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.
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, whether you're looking for traditional Czech cuisine, exotic flavors, a luxurious experience, or an affordable lunch. Among my favorite lunch spots are Výčep, which offers Czech dishes perfected to the finest level, and Kuchyň, where you can enjoy not only delicious meals but also stunning views of Prague. For fans of Italian cuisine, Dejvická 34 is an excellent choice, while Asian cuisine is superbly represented by Nhà hai hành bistro or Taro. A luxurious experience is guaranteed by restaurants like Field or La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise. For a budget-friendly lunch in Prague, visit canteens such as 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.
