GITNUXREPORT 2026

Spain Restaurant Industry Statistics

Spain's restaurant industry is thriving with robust revenue and widespread growth.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

62% of Spaniards eat out at least once a week in 2023.

Statistic 2

Average spend per visit to restaurants is €25.40 in 2022.

Statistic 3

78% of consumers prefer Spanish cuisine when dining out in 2023.

Statistic 4

Online reservations account for 42% of restaurant bookings in urban Spain 2023.

Statistic 5

55% of diners use apps for restaurant discovery in 2022.

Statistic 6

Vegetarians represent 12% of restaurant customers, up 4% since 2019.

Statistic 7

Lunch is the most popular meal out at 68% frequency in 2023.

Statistic 8

49% of consumers aged 18-34 prioritize sustainability in restaurant choice 2022.

Statistic 9

Average group size for dining out is 3.8 people in Spain 2023.

Statistic 10

71% of tourists dine at restaurants weekly during visits in 2022.

Statistic 11

Price sensitivity led 37% to choose cheaper options in 2023.

Statistic 12

82% value ambiance over food quality in mid-range restaurants 2022.

Statistic 13

Weekend dining peaks at 58% of weekly visits in 2023.

Statistic 14

Delivery orders average €22.10 per transaction in 2022.

Statistic 15

Plant-based menu items ordered by 28% of customers in 2023.

Statistic 16

45% of Spaniards aged 35-54 dine out 2-3 times monthly in 2023.

Statistic 17

Health-conscious diners grew to 39% prioritizing low-calorie options 2022.

Statistic 18

Delivery platforms used by 67% of urban millennials in 2023.

Statistic 19

76% of restaurant visits influenced by social media reviews in 2022.

Statistic 20

Local sourcing preferred by 64% of diners in 2023 surveys.

Statistic 21

Digital payments used in 89% of restaurant transactions 2023.

Statistic 22

Spain's restaurant industry employed 1.8 million people in 2023, 9.2% of total workforce.

Statistic 23

Waitstaff positions make up 38% of restaurant jobs, totaling 684,000 in 2022.

Statistic 24

Average salary for restaurant workers in Spain is €18,500 annually in 2023.

Statistic 25

52% of restaurant employees are women, highest in service roles at 65% in 2022.

Statistic 26

Temporary contracts represent 32% of hospitality employment in 2023.

Statistic 27

Chefs and cooks number 420,000, with 12% trained via vocational programs in 2022.

Statistic 28

Unemployment rate in restaurant sector was 14.2% in 2023, down from 28% in 2020.

Statistic 29

Part-time workers comprise 25% of the workforce, averaging 24 hours/week in 2023.

Statistic 30

Over 200,000 new jobs created in restaurants post-2022 recovery.

Statistic 31

18-24 year olds hold 22% of restaurant jobs, turnover rate 45% annually in 2022.

Statistic 32

Kitchen staff shortages affected 67% of restaurants in 2023 survey.

Statistic 33

Average tenure for restaurant managers is 7.2 years in Spain 2022.

Statistic 34

Training investment per employee averaged €450 in 2023.

Statistic 35

Immigrants make up 24% of restaurant workforce in 2023.

Statistic 36

Spain had 278,000 restaurants and bars in 2023.

Statistic 37

Madrid hosts 28,500 restaurants, the highest in Spain, as of 2022.

Statistic 38

Barcelona had over 25,000 foodservice establishments in 2023.

Statistic 39

The number of fast-food outlets in Spain grew to 12,400 in 2022.

Statistic 40

Andalusia region accounted for 22% of Spain's total restaurants with 61,000 venues in 2023.

Statistic 41

Catalonia has 48,200 hospitality businesses, 17% of national total in 2022.

Statistic 42

Average restaurant size in Spain is 150 m², with 45 seats on average in 2023.

Statistic 43

Valencia region has 32,000 bars and restaurants, ranking third nationally in 2022.

Statistic 44

65% of Spanish restaurants are independently owned as of 2023.

Statistic 45

Chain restaurants represent 15% of total establishments, totaling 41,700 in 2023.

Statistic 46

Galicia has 18,500 restaurants, focusing on seafood specialties in 2022.

Statistic 47

Basque Country boasts 12,300 high-end restaurants per capita highest in Spain 2023.

Statistic 48

New restaurant openings in Spain totaled 15,200 in 2023, up 8% YoY.

Statistic 49

Closures of restaurants dropped to 9,800 in 2023 from 22,000 in 2020.

Statistic 50

Urban areas account for 72% of all Spanish restaurant locations in 2022.

Statistic 51

In 2022, Spain's restaurant sector generated €128.5 billion in total revenue, representing 6.8% of the national GDP.

Statistic 52

The Spanish hospitality industry, including restaurants, saw a 15.2% year-over-year revenue growth in 2023, reaching €143.7 billion.

Statistic 53

Fast-food restaurants in Spain contributed €12.4 billion to the market in 2022, accounting for 9.6% of total restaurant sales.

Statistic 54

Full-service restaurants in Spain had a market value of €76.3 billion in 2023, up 10.1% from the previous year.

Statistic 55

The average annual revenue per restaurant in Spain was €450,000 in 2022.

Statistic 56

Spain's restaurant industry turnover increased by 21% in Q1 2023 compared to Q1 2019 pre-pandemic levels.

Statistic 57

In 2023, the casual dining segment generated €34.2 billion, 24% of the total restaurant market.

Statistic 58

Organic food sales in Spanish restaurants grew by 18.7% to €2.1 billion in 2022.

Statistic 59

The profit margin for Spanish restaurants averaged 8.2% in 2023, up from 5.9% in 2021.

Statistic 60

Delivery and takeaway sales in restaurants reached €18.9 billion in 2023, 13% of total revenue.

Statistic 61

In 2023, Andalusia's restaurants generated €28.4 billion, 20% of national total.

Statistic 62

Catalonia's restaurant revenue hit €24.1 billion in 2022, driven by tourism.

Statistic 63

Madrid restaurants earned €22.7 billion in 2023, with 12% growth.

Statistic 64

Valencia Community's sector valued at €15.3 billion in 2022.

Statistic 65

Basque Country restaurants average €450 turnover per venue, highest nationally 2023.

Statistic 66

Galicia's seafood restaurants contribute €8.9 billion annually in 2022.

Statistic 67

Canary Islands saw 25% revenue surge to €12.6 billion in 2023 tourism boom.

Statistic 68

Balearic Islands' beachfront eateries generated €9.4 billion in 2022.

Statistic 69

Castilla y León has 22,000 venues focusing on roast meats, €7.2B revenue 2023.

Statistic 70

Aragon region's tapas bars drive €4.8 billion in sales 2022.

Statistic 71

Murcia's paella specialists add €5.1 billion to local economy 2023.

Statistic 72

Extremadura rural restaurants grew 11% to €2.9B in 2022.

Statistic 73

La Rioja wine-pairing venues revenue €1.7B, per capita leader 2023.

Statistic 74

Castilla-La Mancha tapas scene €6.3B in 2022.

Statistic 75

Asturias cider houses contribute €3.8B, 18,000 jobs 2023.

Statistic 76

Navarre's pintxos bars €2.4B revenue in 2022.

Statistic 77

Cantabria seafood focus yields €3.1B, up 14% 2023.

Statistic 78

Ceuta and Melilla combined €0.8B from border tourism restaurants 2022.

Statistic 79

Ghost kitchens operated by 18% of restaurants for delivery in 2023.

Statistic 80

AI menu optimization adopted by 22% of chains in 2023.

Statistic 81

Sustainability certifications held by 31% of restaurants in 2022.

Statistic 82

Contactless tech implemented in 92% post-COVID in 2023.

Statistic 83

Plant-based offerings increased 35% on menus since 2020 to 2023.

Statistic 84

Zero-waste kitchens in 14% of fine-dining establishments 2023.

Statistic 85

NFT loyalty programs trialed by 5% of urban restaurants 2023.

Statistic 86

Robotic servers in 8% of Tokyo-inspired spots in Spain 2022.

Statistic 87

Menu engineering software used by 41% of independents 2023.

Statistic 88

Experiential dining events up 27% in bookings 2023.

Statistic 89

Blockchain for supply chain in 12% of premium restaurants 2023.

Statistic 90

Vegan menu sections standard in 56% of chains 2022.

Statistic 91

AR virtual menus trialed in 9% of tourist areas 2023.

Statistic 92

Energy-efficient appliances adopted by 68% amid 2023 crisis.

Statistic 93

Pop-up collaborations between chefs rose 40% in 2023.

Statistic 94

Data analytics for personalization in 33% of large chains 2022.

Statistic 95

Fermentation techniques on 24% of avant-garde menus 2023.

Statistic 96

Subscription meal plans offered by 16% of urban eateries 2023.

Statistic 97

Biodegradable packaging in 77% of takeaways 2022.

Statistic 98

Voice ordering via assistants in 11% of app-integrated spots 2023.

Statistic 99

Hyper-local sourcing apps used by 29% of farm-to-table venues 2023.

1/99

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From its bustling city tapas bars to its sun-drenched coastal terraces, Spain's restaurant industry is not just serving meals—it's fueling a remarkable economic revival, contributing a hefty 6.8% to the national GDP with a sector that generated over €128 billion in revenue last year.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, Spain's restaurant sector generated €128.5 billion in total revenue, representing 6.8% of the national GDP.
The Spanish hospitality industry, including restaurants, saw a 15.2% year-over-year revenue growth in 2023, reaching €143.7 billion.
Fast-food restaurants in Spain contributed €12.4 billion to the market in 2022, accounting for 9.6% of total restaurant sales.
Spain had 278,000 restaurants and bars in 2023.
Madrid hosts 28,500 restaurants, the highest in Spain, as of 2022.
Barcelona had over 25,000 foodservice establishments in 2023.
Spain's restaurant industry employed 1.8 million people in 2023, 9.2% of total workforce.
Waitstaff positions make up 38% of restaurant jobs, totaling 684,000 in 2022.
Average salary for restaurant workers in Spain is €18,500 annually in 2023.
62% of Spaniards eat out at least once a week in 2023.
Average spend per visit to restaurants is €25.40 in 2022.
78% of consumers prefer Spanish cuisine when dining out in 2023.
Ghost kitchens operated by 18% of restaurants for delivery in 2023.
AI menu optimization adopted by 22% of chains in 2023.
Sustainability certifications held by 31% of restaurants in 2022.

Spain's restaurant industry is thriving with robust revenue and widespread growth.

Consumer Behavior

62% of Spaniards eat out at least once a week in 2023.
Average spend per visit to restaurants is €25.40 in 2022.
78% of consumers prefer Spanish cuisine when dining out in 2023.
Online reservations account for 42% of restaurant bookings in urban Spain 2023.
55% of diners use apps for restaurant discovery in 2022.
Vegetarians represent 12% of restaurant customers, up 4% since 2019.
Lunch is the most popular meal out at 68% frequency in 2023.
49% of consumers aged 18-34 prioritize sustainability in restaurant choice 2022.
Average group size for dining out is 3.8 people in Spain 2023.
71% of tourists dine at restaurants weekly during visits in 2022.
Price sensitivity led 37% to choose cheaper options in 2023.
82% value ambiance over food quality in mid-range restaurants 2022.
Weekend dining peaks at 58% of weekly visits in 2023.
Delivery orders average €22.10 per transaction in 2022.
Plant-based menu items ordered by 28% of customers in 2023.
45% of Spaniards aged 35-54 dine out 2-3 times monthly in 2023.
Health-conscious diners grew to 39% prioritizing low-calorie options 2022.
Delivery platforms used by 67% of urban millennials in 2023.
76% of restaurant visits influenced by social media reviews in 2022.
Local sourcing preferred by 64% of diners in 2023 surveys.
Digital payments used in 89% of restaurant transactions 2023.

Consumer Behavior Interpretation

The modern Spanish restaurant scene is a deliciously complex tango where over half the nation waltzes out weekly, fiercely loyal to their local cuisine and lunch, yet their hearts—and increasingly their apps—are pulled by the siren songs of social media reviews, plant-based intrigue, and the urgent need for a good photo op, all while their wallets nervously check the bill and their conscience checks for a sustainable table for approximately 3.8 friends.

Employment & Labor

Spain's restaurant industry employed 1.8 million people in 2023, 9.2% of total workforce.
Waitstaff positions make up 38% of restaurant jobs, totaling 684,000 in 2022.
Average salary for restaurant workers in Spain is €18,500 annually in 2023.
52% of restaurant employees are women, highest in service roles at 65% in 2022.
Temporary contracts represent 32% of hospitality employment in 2023.
Chefs and cooks number 420,000, with 12% trained via vocational programs in 2022.
Unemployment rate in restaurant sector was 14.2% in 2023, down from 28% in 2020.
Part-time workers comprise 25% of the workforce, averaging 24 hours/week in 2023.
Over 200,000 new jobs created in restaurants post-2022 recovery.
18-24 year olds hold 22% of restaurant jobs, turnover rate 45% annually in 2022.
Kitchen staff shortages affected 67% of restaurants in 2023 survey.
Average tenure for restaurant managers is 7.2 years in Spain 2022.
Training investment per employee averaged €450 in 2023.
Immigrants make up 24% of restaurant workforce in 2023.

Employment & Labor Interpretation

Behind the bustling tapas bars and sun-drenched terraces lies an industry precariously balanced on the shoulders of its young, often temporary, and underpaid workforce, where a chronic shortage of skilled chefs persists despite employing nearly one in ten working Spaniards.

Establishments & Locations

Spain had 278,000 restaurants and bars in 2023.
Madrid hosts 28,500 restaurants, the highest in Spain, as of 2022.
Barcelona had over 25,000 foodservice establishments in 2023.
The number of fast-food outlets in Spain grew to 12,400 in 2022.
Andalusia region accounted for 22% of Spain's total restaurants with 61,000 venues in 2023.
Catalonia has 48,200 hospitality businesses, 17% of national total in 2022.
Average restaurant size in Spain is 150 m², with 45 seats on average in 2023.
Valencia region has 32,000 bars and restaurants, ranking third nationally in 2022.
65% of Spanish restaurants are independently owned as of 2023.
Chain restaurants represent 15% of total establishments, totaling 41,700 in 2023.
Galicia has 18,500 restaurants, focusing on seafood specialties in 2022.
Basque Country boasts 12,300 high-end restaurants per capita highest in Spain 2023.
New restaurant openings in Spain totaled 15,200 in 2023, up 8% YoY.
Closures of restaurants dropped to 9,800 in 2023 from 22,000 in 2020.
Urban areas account for 72% of all Spanish restaurant locations in 2022.

Establishments & Locations Interpretation

Spain's culinary scene is a robust tapestry where the fierce independence of 65% owner-operated tapas bars coexists with the relentless march of fast-food chains, all woven together by a post-pandemic resurgence that's seeing more doors swing open than shut, particularly in its densely flavorful urban centers.

Market Size & Revenue

In 2022, Spain's restaurant sector generated €128.5 billion in total revenue, representing 6.8% of the national GDP.
The Spanish hospitality industry, including restaurants, saw a 15.2% year-over-year revenue growth in 2023, reaching €143.7 billion.
Fast-food restaurants in Spain contributed €12.4 billion to the market in 2022, accounting for 9.6% of total restaurant sales.
Full-service restaurants in Spain had a market value of €76.3 billion in 2023, up 10.1% from the previous year.
The average annual revenue per restaurant in Spain was €450,000 in 2022.
Spain's restaurant industry turnover increased by 21% in Q1 2023 compared to Q1 2019 pre-pandemic levels.
In 2023, the casual dining segment generated €34.2 billion, 24% of the total restaurant market.
Organic food sales in Spanish restaurants grew by 18.7% to €2.1 billion in 2022.
The profit margin for Spanish restaurants averaged 8.2% in 2023, up from 5.9% in 2021.
Delivery and takeaway sales in restaurants reached €18.9 billion in 2023, 13% of total revenue.

Market Size & Revenue Interpretation

While Spain's full-service temples of gastronomy may turn up their noses, the post-pandemic reality is that the nation's economic recovery is being fueled as much by casual diners, takeaway boxes, and the occasional guilty-pleasure burger as it is by its celebrated fine dining, proving that a robust appetite for convenience is now as vital to the GDP as a perfectly paired Rioja.

Regional Insights

In 2023, Andalusia's restaurants generated €28.4 billion, 20% of national total.
Catalonia's restaurant revenue hit €24.1 billion in 2022, driven by tourism.
Madrid restaurants earned €22.7 billion in 2023, with 12% growth.
Valencia Community's sector valued at €15.3 billion in 2022.
Basque Country restaurants average €450 turnover per venue, highest nationally 2023.
Galicia's seafood restaurants contribute €8.9 billion annually in 2022.
Canary Islands saw 25% revenue surge to €12.6 billion in 2023 tourism boom.
Balearic Islands' beachfront eateries generated €9.4 billion in 2022.
Castilla y León has 22,000 venues focusing on roast meats, €7.2B revenue 2023.
Aragon region's tapas bars drive €4.8 billion in sales 2022.
Murcia's paella specialists add €5.1 billion to local economy 2023.
Extremadura rural restaurants grew 11% to €2.9B in 2022.
La Rioja wine-pairing venues revenue €1.7B, per capita leader 2023.
Castilla-La Mancha tapas scene €6.3B in 2022.
Asturias cider houses contribute €3.8B, 18,000 jobs 2023.
Navarre's pintxos bars €2.4B revenue in 2022.
Cantabria seafood focus yields €3.1B, up 14% 2023.
Ceuta and Melilla combined €0.8B from border tourism restaurants 2022.

Regional Insights Interpretation

While Catalonia serves the tourists and Madrid fuels the business lunches, it’s the salty charm of Andalusia’s tapas bars that quietly brings home the biggest haul, proving Spain’s true national dish is its relentlessly diverse and voracious appetite for eating out.

Trends & Innovations

Ghost kitchens operated by 18% of restaurants for delivery in 2023.
AI menu optimization adopted by 22% of chains in 2023.
Sustainability certifications held by 31% of restaurants in 2022.
Contactless tech implemented in 92% post-COVID in 2023.
Plant-based offerings increased 35% on menus since 2020 to 2023.
Zero-waste kitchens in 14% of fine-dining establishments 2023.
NFT loyalty programs trialed by 5% of urban restaurants 2023.
Robotic servers in 8% of Tokyo-inspired spots in Spain 2022.
Menu engineering software used by 41% of independents 2023.
Experiential dining events up 27% in bookings 2023.
Blockchain for supply chain in 12% of premium restaurants 2023.
Vegan menu sections standard in 56% of chains 2022.
AR virtual menus trialed in 9% of tourist areas 2023.
Energy-efficient appliances adopted by 68% amid 2023 crisis.
Pop-up collaborations between chefs rose 40% in 2023.
Data analytics for personalization in 33% of large chains 2022.
Fermentation techniques on 24% of avant-garde menus 2023.
Subscription meal plans offered by 16% of urban eateries 2023.
Biodegradable packaging in 77% of takeaways 2022.
Voice ordering via assistants in 11% of app-integrated spots 2023.
Hyper-local sourcing apps used by 29% of farm-to-table venues 2023.

Trends & Innovations Interpretation

While nearly all Spanish restaurants now embrace contactless tech and biodegradable packaging, they are also quietly plotting a culinary revolution from ghost kitchens, engineering menus with AI, and flirting with blockchain, robots, and NFTs, proving the industry is as adept at survival as it is at surprising us.

Sources & References

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