Mallorca Leads Again: Daily Menu Is Most Expensive in Spain

Lunch costs more: Mallorca remains the frontrunner

When I walk past a small eatery on Carrer de Sant Miquel at 1 pm, I often only get a glimpse of the menu board: many dishes, but also a proud price. A recent report from the Spanish hotel and catering sector confirms what many experience in daily life here — the Balearic Islands again top the list of the most expensive daily menus in all of Spain.

How much is charged — and where

On average, the price for a daily menu in the Balearic Islands is about €16. That is more than in many other regions: the Basque Country and Catalonia approach these values, while the Canary Islands or parts of Asturias remain significantly cheaper. So if you're looking for a quick, inexpensive lunch, you sometimes prefer to drive a few kilometres inland — in towns like Inca the options are often easier on the wallet.

Why this is the case (a brief look behind the prices)

There are several factors: higher labour costs, more expensive deliveries and, not least, the general cost of living on the island. Local restaurateurs point out that €16 is an average value — there are still inexpensive menus, but also many establishments that charge more, especially in tourist-heavy neighbourhoods or near the beach.

Also interesting is the development across the country: many restaurants have slightly raised their prices, others kept them stable. This is reflected in a mixed situation in which locals often carefully consider where to go for lunch.

What this means for everyday life

For the employee who quickly pops into a place at the square at lunchtime, that makes a noticeable difference. For visitors, €16 is not unusual; for families, however, it quickly adds up. At the same time, some businesses see no room to lower their prices further — margins are tight.

In the end: those who are clever look for small bistros in side streets, try menus outside peak times or share a portion. And those who are willing to invest a little more at lunchtime will still find quality in Mallorca — just not always at bargain prices.