feel free to share your own favorite spots in the comments below, fellow foodies!
