A personal Mallorca food guide
Where to Eat in MallorcaPart 1
From Cala Deià to Campos, these are fifteen places where I genuinely enjoy eating, returning and taking friends.
My personal selection
These are my favourite places to eat in Mallorca. It is not a ranking and it is not a sponsored list: each recommendation comes from my own experience. Opening days and seasonal service can change, so check before travelling and reserve whenever I say that booking matters.
1. Ca’s Patró March — Cala Deià
Booking in advance is essential. Allow time for the descent to Cala Deià and even more time to park. It is a Mallorca summer classic for good fish and rice dishes, and its chef, Ramiro, is a true master.
2. Club Nàutic Sa Ràpita — Campos
You can eat on the terrace or inside, directly beside the beach. It also has private parking. This was one of my first meals after arriving in Mallorca and remains one of the places to which I return.
3. Balcó de Cabrera — Sa Ràpita
This is one of the best paellas I have tried, accompanied by unique views towards Cabrera. I often order the paella to take away and eat it on the terrace of my former wife’s house in S’Estanyol, where we enjoy the view of the island with a good bottle of wine.
4. The Red Fort II — Sóller
A good Indian restaurant with takeaway if you prefer dinner at home. The dining room is quite small; in summer, the combination of spicy food and heat can be intense, so takeaway can be the better plan.
5. Port Blau — Colònia de Sant Jordi
It is literally beside the sand. My recommendation is simple: paella, sangria and a swim in the sea. A ten out of ten.
6. Ca S’Hereu — Binissalem
For me, it has the best lunchtime set menu on the island — by far. Go with time and patience because finding a table can be difficult.
7. Foradada Mar — between Valldemossa and Deià
The best way to arrive is by boat from Port de Sóller. You can also drive, park above and walk for around forty minutes down to the restaurant. Paella or fish, white wine and that setting: unique in the world.
8. Nanai Beach — Cala Comtessa, Illetes
Excellent service from its Argentinian waiters, generous food and a position literally beside the water. It is one of my favourites.
9. Restaurant Illeta — Es Camp de Mar
You need to reserve. The restaurant stands on a small extension of land over the water and is famous for its photographs, but the food deserves equal attention. Try the sea bass baked in salt with a very cold Rías Baixas white wine from Galicia. The service is attentive.
10. Groenk — Deià
Groenk is open all year. Its chef is Hungarian, so goulash — one of my favourite dishes — appears occasionally. The team has a long gastronomic tradition and takes genuine care with its guests. The private room on the first floor can be reserved and has unique mountain views.
11. El Alpendre — Carrer de Blanquerna, Palma
A Uruguayan restaurant serving Uruguayan-Argentinian-style grilled meat. It is a place I associate with familiar flavours, generous food and a relaxed meal in Palma.
12. Terrace bar at El Corte Inglés, Jaume III — Palma
A terrace with views over Palma’s historic centre. It works very well for a meeting, a drink before dinner or a relaxed lunch in the city.
13. Sheraton Son Vida — Palma
There are three restaurants open in summer. In winter only one normally operates, but it is very good: the staff are friendly and the food is genuinely enjoyable.
14. Bodega del Sol — Es Mal Pas, Alcúdia
Near Platja de la Victòria, this is a classic among people from Alcúdia. Good food, good service and highly recommended. It is one of my favourites when I am in the area, especially with family or friends when the priority is simply to eat well.
15. Ca’n Pomar — Campos
For me, this is the best pastry shop on the island. Born in Campos, around ten minutes from Es Trenc, it has received numerous awards for its products. It is an ideal place for breakfast in any of its three shops in the town; I often choose the avocado-and-salmon toast with fresh orange juice.
On market days, coffee on its terrace is a personal ritual. The empanades and pizzas are also very good, and the team provides catering for events and celebrations. The quality of the ingredients is excellent.
Mallorca · A life around the table