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.
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.
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.
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. 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.