Serving tapas, freshly caught seafood and local cuisine, Mallorca’s restaurants offer hungry tourists’ delicious traditional food, such as the authentic stew, ‘frit mallorqui’, with a serving of laid-back atmosphere. Many eateries are open in the daytime, and one of the best value meals you can get are the ‘menu del dia’, a three-course meal with beer, wine or soft drink often for little more than 10 euros. Of course, most places are open in the evenings too, when the locals come out to eat never earlier than 8pm and more likely 10pm.
For the best value and most authentic cuisine, it often pays to head off the main tourist strip and look for back or side street restaurants, where the prices are usually cheaper and the food even more delicious. If in doubt, “eat where the locals eat” is a recipe for dining success.
We’ve been frequenting Mallorca’s drinking and eating spots for over forty years, since the company was founded back in 1984. Whilst we’ve seen restaurants come and go and even dined in places boasting Michelin stars, as well as the odd Indian or Japanese restaurant, here we have ranked ur top 5 restaurants for food quality, value and atmosphere.
BEST FOR HARBOUR VIEWS
What? La Cabana Where? Port d’ Alcudia
Serving paella, grilled meats, pasta, seafood and authentic pizza, this harbour-front establishment has been in business since 1990 and is a hit with locals and tourists alike. It’s an unpretentious space where the food speaks for itself and the atmosphere is welcoming and unfussy. Evening live music is similarly chilled. It’s a popular spot for good reason, so we recommend booking ahead, especially if you’re in a big group.
Click here for more information on La Cabana Restaurant
BEST FOR BOHO VIBE
What? Bodega Ca’n Pantina Where? Old Alcudia
Competition for the best taverna in Alcudia’s Old Town is fierce – we could easily have picked several others – but we love this light filled restaurant with a boho-chic vibe. It serves traditional Mallorquin and Spanish specialities, such as the special pincho (meat skewer) or more adventurous options such as barbequed quails, as well as tapas, fresh fish and more. Probably one of the most extensive menus you’ll find in Mallorca!
Click here for more information on Bodega Ca’n Pantina
BEST FOR TRADITION
What? Celler La Parra Where? Port Pollença
Since 1962, this one-time wine cellar (you may have guessed from the name!) has been serving generous portions in atmospheric surrounds, and, as its longevity suggests, it’s a winning formula. Outstanding food and attentive service make this taverna easily one of the best restaurants in Mallorca: a family business that cherishes tradition. The woodfired oven in which many dishes are prepared certainly give the food a special flavour, but don’t ask as to how dishes like frito are made – it’s a closely guarded secret! Closed Mondays.
Click here for more information on Celler La Parra
BEST FOR GARDEN SETTING
What? La Placeta Cafe and Restaurant Where? Old town Pollença
Overlooking a laid-back square in Pollença’s beautiful Old Town, La Placeta offers coffee, cakes, snacks, drinks and a children’s menu by day and a far more extensive menu – including typical Mallorquines such as suckling pig and lamb and rosemary by night. Fish and seafood, as you’d expect of an island are plentiful, risottos and paellas, meat and pastas are also in abundance. Average price around 25 Euros. There’s also a gorgeous garden outside where you can eat al fresco.
Click here for more information on La Placeta Restaurant
BEST FOR HISTORY AND ATMOSPHERE
What? S´Alqueria Turó Where? Santa Margalida
As the name suggests, it’s the castle-like tower and private courtyard setting which makes this such an atmospheric eating location, especially floodlit at nights, but also in the day, oozing as it is with charm and history. There is a wide range of dishes as you’d expect, the usual paella, grilled meats, seafood and vegetarian options, and some of the coldest beer served in iced glasses, though food reviews can be a little mixed. We’ll let you be the judge! Open from 5pm. Closed Saturdays.
Click here for more information on S´Alqueria Turó Restaurant
Want to know more about where to stay during your Mallorca holiday?
We offer villas in Alcudia , Pollença, Puerto Pollenca, Santa Margalida and more. Or, for the full portfolio, have a look look at our Mallorca Villas page.
Other blogs you may be interested in:
The Top Unique things to do in Mallorca
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