Where to Eat in Ibiza and MallorcaPart 2

This is not intended as a definitive guide or a ranking of the best restaurants on the islands. These are places I know, return to and that have become part of my life in Mallorca and Ibiza.

Some are restaurants for a special occasion; others are simple bars where you can stop for a coffee, a glass of wine or something to eat without too much ceremony. That is precisely why they are here.

Mallorca

Eight personal addresses that reveal different sides of everyday life on the island.

1. La Rosa Vermutería & Colmado · Palma

Carrer de la Rosa, 5

A Palma classic, open all year. Booking is advisable.

It is an ideal place for a meal after a performance at the Teatre Principal: tapas, Spanish cooking, excellent tortillas and pintxos in the heart of the city.

2. Bar Espanya · Palma

Carrer de Can Escursac, 12

Another of those Palma places you should not miss. Tapas, vermouth, miniburgers and a tortilla that has become one of the house classics.

It currently accepts a limited number of reservations while keeping some tables for walk-ins. If you have not booked, try to arrive early.

3. Forn Sa Ràpita · Sa Ràpita

Avinguda de Miramar, 52

One of my favourite places. It faces the sea, parking is easy and it opens early for breakfast.

It also serves generous, reasonably priced lunches and, during the summer, dinner. Good salads, pizzas and classic dishes. It never disappoints.

4. Bar Central · Palma

Plaça de Weyler, 10

When you are walking through Palma and want to pause, sit on a high stool and take in the modernist architecture of CaixaForum and the surrounding buildings, this is one of my favourite places.

You can have a coffee, a glass of wine or a tapa. My preferred moment is before a performance at the Teatre Principal, with a glass of cava here.

5. Na Caragola · Sant Elm, Andratx

Avinguda de Jaume I, 23A

Another favourite, right by the sea with views of Sa Dragonera in the beautiful village of Sant Elm.

Paellas, the catch of the day, octopus and good wines. The desserts also deserve a recommendation. Booking is advisable.

6. Empanadas Criollas Don Simón

Carrer d’Aragó, 14 · Palma

I discovered this place years ago through the recommendation of a Bolivian friend.

Whenever I am in Palma, I make a special stop for its empanadas criollas, with Bolivian specialities and other South American flavours. You can eat there too, although I almost always order them to take away.

Absolutely recommended.

7. La Posada · Valldemossa

Plaça Miranda des Lladoners, 3

One of the island’s best terraces for a meal, set in historic surroundings with views of the Serra de Tramuntana.

The food is excellent and booking is advisable. I also recommend arriving with time to spare, parking calmly at the entrance to Valldemossa and walking to the restaurant.

It is perfect for a special evening or lunch in the sun, as I once enjoyed with friends during the month of February.

8. La Biblioteca de Babel · Palma

Carrer Arabí, 3

As well as buying a good book, you can have tea, coffee or a glass of wine in this legendary bookshop and cultural space in central Palma.

I love this place. It brings back wonderful memories and is one of those spaces that gives me a sense of peace.

Ibiza

Ibiza has a wonderfully varied food scene, but it also preserves small places with personality that do not need to become a spectacle in order to feel special.

9. Can Tina · Ibiza Town

Carrer de Sant Cristòfol, 15

A fantastic place in the centre of Ibiza Town. Home-style Mediterranean cooking, meat, rice dishes and, above all, very good service.

It is one of those restaurants that never lets you down and where you always leave happy and well looked after.

10. Le 27

Carrer de Sant Vicent, 27 · Santa Eulària des Riu

Open throughout the year. In winter, the onion soup is essential.

Of every place in this selection, this is my number one. Both the food and the service are excellent. I recommend booking.

11. Es Boldadó

Camí de Cala d’Hort, 69 · Sant Josep de sa Talaia

Facing Es Vedrà, this is one of Ibiza’s essential places.

Its terrace has exceptional views. It is a good choice both for lunch with friends and for a romantic occasion. Booking is essential.

12. El Flotante

Talamanca · Ibiza

A lifelong classic and a genuine meeting point: somewhere to eat, gather and experience Ibiza. It is one of the island’s enduring images and part of my own memories too.

After the storms and the damage suffered by the establishment, it is wise to check its current situation before making the journey.

13. Bar Es Cafetí

Carrer d’Ignasi Riquer, 2 · Dalt Vila, Ibiza

An essential stop if you have climbed to the upper part of Ibiza’s old town, and one of my personal favourites.

Its owners have put a great deal of care into this small place with real personality. You can feel it in the atmosphere and in the way guests are looked after. I recommend it.

14. Can Font · Hotel Mirador de Dalt Vila

Plaça d’Espanya, 4 · Ibiza

I first discovered this place when I was invited by the owners of Hotel Mirador de Dalt Vila.

Although Can Font is inside the hotel, it also welcomes guests who are not staying there. It serves breakfast and offers both an à la carte menu and a tasting menu in an intimate setting for just 25 diners.

Its cuisine works with local produce and a contemporary interpretation of Ibizan tradition. It is a place to enjoy slowly and an experience of true Mediterranean luxury. Booking is advisable.

Places that become part of your story

Getting to know Mallorca and Ibiza is not only about visiting their beaches or walking through their villages. It also means discovering the places you want to return to and that, over the years, become part of your own story.

These recommendations come from my experience of living and working on the islands. It is the same experience I draw on when advising those who are considering making Mallorca or Ibiza their home.