Tucked away in a lively corner of Barcelona, Bullanga has become one of our favourite places for a relaxed and satisfying Menú del Día. With thoughtful seasonal dishes, warm service, and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s the kind of spot that quietly works its way into your routine. It’s a very local place, which is why sometimes it isn’t easy to share the secret. But it really is so good!
The Menú del Día itself has an interesting history. It was born during the Franco regime in 1965, when General Francisco Franco passed a law requiring all restaurants to offer a fixed-price tourist menu that included three courses and a drink. The goal was to provide affordable meals while boosting tourism, and it worked. According to a study conducted by PubMed Central, Spain went from 5.4 million visitors in 1960 to over 20 million by the end of the decade.
Though originally intended for tourists, the Menú del Día has since become a beloved institution for locals too. Offered on weekdays at lunch, it typically includes a starter, main course, dessert or coffee, and a drink. It’s a way to enjoy a proper, well-balanced meal without spending a fortune, and a small but meaningful ritual in everyday Spanish life. Bullanga offers the perfect setting to enjoy such a ritual.
We’ve now been to Bullanga four times, and each visit has felt both familiar and fresh. One of our most memorable visits to Bullanga was during Carnival in February 2024. We went with Victor’s parents, and the restaurant was buzzing with energy. All the staff were dressed up in colourful, hippy-style costumes, adding a festive, joyful touch to the afternoon. For our starters, Victor and I shared two dishes: a velvety pumpkin and sweet potato cream with croutons and black sesame, and crispy fried noodles with aioli, similar to a fideuà. Both were full of flavour and beautifully presented. For mains, I had grilled sole, light and delicately cooked, while Victor went for the roasted pork belly. It came with turnips, local herbs, and a hint of honey.
When we returned in May, the vibe was calmer but just as welcoming. Victor couldn’t resist ordering the fideuà-style noodles again, and I chose a simple yet delicious bean salad. My main was a savoury vegetable and cheese quiche, a dish that struck a nice balance between comfort and freshness. We ended the meal by sharing a classic flan, which was smooth, not too sweet, and a lovely way to finish.
Our third visit was in March the following year. We started with a vibrant mixed salad and a hearty chickpea stew, followed by grilled sardines with crispy skin and tender flesh. Simple, honest food done perfectly.
Most recently, in June, we returned once again. To start, we shared two dishes: empedrat amb olivada, a refreshing Catalan bean salad with olives, and gaspatxo amb crostonets i sèsam negre, a chilled gazpacho topped with crunchy croutons and black sesame. For mains, I had filet de bacora a la planxa amb oli de julivert i tomata torrada, a grilled fillet of bacora, a fish in the bonito family, served with parsley oil and roasted tomato. Victor chose the llom a la planxa amb salsa blava de poma, pork loin either simply grilled or with a delicate blue cheese and apple sauce. Both dishes were flavourful and perfectly balanced.
Bullanga’s Menú del Día is more than a great value. It’s a reflection of care, creativity, and an appreciation for good food in good company. Whether you find yourself there on a quiet spring afternoon or in the middle of a Carnival celebration, there’s always something to enjoy. For us, it’s become a little tradition. And one we’re happy to keep.
Have you found your own go-to Menú del Día spot in Barcelona? I’d love to hear about it.
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