Skip to main content

This content featured in News & Reviews

Prime Palma lunchtime spots

The perfect "menú del día" in Mallorca's gourmet capital

Imprint
By Jose Rains, Updated

Plenty of Mallorca’s restaurants offer an affordable and seasonal ‘menú del día’ (normally a daily or weekly set, three-course lunch menu). Still adored today by the Spanish as a nation, this ‘lunch menu’ concept dates right back to the 1960’s with the ruling of Spanish dictator, Francisco Franco. In a bid to boost tourism, Spain was encouraged to introduce a set, three-course menu of authentic Spanish cuisine at an affordable price. Today, it remains one of the nation’s most celebrated culinary delights.

Thankfully the reasonably and fixed price ‘menú del día’ allows greater access to some of Mallorca’s most exclusive restaurants. With lunchtimes tending to be quieter, it’s an excellent way for the restaurants to generate business by presenting a limited menu for an attractive price and of course, an excellent chance for the customer to indulge in something more special.

Below, we encourage you to take full advantage of the gastronomic capital city’s best cuisine at unbeatable prices. Here are some of our favourite places to order a ‘menú del día’…

Best Lunch Spots

Simply Fosh Restaurant, Palma de Mallorca style of cuisine

Marc Fosh Restaurant

Location
Palma de Mallorca

Marc Fosh Restaurant in Palma de Mallorca is a premier destination for contemporary Mediterranean cuisine. Situated within the stylish 17th-century Hotel Convent de la Missió in the old town, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a modern and relaxed setting where gastronomy takes centre stage.

The kitchen focuses on tasting menus that celebrate the best local produce from across the Balearic Islands, enhanced with inspiration from across the Mediterranean. Each dish emphasises clean, seasonal flavours, reflecting a dedication to quality and the richness of local ingredients. From fresh seafood to carefully sourced meats and vegetables, every plate is crafted to create a memorable culinary experience.

Fosh’s four course ‘menú del día’ might begin with something along the lines of ‘Yellow gazpacho with marinated serviola fish, achiote, broad beans and basil ’, followed by 'Venere Rice with grilled squid, green asparagus and roasted lemon-saffron emulsion' and then 'Fillet of local corvina fish with carrot puree, lavage and liquorice beurre blanc' before moving onto a meatier dish of ‘Truffled guinea fowl with beetroot, raspberry and elderflower jus’. For dessert, you can expect to enjoy something like a ‘Trio of chocolate with apricot-cardamom sorbet and almond rocks'. This fine dining establishment concludes the meal perfectly with a selection of delicious petit fours. Remember the menu changes weekly, so this is merely an example of their menu style.

Marc Fosh also offers a carefully curated wine selection, showcasing the work of winemakers, grape growers, and oenologists. Wines can be paired by the glass with the tasting menus, allowing guests to explore new flavours and regional pairings.

For those seeking a more intimate experience, a private dining area accommodates up to ten guests and is ideal for business dinners, family celebrations, or special occasions. Exclusive hire of the restaurant is also available for larger groups, along with tailored wine tastings to complement the menu. At Marc Fosh, each visit promises exceptional food, attentive service, and an experience that lingers long after the last bite.

Hotel Almudaina Sky Area

Almudaina Hotel

Location
Palma de Mallorca

Seeking the ultimate city views? Hotel Almudaina hits the spot! A hidden treasure – you’ll more than likely walk straight past this hotel’s tiny entrance on the busy street of favourite shopping haunt, Avenida de Jaume III. Once inside and upstairs, you’ll be rewarded with knockout views of the cathedral, the city’s best historical architecture and of course the glittering port. Situated in Jaime III, the city's most popular avenue, most prestigious shopping area and very close to the seafront promenade, the Cathedral, the port and the old quarter.

The 70 guestrooms at this hotel offer satellite television, air-conditioning, direct-dial telephones, wireless Internet access, and private bathrooms with bathrobes.

Guests of the Hotel Almudaina Palma can make use of a complimentary daily breakfast. Further amenities of the hotel include 24-hour reception, a television lounge, a restaurant, complimentary wireless Internet access throughout the premises, and a bar on the rooftop terrace. More modest than Palma’s other rooftop terraces, you’ll be pleased to know that the drinks here are much more affordable allowing you to leave without having broken the bank.

Basic Bar & Restaurant, Palma de Mallorca style of cuisine

Basic Bar and Restaurant

Location
Palma de Mallorca

Basic Bar and Restaurant, tucked away near El Corte Inglés in Palma, is a hidden gem offering contemporary Mediterranean cuisine in a relaxed and welcoming setting. The restaurant itself resembles an art gallery with a minimalist interior. The modern, Mediterranean menu beautifully compliments the setting with an artistic flare. The team believes in honest, product-driven cooking, using fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced locally to create dishes that combine traditional flavours with a modern twist.

The menu is dynamic, changing weekly according to the market and season, ensuring that each visit offers something new. From carefully prepared small plates to more substantial dishes, every item is designed to showcase the quality of the ingredients and the creativity of the kitchen.

Despite its focus on high-quality gastronomy, Basic Bar and Restaurant keeps things approachable, offering excellent food at competitive prices. The low-key, informal atmosphere makes it ideal for a casual lunch, an evening meal with friends, or a relaxed dinner after exploring Palma.

Attention to detail, fresh produce and a commitment to Mediterranean tradition make Basic Bar and Restaurant a standout in the city. It’s a place where guests can enjoy carefully prepared, seasonal dishes without pretence, all within a friendly and comfortable environment. For those seeking authentic flavours with contemporary flair in the heart of Palma, Basic Bar and Restaurant is a must-visit destination.

Adrian Quetglas Restaurant, Palma de Mallorca style of cuisine

Adrian Quetglas Restaurant

Location
Palma de Mallorca

Adrián Quetglas Restaurant in Palma de Mallorca offers a modern, Mediterranean dining experience shaped by the chef’s international journey. Born in Buenos Aires to Majorcan roots, Adrián’s passion for the island and its cuisine began with his first job in Mallorca and was later enriched by a decade of experience in the competitive dining scene of Moscow, as well as time spent in London and Paris.

The restaurant’s menus reflect these experiences, combining Mediterranean flavours with international techniques and inspirations. Guests can choose from a five-step tasting menu, offering a concise urban experience at an accessible price, or an eight-step tasting menu, a more elaborate journey through a series of carefully crafted dishes. Each menu is designed to engage the senses, offering both creativity and a respect for the quality of ingredients.

Wine is a key part of the experience at Adrián Quetglas, with a carefully selected list that complements the flavours and textures of each dish.

The restaurant aims to make haute cuisine approachable, combining solid proposals, innovative techniques and Mediterranean authenticity. Whether dining for a special occasion or simply to enjoy expertly prepared food in a contemporary setting, Adrián Quetglas offers a unique opportunity to experience Mallorca’s culinary potential through the eyes of a chef with an international perspective, all while keeping the flavours of the island at the heart of the menu.

La Casa Gallega Restaurant, Palma Centre & Marina interior

La Casa Gallega Restaurant

Location
Palma de Mallorca

La Casa Gallega brings the very best of Galicia to the heart of Mallorca, offering a warm and welcoming dining experience for locals and visitors alike. This family-run restaurant, part of the renowned Grupo Babuxa, combines generations of hospitality expertise with a passion for quality and flavour.

Here, you can enjoy fresh fish and seafood flown directly from Galicia, grilled meats, vibrant salads, and a selection of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, all prepared with care and attention. The extensive wine list features the best Mallorcan and Spanish labels, providing the perfect pairing for every dish.

Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or settling in for a leisurely meal, La Casa Gallega serves dishes suitable for any time of day. The menu offers something for everyone, from simple yet delicious tapas to more elaborate plates showcasing the finest ingredients.

With two central locations in Palma, conveniently close to shops and public transport, it’s easy to enjoy a taste of Galicia without leaving the island. La Casa Gallega prides itself on maintaining high standards, ensuring excellent food at reasonable prices and a friendly, attentive service. For an authentic Galician experience in Mallorca, this is a must-visit destination.

La Vasca Restaurant, Palma Centre & Marina

La Vasca Restaurant

Location
Palma de Mallorca

La Vasca Restaurant in Palma offers a vibrant taste of the Basque Country right in the heart of Mallorca. Since 2018, Grupo La Vasca has brought a unique dining concept to the island, blending traditional flavours with a modern, lively atmosphere.

Situated away from the main tourist areas, La Vasca is a favourite among locals, making it the perfect spot to experience authentic Spanish dining. The restaurant’s interior is casual yet stylish, with a buzz of energy that complements its menu. Guests can enjoy a wide range of Basque-style tapas, including favourites such as Rabowitch, croquetas, Iberico jamon, and tortilla, all prepared with care and fresh ingredients.

At lunchtime, the popular menu del dia offers a three-course selection of more substantial dishes, from entrecôte steak with chips and green peppers to salmon risotto with vegetables. Every meal concludes with tempting homemade desserts, a true highlight for those with a sweet tooth.

Whether you’re popping in for tapas with friends, a relaxed lunch, or a casual evening out, La Vasca provides a complete gastronomic experience. With its friendly service, lively atmosphere, and dedication to quality, it’s a place where every visit feels memorable, inviting guests to savour both the food and the joy of sharing it.

Spot Restaurant, Santa Catalina (Arty District)

Spot Restaurant

Location
Palma de Mallorca

Nestled in Palma’s vibrant Santa Catalina district, Spot Restaurant offers a chic fusion of traditional and modern Mediterranean and international cuisine. This trendy eatery is loved by both locals and visitors for its warm, relaxed Balearic atmosphere and stylish interior.

Ideal for a leisurely lunch after exploring the nearby Mercat de Santa Catalina and its fashionable boutiques, Spot invites guests to unwind while savouring flavours designed to share. By night, the area transforms into a lively hub of bars and cocktail lounges, making Spot the perfect start to an evening out.

The restaurant’s open kitchen adds a touch of theatre, allowing couples and small groups to watch chefs in action. Street-side glass doors can be opened to create a shaded, yet al fresco dining experience, perfect for soaking up Palma’s Mediterranean charm.

The menu is a delightful mix of sharable plates, with highlights including Peking duck pancakes and homemade pizzas, alongside a variety of Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Seasonal specials and flexible options ensure that dietary requirements are easily accommodated, while every plate reflects the restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients and bold flavours.

Whether you’re after a relaxed lunch, a pre-evening dinner, or a vibrant gathering with friends, Spot Restaurant delivers a memorable culinary experience in the heart of Palma.

Latest News & Reviews

Find out all about what is happening in Mallorca and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, fabulous beaches, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see, and experience on the island.

See allLatest News & Reviews
Reset your mind & body in Mallorca autumn 2018
Puerto Portals,

Upcoming Events

The island hosts all sorts of events, including agricultural fairs in the spring and autumn, live music and DJs in the summer, religious fiestas and international sporting events. Some of the most popular are the Mallorca 312 cycling race in April, the Copa del Rey sailing regatta in July and the Moors vs Christians mock battle in September.

See allUpcoming Events
Fira Bona Fair 2020, Palmanyola
Mallorca in March 2020 - What weather to expect & what to do
Dragon Winter Series
Santa Maria del Cami Market
A collage of six diverse images: abstract woman, smoky apple, eye & tree branches, charcoal portrait, watercolor fish, and a crab seafood dish.
Mallorca in March 2020 - What weather to expect & what to do