The lunch menu, also known as the midday menu or daily menu, is an integral part of the offerings of many restaurants.
It is a pre-set menu that is served during lunchtime, usually between 11 AM and 3 PM. The main goal of the lunch menu is to offer guests tasty food at an affordable price.
Lunch menu: potato dumpling stuffed with smoked pork rib from the Prague restaurant Výčep.
The concept of the lunch menu first appeared in France in the 19th century, when the restaurateur Auguste Escoffier introduced the so-called “table d’hôte”, or “host’s table”. Guests could choose from a pre-set menu at a fixed price, which was advantageous for both the guests and the restaurant, as it could more efficiently plan the purchase of ingredients and the preparation of meals.
Today, we encounter lunch menus in various forms all over the world. Most often, it consists of a soup, a main course, and a dessert, sometimes drinks are also included. The selection of dishes usually changes daily so that guests can choose something new, and it also makes work in the kitchen easier.
The main advantage of the lunch menu is undoubtedly its price. Thanks to the pre-set offer and more efficient preparation, restaurants can afford to offer the menu at a lower price than if the guest ordered individual dishes from the regular menu. This makes it an attractive choice for people who want to eat well and tastily at noon without having to spend large amounts.
Lunch menu: pork tenderloin, shiitake mushrooms, kohlrabi at Pickles restaurant in Nantes, France.
Another benefit of the lunch menu is speed. Since the meals are prepared in larger quantities and often in advance, the waiting time for food is usually shorter than when ordering à la carte. This is especially important for people who have limited time for lunch, for example, during a work break.
Lunch menus also often reflect seasonal ingredients and local specialties, which is a great way to get to know the local gastronomy. Skilled chefs can create real culinary experiences from fresh seasonal ingredients.
Lunch menus also have their limitations. The selection of dishes is limited and may not suit everyone, especially people with various dietary restrictions or allergies. Sometimes the quality of the food may also be lower compared to dishes ordered from the regular menu.
I am a big fan of lunch menus. I often choose from restaurants included on the local Michelin list for lunch, which also offer lunch menus. It’s an opportunity to taste top-notch cuisine for a fraction of the price. But I also enjoy lunch menus in regular restaurants (for example, in Spain, menú del día). And there are indeed many places to have lunch in Prague.
Lunch menu: Field restaurant ⭐ in Prague.
So, if you’re heading out for lunch abroad and want to enjoy good food at a reasonable price, I definitely recommend trying the lunch menu. You may be surprised at what culinary treasures you can taste at a good price.
The 420 restaurant on Prague's Old Town Square offers an original take on Czech cuisine. The project is led by Radek Kašpárek, a well-known chef, with Marek Kominek heading the kitchen and desserts crafted by Kateřina Brodnianska. The restaurant is located in a uniquely renovated building with a beautiful courtyard, directly opposite the Old Town Astronomical Clock.
Beef & Beer in Uherské Hradiště is a restaurant specializing in beef and quality beer. They offer steaks, burgers, ribs, tartare, and also lunch menus. Beef & Beer is part of the Kolektiv group, which also includes my favorite Prague pub Výčep.
At Kapka Resort restaurant in Lhota u Vsetína, the experienced head chef Jaroslav Orság and his team truly shine. The interior of the restaurant, which is part of a modern sports-hotel complex, is cozy, the kitchen is partially open, and the staff are exceptionally attentive. The establishment has been rightfully recognized by the Gault&Millau guide.
Jídlovice is a popular network of Prague canteens. They primarily focus on office clientele, with two branches in Dejvice and one in Karlín. They offer a combination of Czech classics and dishes from various world cuisines. The meals are not only delicious but also attractively presented. The environment is modern, and the service is very fast and efficient. Despite occasional queues and a noisy atmosphere, Jídlovice is currently the best "tray-style" dining in Prague for me.
A breathtaking view of Charles Bridge and excellent international dishes – for me, that’s Restaurant Mlýnec. The menu features dishes from modern Czech and international cuisine, with an emphasis on seasonal and local ingredients. The lunch menu, which I tried this time, changes every week. For me, Mlýnec is the perfect choice for dining in the historic center of Prague.
Prague is a paradise for food lovers. Among my favorite lunch spots are Výčep, which offers Czech dishes perfected to the last detail, and Kuchyň, where you can enjoy not only excellent food but also a beautiful view of Prague. For fans of Italian cuisine, Dejvická 34 is a great choice, while Asian cuisine is well represented by the bistro Nhà hai hành or Taro. For a luxurious experience, Field restaurant is guaranteed to impress. If you're looking for an affordable lunch in Prague, you’ll find it at canteens like Havelská koruna or Pohotovka.
"Menú del día" is the Spanish equivalent of a lunch menu. Spanish restaurants offer it from Monday to Friday at a reasonable price between 15-20 EUR. The menu consists of a lighter first course, a heartier second course, and a dessert, and also includes drinks such as beer, wine, or coffee. If you want to sample the simpler Spanish cuisine that locals enjoy for a regular lunch, "menú del día" is a great choice.
Kamin Restaurant is a new family-run restaurant in Prague’s Vinohrady district, focused on modern Czech cuisine. The place is headed by Jan Macháč, who honed his skills at Michelin-starred La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise and Taro. Kamin stands out not only for the quality of its food, but also for its attentive staff and friendly atmosphere.
IKEA is a giant even in the world of restaurant dining. The menu is dominated by legendary meatballs with sauce and mashed potatoes, salmon dishes, and in Czechia, grilled hermelín cheese. The selection is complemented by desserts, coffee, and other drinks. You can also have your food packed to go.
