A short walk inland from the paseo gets you to the kind of restaurant that locals actually go to on a weekday. Perico does an honest menú del día (starter, main, dessert, drink) for around the price of a beachfront beer.
The menú del día is the single best-value meal in Spain and it works the same way here: a fixed price — typically €12–€16 — buys you a choice of three or four starters, the same number of mains, plus bread, a drink (wine, beer or water) and either dessert or coffee. It runs at lunch on weekdays and it is what everyone at the surrounding tables is eating.
What tends to appear on it: ajoblanco or salmorejo in summer, a lentil or chickpea stew in winter, arroz caldoso, fried aubergine with cane honey, pork in almond sauce, albóndigas, grilled chicken and a fish of the day. Portions are generous enough that most people skip the dessert and take coffee instead.
Ordering without much Spanish is easy if you know three words: primero (starter), segundo (main), and postre (dessert). Say 'el menú, por favor', point at what you want, and ask for 'una jarra de agua' if you'd rather have water on the table.
The room is small, unfussy and busier with residents than visitors, which is exactly why it's worth the two-minute walk away from the seafront. Arrive at 13:30 to sit straight down, or 14:30 for the full local hum. Service is quick and friendly rather than polished.
Payment and etiquette: cash is always welcome and cards are usually fine, tipping is optional — rounding up or leaving a euro per person is plenty. If you want to linger, order a coffee; nobody will rush you out.
FAQ
- What is a menú del día and what does it cost here?
- A weekday fixed-price lunch — starter, main, bread, a drink and dessert or coffee — for roughly €12–€16.
- Is the menú available in the evening?
- Generally no. Menú del día is a weekday lunchtime tradition; evenings are à la carte.
- Do they speak English?
- Some, but this is a locals' dining room and the chalkboard is usually Spanish only. Pointing works, and a translation app covers the rest.
- Do I need to book?
- No. Arrive at 13:30 for an immediate table, or expect a short wait at the 14:30 peak.