© Stuart Pearce Photography
About choosing a Restaurant in Mallorca
Mallorca has become a real foodie island in recent years. The restaurant scene has come along leaps and bounds and now rivals top destinations like Madrid and Barcelona. Whilst traditional Mallorcan fare has been revived by famous chefs, the island also serves first class international cuisine and there’s been a wave of 21st-century fusion restaurants popping up in recent years. So you can bank on there being plenty of places to fulfil your individual desires when you visit.
Breakfast & brunch
There is a wide variety of cafes located all around the island serving breakfast, even in the smallest of villages. Opening times do vary so it is best to check in advance but most places open at 08:00 or earlier. The choice of breakfasts available depends on the restaurant, although classic Mallorcan and continental breakfasts tend to be the most common on the island. Traditional Mallorcan breakfast is a café con leche with an ensaïmada, a spiral-shaped pastry, or 'pa amb oli' (also known as 'pan con tomate' or 'pa amb tomàquet'), a simple slice of bread which may or may not be toasted, with tomato rubbed over and seasoned with olive oil and salt. There tend to be breakfast deals in most Spanish cafés where you can buy a coffee, orange juice and pastry or 'pa amb oli' for a reduced set price.
English fry ups and American pancakes are available at more touristy restaurants around the island, usually located in the holiday resorts and Palma city centre. Brunch is becoming a widespread global phenomenon in recent years and Mallorca is no exception, hotel brunches are a must when you want a full-on banquet breakfast.
Lunch in Mallorca
Lunch is the main meal of the day for the Spanish, typically taking place between 13:00 and 15:00 on the island. At this time of day, many of the best restaurants offer a ‘Menu del día’, a set menu which usually consists of three courses and a drink for a fixed price. Alternatively, a restaurant might offer a ‘Plat del dia’, one course and drink which is also a great choice for a quick bite to eat. The price of these menus varies, with many places in Mallorca serving three courses under 10€, whilst at some of the top restaurants on the island they can cost up to 25€. At any rate, this option offers amazing quality and value for money in comparison to à la carte and evening menus.
Dinner in Mallorca
The Spanish like to dine late so, whilst most restaurants open around 19:30 for their evening sitting, it's common for the more traditional spots not to open until 20:30. It’s highly recommended to book a table in advance to avoid disappointment, especially in summer and during weekends.
In the evening, it's customary for the waiter to bring a liqueur with your bill. This is a 'copa', a complimentary treat courtesy of the restaurant. It normally contains 'Hierbas Mallorquinas', a local liqueur aromatised with anise and other herbs. Sometimes a restaurant will ask you whether you want a 'copa', while others will just bring these treats out with the bill.
Coffee the Mallorcan way
The Spanish are coffee lovers and offer a wide variety of ways to serve the brew, which is commonly consumed throughout the day and into the late evening. Common preparations are 'café solo' served short, strong and black, 'café con leche' a normal coffee with milk, 'cortado' a short coffee with milk, and 'americano' which is a weaker black coffee. When asking for a 'carajillo' you will get the option to add alcohol to your 'café solo' (normally Amazonas, the local rum, Coñac or Baileys) and sometimes a bottle will be left on the table for you to help yourself. Add to your order the words 'con hielo' and they will bring you a glass with ice cubes to make your own iced coffee.
Dress code
Mallorca has a relaxed vibe around the whole island so formal dress is rarely necessary. When dining at one of the more exclusive restaurants found in Palma, Deià and some of the prestigious ports located around the island, a 'smart casual' rule sometimes applies.
Eating out with children
Children are always welcome except at adults-only hotels. Mallorca is a popular destination for families thanks to its fun, relaxed attitude, affordable restaurant selection and assortment of child-friendly menus. High chairs are usually on hand when needed although it’s best to call the restaurant in advance to let them know you are coming, especially in the summer months when the restaurants often get booked up.
BBQ Restaurants
Outdoor barbecue restaurants aren’t particularly common on the island, although many traditional restaurants have a BBQ-themed evening in the summer months. The few specialist BBQ restaurants you find in Mallorca tend to be pretty good quality. If you are in need of a good meat fix there are a few tasty BBQ restaurants on the island worth trying.
KOA Bar & Restaurant
Located in the heart of Palma’s old town, this trendy establishment offers an assortment of top notch food cooked in a charcoal oven. Fresh fish and good quality meat in the form of burgers, ribs and steak (you name it they have it) attract people to this restaurant throughout the year. Thanks to its good reputation and prime location this place is always heaving, so make sure you book a table in advance. Find out more.
Nola Restaurant
Set in trendy downtown Santa Catalina, this restaurant brings the heart of Cajun and Creole food, service and music to Palma offering true good quality soul food. A recommendation for both meat and seafood lovers looking for lively flavours with their BBQ food. Find out more.
Cafes and bakeries
There are cafes and bakeries in almost every corner of every village, town and city in Mallorca. Bakeries are the places to visit for fresh bread, pastries, cakes and other delicious treats, as well as to get your hands on a traditional Mallorcan ensaïmada. Cafes are not only the obvious spots to go for coffee but, in Spain, they are so much more. Great spots to grab a drink, breakfast or lunch, these places often feel like home away from home for locals and visitors alike.
Horno Santo Cristo Cafe
One of the most established cafes on the island, Horno de Santo Cristo has created authentic Mallorcan ensaïmadas since 1910. You will find them along with a selection of pies, cakes, sandwiches and desserts in each of their cafes in Palma.
Rialto Cafe
Located inside Rialto Living, the luxury department store found a stone’s throw away from Palma’s main shopping boulevard, this is the perfect place to take one of those much-needed shopping breaks. The beautiful architecture, homemade food, coffee and cakes make this a favourite spot in the city. Find out more.
Cappuccino Cafe
A well-known name in Mallorca, these luxury cafes can be found in many of the island's hotspots including Palma, Puerto Portals, Port d’Andratx, Valldemossa, Port de Pollença and Palma Nova. They offer top quality coffee, food and drinks all through the day and into the evening.
Cafe Scholl
Located in the quaint town of Sóller, this little art-nouveau style café with an open air courtyard serves European and Mallorcan cakes, pastries and hot drinks. They also offer lunchtime dishes and the cafe has become renowned for its vegetarian lunch options in recent years. Find out more.
Giovanni L. Ice Cream Parlour
Famous for delivering their gelato into the royal Spanish household, this brand has developed into an international phenomenon. Their ice cream parlours are located all around the island, including Palma, Santa Ponça, Artá, Valldemossa, Puerto Portals and Port de Sóller.
Can Joan de S'Aigo Cafe
For traditional Mallorcan pastries and other delights, this cafe in the heart of Palma’s old town is worth a visit. You can also pick up some of the best ensaïmadas on the island, with various fillings like apricot, chocolate and custard on the menu. Find out more.
Child friendly restaurants
Mallorca is a child-friendly island, which means most restaurants welcome them with open arms. However, some go that extra mile to accommodate the little ones with outdoor playgrounds and indoor soft-play areas.
Balcón de María Restaurant
Located along the bay of Santa Ponça, this is one of the longest standing restaurants in the area. The menu has everything from seafood paella and Mallorcan 'pa amb oli' to pizzas. There is a soft play area designed to keep the children happy for hours on end so the adults can enjoy a bit of peace whilst dining. Find out more.
Meson Ca'n Pedro Restaurant
This restaurant has been bringing people to the tranquil area of Genova, just outside Palma, for 40 years. Here you will find a no frills BBQ menu with impeccable quality meat and fish offering something to cater for the whole family, as well as an outdoor playground for children. Make sure you're hungry when visiting because the portion sizes are on the large side. Find out more.
Los Patos Restaurant
Another established restaurant on the island, set in a tranquil oasis away from the touristy part of Port d'Alcúdia, this is the place to come for a hearty meal and some traditional Mallorcan cooking. Great for families, you will often see three generations all sitting at the tables together. Away from the restaurant, there is an outdoor playground and seating area so adults can sit and enjoy a drink after their meal whilst their little ones have a bit of fun. Find out more.
Spanish Restaurants
Mallorca offers a whole host of good quality Spanish restaurants. Wherever you might find yourself on the island there will be a place serving delicious tapas or local delicacies nearby.
Quina Creu Restaurant
A favourite amongst the locals, Quina Creu is a quirky tapas restaurant hidden in Palma’s old town. The interior is chic and stylish with a mix of traditional Mallorcan style and modern funky furnishings. Dishes vary from tapas and pintxos to seafood. The flavours include classic Mediterranean styles, but also exotic dishes such as their imperial curry. Find out more.
Ombu Restaurant
Right in the heart of Palma’s city centre, stylish restaurant Ombu brings a modern twist to traditional tapas thanks to its interesting fusion of flavours. This is the place to go to sample some of the most creative tapas on the island along with spectacular wines and cocktails. It’s always busy so make sure you book in advance. Find out more.
La Bodega Restaurant
This traditional Spanish restaurant in the heart of Cala d'Or is famous for its large list of international wines and varied tapas menu. Choose from cold, vegetarian, meat and fish tapas and "montaditos" or try one of their pizzas and pasta. They also have a children's menu. Find out more.
Ca'n Quet Restaurant
Set within the stunning mountain village of Deià, this restaurant offers first class views and serves top quality fresh Mediterranean market cuisine either from an à la carte or a seasonal tasting menu. A place to visit for a special occasion. Find out more.
13% Restaurant
A tapas and wine bar nestled in the back streets of Palma’s old town, away from the hustle and bustle of the city’s more touristy haunts. The eclectic mix of delicious tapas and the extensive wine list with over 120 wines attracts international foodies and wine lovers. Find out more.
TAST Avenidas Restaurant
Palma’s worst kept secret, this restaurant has become one of the most popular joints in town for tapas. The chef focusses on using good quality traditional Spanish and Mallorcan ingredients to create an unpretentious, mouthwatering menu. Find out more.
Italian and pizza restaurants
It’s perhaps the fact that Mallorca is within such close proximity to Italy what makes its Italian restaurants so very good. There are many places to enjoy homemade pasta and pizza on the island and we will be surprised if you don’t find one close by.
A Casa Mia Restaurant
Located in Palma’s Santa Catalina, this is a cosy and intimate family affair offering authentic Italian cuisine with a hint of Mallorcan influence. The menu changes regularly and produce is sourced from the local market in the area. Here it’s less about pizza and more about authentic home cooked Italian food. It’s the kind of place where the menu is on a blackboard and the waiter comes over and explains all the different dishes each time you visit. Find out more.
Sandro Restaurant
Located in the centre of Palma, this restaurant offers an elegant setting where to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine. From Milanese specialities like "Vitello Tonnato" to "Saltimbocca alla Romana" and lots of fresh, homemade pasta. Find out more.
Cocco Restaurant
A favourite spot in Portixol, near Palma, for al fresco, beachside dining and fantastic pizzas. Relish the stunning sea views from this restaurant, whilst enjoying some home-cooked quality Italian food at extremely reasonable prices. Find out more.
Café Murada Restaurant
Walk a little further from the cathedral along the ancient walls in Palma and you will discover Café Murada. Famous for its creamy, gooey ‘Burrata’ the restaurant offers some of the finest Italian pasta, pizza, meat and fish dishes on the island. Sit on the terrace in the summer months to take advantage of the exceptional views of the Bay of Palma. Find out more.
Japanese restaurants
Mallorca serves up lovingly made, authentic Japanese cuisine across the island. Locals and tourists have well and truly embraced food from the land of the rising sun which means more and more restaurants are popping up. There’s also quite a few fusion restaurants with a Japanese offering.
Kurobota Restaurant
This edgy Japanese and East Asian tavern is located in Santa Catalina, Palma’s gastronomic district. Here it's all about sharing and trying lots of different dishes on the menu. The food is freshly prepared and guaranteed to add a little zing in your life. The Bao buns here are a must-try, along with their innovative cocktail creations. Find out more.
Sumailla Restaurant
For Asian food in Port d’Andratx, restaurant Sumailla is the place to be. Expect Japanese cuisine with a Peruvian twist in the form of mouth-wateringly tasty sushi, bursting with fresh and vibrant flavours. On the seafront like most other restaurants in the area, this place delivers the perfect setting overlooking the water day or night. Find out more.
Michelin starred restaurants
Mallorca comes fully equipped with some of the finest dining experiences in the world thanks to a number of Michelin-starred restaurants firmly placed on the map.
Zaranda Restaurant
Located in Castell Son Claret Hotel and having been awarded two Michelin stars, Zaranda offers the most exclusive dining experience in Mallorca. Chef Fernando Pérez Arellano heads up the restaurant with a talented team that sources fresh local ingredients to create culinary masterpieces time and time again. Find out more.
Marc Fosh Restaurant
Marc Fosh is the name on everybody’s lips, one of the most famous chefs on the island, his Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurant is hidden in the depths of Palma’s old town. Fosh serves exquisite Mediterranean cuisine with an emphasis on clean flavours and seasonal ingredients. Tasting menus are the way to go in this place, so come prepared to try something new. Find out more.
Es Racó d’es Teix Restaurant
Located in the affluent mountain town of Deià, Es Racó d’es Teix is headed up by German chef and patron Josef Sauerschell. This is a man who prides himself on using local ingredients to prepare authentic Mallorcan cuisine with innovative flair. His masterpieces impress even the most seasoned foodies. Find out more.
Adrian Quetglas Restaurant
Chef Adrian Quetglas has Mallorcan blood running through his veins and is famous for his fortnightly changing 7-course tasting menu. Foodies, make sure you add this to your list of things to do in Palma. Find out more.
Es Fum Restaurant
Located within the illustrious Mardavall Hotel, Es Fum serves mouthwatering cuisine using the finest seasonal produce. Enjoy the tranquil and picturesque terrace whilst indulging in some of the chef’s latest delights. There is also an indoor dining area with elegant designs from Nils Burwitz. Find out more.
Maca de Castro Restaurant
In 2012, Macarena de Castro became the first female chef to deliver a Michelin-starred restaurant in Mallorca, in Port d'Alcúdia. Her cuisine is predominantly Mediterranean and she’s famous for her 11-course tasting menu aimed at the most dedicated fish lovers. Find out more.
Andreu Genestra Restaurant
Located in a small country house near Capdepera, Andreu Genestra serves ‘Cuisine from the land’ by using his 6000m2 estate to cultivate the restaurant's own fresh produce, used in his innovatively prepared dishes. Monthly changing tasting menus are the way to go at this charming little place. Find out more.
Voro Restaurant
Situated inside the five-star Park Hyatt Mallorca Hotel, this gourmet restaurant serves the creations of chef Álvaro Salazar. They offer two tasting menus (11 and 15 courses) featuring dishes based on traditional Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine with imaginative touches, made with local and seasonal produce. Find out more.
DINS Restaurant
Situated at the boutique hotel El Llorenç Parc de la Mar in Palma, Santi Taura offers his taken on modern Mallorcan cuisine in Palma. Find out more.
Bens d'Avall
Father and son, Benet and Jaume Vicens' restaurant in Deiá, overlooking the west coast. Find out more.
Modern European and international restaurants
Fusion restaurants are causing quite a stir, with the island seeing a massive influx of them in recent years. Be prepared to try something new.
Toque Restaurant
One of the most famous restaurants in Palma thanks to its immaculate service and top-notch food, this place simply doesn’t fall under one particular category but the style of cooking is nominally Belgian-French. Their steak tartar is a renowned favourite but they also have foie gras, duck, rabbit and much more to offer. Find out more.
De Tokio a Lima Restaurant
Set within the luxury Can Alomar Boutique Hotel in Palma, De Tokio a Lima offers a first class fine dining experience with its fusion Japanese, Peruvian and Mediterranean cuisine. Great for a romantic meal for two, especially when it's warm enough to dine out on their stunning terrace. Find out more.
Duke Restaurant
This restaurant delivers some of the best dishes from around the world: Greek, Peruvian, Thai, Moroccan... the list is endless. With a relaxed surfer vibe, do make sure you try their ceviches and aubergine dishes. You can’t fault their friendly service either. Find out more.
Can Cera Gastro Bar & Restaurant
A more formal dining experience set in the stunning courtyard of the palatial Can Cera Boutique Hotel, this restaurant has a diverse offering of modern European dishes with tapas, pasta and seafood prepared innovatively and presented elegantly. Find out more.
Nikki Beach Restaurant
Nikki Beach is one of the most famous beach clubs on the island and comes with a fully catered first class restaurant. Expect signature tastes from around the world with sushi, tacos, pil-pil prawns, salads, pasta and ceviche all making an appearance on their extensive menu. Find out more.
Coast by East Restaurant
Probably Port Adriano’s most exclusive restaurant, Coast by East serves a variety of dishes from sushi and Asian low-carb dishes to mouth-watering grilled sea fare. The place has an exclusive feel and offers some of the best views over the marina. Find out more.
Fusion 19 Restaurant
A modern and elegant dining experience in Playa de Muro near Alcúdia, this restaurant has an impressive selection of dishes and popular tasting menus available including Mediterranean food with a modern twist or international favourites like sushi. Find out more.
Pubs and gastropubs
Traditional English pubs and Irish bars can be found all around the island, especially in holiday resorts.
Hogan's Pub
One of the most famous Irish bars on the island, Hogans is located just off the lively Paseo Marítimo in Palma. Come to grab pub food like burgers, sandwiches and salads along with a good pint of Guinness. It’s also possible to watch your favourite live sports in the daytime or to stay on after dinner for one of their legendary live music gigs. Find out more.
Lennox Pub
Set in the heart of Palma’s old town, Lennox has a true pub-like spirit running through its veins. Here you will find typical pub nosh with nachos, salads, pizzas, wraps and tapas thrown into the mix. This place is open 365 days of the year and shows live sports. Find out more.
Seafood restaurants
It should come as no surprise that the best seafood restaurants are found next to the sea in Mallorca so ports, marinas and beach resorts are always a great shout for top quality marine delights.
Flanigan Restaurant
Located in prestigious Puerto Portals, this restaurant has been a firm favourite for decades. People come here for its fine dining, fabulous fresh fish and impressive port-side surroundings. Fresh produce is handpicked at the local market and dishes are generally prepared Mediterranean style with an international touch. Find out more.
La Parada del Mar Restaurant
Situated opposite the Marivent Royal Palace near Cala Major, this is the place to come for a unique seafood rendezvous. At this relaxed and informal spot, it’s all about the quality of the fish. Pick what you want at the counter, choose the way you would like it to be cooked, then collect it and take it to your table. Find out more.
Kingfisher Restaurant
One of the best-known restaurants in Port de Sóller, Kingfisher serves great seafood and Mediterranean cuisine. The attractive seaside terrace offers stunning views over the port, so it’s no surprise this place has people queuing down the street to dine here. Find out more.
Miramar de Giuliano Restaurant
Set in the seaside fishing town of Port d’Andratx, this restaurant serves up some of the best seafood in the port. Lobster, paella, seafood platters... you name it, they have it. It’s a popular spot for both tourists and locals and has a great ambience with epic views as it's located on the waterfront. Find out more.
Mexican Restaurants
Mexican cuisine has become very popular in the last couple of decades. Mallorca has a good selection of restaurants serving mouthwatering favourites like quesadillas and tacos, washed down with delicious margaritas.
El Aquanauta Restaurant
Mallorca’s best Mexican restaurant is located in Palma’s gastronomic district, Santa Catalina. Stepping through its doors is like being transported straight to Mexico. Here you will be eating your Mexican food in a casual setting. We recommend you book to avoid disappointment as this place is usually overflowing with people. Find out more.
The Lake House Restaurant
In a fantastic location overlooking Port d'Alcúdia’s Wakepark, this is a great spot for spectators. Enjoy Mexican cuisine and cocktails in a relaxed surfer environment.
Sushi restaurants
In recent years, sushi restaurants have been popping up all around the island predominantly in large towns, seaside resorts and marinas.
Urban Sushi Restaurant
A hidden treasure situated on a low-key road within Santa Catalina district, this modern restaurant offers an excellent selection of consistently good quality sushi at reasonable prices. Find out more.
Zhero Beach Restaurant
Set on the water’s edge in San Agustin, near Illetes, this beach club offers a holiday vibe in an unbeatable location. Kick back and relax with a cocktail and some scrumptious sushi whilst soaking up the sunshine. Find out more.
Lucy Wang Restaurant
Enjoy high-quality sushi coupled with a stylish and sophisticated environment in Puerto Portals. Classic Japanese sushi creations meet elegant French cuisine at this restaurant, a favourite amongst yacht owners who travel far and wide to visit it. Find out more.
Takeaway restaurants
There are lots of restaurants offering take-away options in Mallorca. Even after a big meal, there tends to be the option of taking home a doggy bag.
Pizza 8
Located on the very edge of Santa Catalina in Palma, Pizza 8 have a wide range of pizzas cooked in a massive furnace oven. They offer a delivery service to the local area too.
Ziva-To-Go Deli
With a few outlets in Palma and Santa Ponça, Ziva-To-Go’s concept is grab & go. Expect breakfast food like granola with almond milk, raw toast, and chia pudding plus salads, raw pizza, raw desserts, juices and smoothies. Find out more.
Bon Thai
Located in San Agustin, Bon Thai is a great spot to grab Thai takeaway food. Usual favourites like Pad Thai and Thai Green Curry feature on the menu along with a range of soups and woks.
Vegetarian restaurants
Gone are the days when it was difficult to find a vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Spain. There is now a wide variety of restaurants serving vegetarian, vegan and raw dishes around Mallorca. The island is also more than equipped to cater for the various 21st-century healthy eating phenomena that are taking the world by storm.
Bon Lloc Restaurant
One of the most renowned vegetarian and vegan eateries on the island, located within Palma’s city centre, this restaurant is worth a visit whether vegetarian or not. Their fresh, nutritious and delicious dishes tempt even the most loyal carnivores. Find out more.
Marsim Bistrobarante Restaurant
Located in Santa Catalina, the concept of fast food hamburgers is transformed here thanks to their use of natural and fresh ingredients to create unique flavours. Its wide variety of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options has placed this restaurant firmly on the map. Find out more.
Bellaverde Restaurant
This top quality vegetarian restaurant in Port de Pollença has drummed up some hype on the island thanks to its extensive menu full of innovative dishes. The food and pretty garden adorned with lemon trees make this restaurant extremely popular. We would recommend booking to avoid disappointment. Find out more
Traditional Mallorcan restaurants
When in Mallorca, you should definitely try some typical local food. There are various restaurants to be explored around the island and they will be full of Mallorcan patrons. You will see the word 'celler' often used in the name of traditional restaurants. 'Celler' actually means old wine cellar, many of which have been converted into restaurants specialising in Mallorcan cuisine. Real basement 'cellers' have wine vats to prove it even if nowadays the term is used for any old-style restaurant. 'Cellers' are a great place to try Mallorcan classics like llom amb col (pork wrapped in cabbage) or frit mallorqui (fried offal). The best cellers are usually found in rural market towns like Inca and Sineu.
Celler Sa Premsa Restaurant
A true Mallorcan treasure located within the island’s capital city, this restaurant allows you to dine in a rustic celler surrounded by wooden barrels and local flair. The menu comprises of genuine traditional local cuisine, giving its visitors a little snippet of the island's culinary secrets. Find out more.
Ca'n Costa Restaurant
Located in Valldemossa, in the heart of the Tramuntana mountains, this restaurant occupies the space of an old olive oil mill or "tafona". They serve the most traditional Mallorcan cuisine including frit mallorqui, arros brut, tumbet, lechona asada and sopas mallorquinas. Find out more.
