, or "menu of the day", is a set menu or served by Spanish restaurants during weekday lunch, one of the largest meals of the day in Spain. It is known for being economical and large. Spanish people will typically eat five meals a day, the midday meal being the largest when the is served. Spanish restaurants will serve typically between 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. This is a cheap, economic meal, typically with good food. Besides the , the restaurant will offer a , a full menu with individual courses to pick and mix à la carte. The courses in the will be present among those in the , but the individual prices add up beyond the total price.
is traditionally a three-course meal, starting with a , or "first course", mostly vegetable-based, followed by the , or "second course" (usually meat or fish) and finished with a , or dessert.
The is typically a large meal, with a good price considering the amount of food. The cost ranges from 8 to 14 euros.
The is likely to change daily. The type of food served varies with what local produce is available and with the seasons. It is usually advertised outside the premises.
Upmarket restaurants may serve a ("executive menu") with more luxurious courses and a higher price.
Recently, it is seeing competition from ready to eat meals available from supermarkets and hypermarkets. These may provide areas with tables and microwave ovens so that customers can lunch on the premises.
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