Mallorcan cuisine is full of tastebud-tickling fresh fish and locally grown vegetables. And as it’s an international tourist destination there’s also plenty of variety for the whole family. The capital, Palma de Mallorca, is a foodie’s treasure trove, while the island is a culinary paradise for all tastes.
1. The Venetian Palace, Palmanova
Best for: Pizza
Price range: £
Tripadvisor rating: 5/5
If the kids can’t wait for their lunch but you want quality, this is the perfect place. The freshly prepared pizzas are to die for and they only take a couple of minutes to cook in the pizza oven. The range of homemade gelatos are just as good, whether you wish to sample the Italian amaretto flavour or try the Toblerone variety. If you don’t fancy pizza and ice cream there’s pasta, gyros and crepes too. And how about a cool beer or cocktail with your food?
2. The Merchants Palma
Best for: Steaks, grills and seafood
Price range: ££-££££
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5/5
Do you love both seafood and steak? This is just the place for you, with both indoor and outdoor seating right in the heart of the historic centre of Palma. For starters you might order a seafood platter to share including scallops, prawns, mussels, clams and oysters. Then for mains you can devour a tender yet succulent sirloin steak. If you’re a pescetarian maybe you’ll go for the salmon or lobster option. Is there a vegetarian in your group? They’ve catered for you too, thanks to the truffled mac & cheese and the vegan cauliflower steak. It might take some time to agree on which wine you’ll have to accompany your food, as the list includes over 50 varieties. The Merchants Palma is open every evening. They also offer a set menu during the afternoons at weekends.
3. Cardamom City, Puerto Pollensa
Best for: Indian
Price range: ££-£££
Tripadvisor rating: 5/5
One of the most highly rated restaurants in Puerto Pollensa doesn’t serve local dishes but the finest flavours from India. If you love spicy chicken or lamb you’ll be spoiled for choice, with the selection of tandoori, kebabs and tikkas. While there’s curries to suit both meat and fish lovers, as well as vegetable options for vegans. And to accompany your main there’s a selection of different rice and naan options to suit all tastes. If your kids aren’t keen on spicy cuisine they’ve got child-friendly choices too, including chicken nuggets and fish fingers. Don’t fancy sitting down to eat? Cardamom City also does a takeaway service.
4. Marc Fosh, Palma
Best for: Fine dining
Price range: £££-££££
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5/5
Under 200 metres from Palma’s tree-lined La Rambla you’ll find a unique culinary experience with Michelin starred cooking. The tasting menus are expertly prepared from regional Balearic produce. You’ll be given the opportunity to sample truffled guinea fowl and the local corvina fish. If you’re feeling adventurous you might try the slow cooked pigeon with peach & chervil liquorice sauce or the smoked eel ice cream. Afterwards, you can order a cheese board or the dark chocolate and lavender ganache. The sommelier will be on hand to guide you with your wine pairing. Celebrating a birthday or anniversary? You can book a private dining experience for your group.
5. Izakaya Mallorca, Palma
Best for: Sushi and Japanese cuisine
Price range: ££££
Tripadvisor rating: 5/5
If your holiday budget doesn’t stretch to a trip to Asia, fear not as chef Masahide Ozawa has brought a taste of Honshu to Majorca. From the moment you step inside you’ll no longer feel like you’re in Europe as the interior has a traditional Japanese tavern look and feel. The menu showcases the chef’s 40 years of experience. You could choose wakame salad as your starter, followed by Osaka-style omelette and finish off with a sweet mochi cake. Alternatively, the sushi selection includes rolls made from crab, tiger prawns, salmon tartare and tuna. You’ll find Izakaya Mallorca just outside the centre of Palma, overlooking the port.
Where To Stay in Majorca
Not yet booked a hotel for your Majorca holiday? Here are some of our top picks:
Palma
4 star Innside Palma Center
5 star Hotel Palma Bellver, Affiliated by Meliá
Puerto Pollensa
3 star Flora
4 star Hoposa Villaconcha Aptos
Palmanova
4 star MarSenses Rosa del Mar Hotel & Spa
5 star Zafiro Palace Palmanova
About the author
Edmund Myerscough loves exploring new destinations. His favourite holiday, so far, was a trip to the Balkans that included Dubrovnik, Mostar and Kotor.