Great Menu del Dia Lunch near the Plaza Mayor
by Ben Curtis
Everyone who decides to have lunch in Madrid’s Plaza Mayor soon discovers that they have made a huge mistake. The Menu del Dia (lunchtime set menu) is far too expensive and usually not all that good. Walk a few minutes in any direction however, and you are likely to be far better off. My personal favourite for a Menu del Dia near the Plaza Mayor is Refra, at Calle Santiago 4 (just across the Calle Mayor - Map).
For 8.50 inside and 10.50 on the terrace, you get around 5 starters, 5 main courses and 5 deserts to choose from, in what is basically a top quality working man’s lunchtime menu served in a friendly, family-run establishment. You will be eating with the locals, you won’t get ripped off, and you will leave more than satisfied. I ate here almost every day for three months whilst living in the Hostal Santiago opposite (see book for details!), so I know what I’m talking about!
Comments
Comment from ben
Date: May 5, 2007, 10:50 am
Great, please do check back in and let us know how the food was!
Comment from PattyN
Date: May 12, 2007, 10:43 pm
I couldn´t wait until Thurday. I had my first meal in Madrid, lunch at Refra, on Wednesday. I can see why Ben was a regular, the food was plentiful, yummy and a great value. This is also a great location for people watching, both locals and tourists.
Pingback from Avoid: Eating and drinking in the Plaza Mayor - Notes from Madrid
Date: October 5, 2007, 10:47 am
[...] The view might be pretty special, but the food served up on the terraces of the Plaza Mayor is far from it… It’s ridiculously expensive, low-quality, and loveless. Save your money and check out some of the great places for lunch near the Plaza Mayor, or wander five minutes down the road to the wonderful tapas bars in La Latina instead! [...]
Comment from PattyN
Date: May 5, 2007, 1:55 am
Ben, Great! I’m in Madrid next week. I may try it out Thursday for lunch, it’s in a convenient location.