The menu du jour – «dish of the day» or «daily menu» – is a fixed lunch offer that the kitchen composes anew each day. It typically consists of a main course, often complemented by a soup of the day or a small salad as a starter. The idea behind it: the kitchen can plan with fresh, seasonal and cost-effectively purchased ingredients and cook in larger quantities, which allows an attractive price.
The menu du jour is offered almost exclusively at lunch, usually from around 11.30 a.m. to 2.00 p.m., often only on weekdays. Many establishments post the weekly menu or publish it on their website and in apps. There is frequently a choice between a meat, a fish and a vegetarian daily menu. The service is fast: because much is prepped (see mise en place), the food comes quickly – ideal for a limited lunch break.
In Switzerland, a menu du jour typically costs around CHF 18–26 for the main course, and roughly CHF 22–32 with soup or salad (guide values, no guarantee; higher in cities like Zurich or Geneva and prime locations, lower in rural regions). Often a coffee or dessert is included in the price or available at a reduced rate. This makes the daily menu almost always noticeably cheaper than the same dish à la carte in the evening.
What to watch for: the offer is limited to the quantity prepared – popular dishes can sell out early, so it pays to come early or reserve. Drinks are usually not included. Anyone with special requests or intolerances should ask whether the fixed menu can be adapted; not every kitchen is flexible here.