Menorca is not a destination you'd pick because of cheap meals, neither is it expensive but generally Beach Resort level prices will be higher than those on mainland Spain and Majorca. Obviously exchange rates play a big part as does your taste in food, branded drinks habits and how much you want to pay for 'the view'.
It cannot be stressed enough regards Menorca. With the exception of Ciutadella, Menorca has no original towns on the coast which sprouted Holiday Beach Resorts - Restaurants are focused on holiday visitors' tastes. Food shops and restaurants in beach resorts are seasonal ( 6 months ) and this all has an impact on prices.
It should be said that the BEST Restaurants will be found in the towns or countryside NOT at the beach. So if your looking for a special meal - look to nearest town!
Whether you are staying B&B, Half -Board or 100% Self Catering nothing beats the pleasure of a good value meal or drink, freshly cooked away from the Hotel buffet or Villa kitchen. A rough daily budget including meal time drinks ( light breakfast, 1 sit down full fixed price meal with drinks and single course ) for 2 adults with two under 12's would be 80-100 Euro ( as of 2020 )
Alcoholic drinks eg cocktails tend to appear as quite expensive on the bar list, but usually have much larger measures. Imported UK beer and cider brands ( will have a significant higher price )
All prices in Euro
Drinks
Beer
Local Beer is stronger at 4.5-5% ( Campo Cruz,San Miguel and Estrella ) pinta 3.50-4.50 whereas Imported Beer/Cider 4.50-5.50 , small glass (Una caña ) 1.80-2.50 Euro,bottle 1.80
Prices appear high 7 - 12 but measures are BIG so 1 is enough!
Fixed Price Menus
Menu del Dia
Lunch - Fixed price
Menu del Dia 13-17 for 3 courses with drinks and bread. Childrens Menus with drink 7-11 Eur
Menus
Menu del Noche
Evening - Fixed price
Menu del Noche - about 3-7 more than lunchtime ( Menu del Dia ) menus at around 15-25
Tapas
Tapas / Snacks
Tapas 3-5 with bread, Hot 1/2 Baguette (Bocadillo) with fries 4-6
Pintxos 1-2
Menorca Average Meal Prices
The best value is ALWAYS AWAY from the Beach Resorts
The guide below will give you an idea about prices for eating out including set menus with fixed prices and al carte meals. Of course a snack can be more than enough.
Fish tends to be more expensive than meat.
All prices in Euro - updated June 2024
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Beach Resort
4-5 For Coffee/Tea plus one of Pastry/Toast/Small filled baguette
full english 5.50-8.50
Expresso 1.35-1.55
Cafe Con Leche 1.55-1.75
Fixed price with wine 15-20,
Starters 5-9,Mains 9-17
Fixed price with wine 15-25,
Starters 4-7,Mains 7-15
Town/Residential Urban
Specials Coffee/Hot Chocolate and Pastry for 2
3.60-4.70 For Coffee/Tea plus one of Pastry/Toast/Small filled baguette
Expresso 1.15-1.20
Cafe Con Leche 1.35-1.50
Fixed price with wine 10-20,
Starters 4-7,Mains 7-15
Fixed price with wine 15-25
Starters 4-7,Mains 7-20
Tip because they have local populations towns have a lot more 'Specials'. Menu del Dia/Noches in towns will also span a wider price range. You can be sure that a 25+ Euro Menu del Dia in town is something special!
All Inclusive
Is it really the best deal?
It is wise to remember that you are effectively paying for your food and drink months in advance at changing exchange rates, unless you are upgrading to AI locally.
Good to Know - eating out food and drink
In towns lunch is usually from 13:00 to 15-16:00 , evenings from 19:00-midnight. In beach resorts these times may start and end a little earlier. A 5-10% tip may be left if you are happy with the service. Children are always very welcome on Menorca.
By law all bars have to publish in visible locations all their prices, they also need to advertise that they have complaint forms.
All Inclusive on Menorca - what to expect
Tends to be promoted as the 'low price' option in a standard hotel rather than as part of some package for extensive remote location stay. So if the half and full board guests are getting the same food (hotel has only one dining room ) expect that the drinks and snacks offerings could be offering unbranded drinks and budget end snacks to keep costs down.
The Menú del Dia or Menu of the Day is a fixed price lunch time menu of 2/3 courses which includes drinks and is the most economical way to eat in a restaurant. They vary greatly, but are generally not about 'poor' food but value and a requirement of law to be offered. They are usually prominently displayed, if not ask!
Sample Menus
Sample Menu
Sample Menu
Menus will state 'con pan y vino/agua' (with bread and wine/water).
They often change ( even every day ). It is not uncommon to have items from the a la carte menu included for a lot less, is often a very good way to enjoy fish which tends to be expensive when ordered individually.
The menu del Dia's price will tend to show the quality and some restaurants have a low , mid-range and a higher price fixed menu which reflect the quality of the dishes on offer.
The first course is called 'Primeros Platos' , the second course 'Segundos Platos' and desserts will be under 'Postres'
Menu del Dia tips
You might be able to replace a dessert course with coffee if this was not included - just ask.
It is usually possible to order a different branded soft drink/beer - but not always the case, so again, ask otherwise you might find it as an extra item on your bill.
A trip by bus to the local town might yield your best value meal of the holiday!
Menú del Noche
The Menú del Noche or Evening Menu is generally offered less often than lunch time fixed price menus. It is also more expensive , but can also include better dishes than the lunch time variant.
Other than that they follow the same 'rules' as the Menu del Dia.
Self Catering Tips
S/C does not meaning eating every meal out or cooking every thing yourself. A great way to east well and cheaply is to buy fresh ready made dishes and then add to them with other 'fillers' fresh bread and salads ( Plats Preparat / Menjars Preparats )!
Menorca has an icreasing number of specialist food shops ( look for Menjars Preparats ) offering ready made spanish dishes. Some shops with online oredering , delivery Apps
Ready Made meals
Special Diets - Buying Gluten, Lactose Free food and restaurants
Drinks
Coffee - Cortado
Drinks
Fixed Price Menus
Menus
Tapas
