The largest of the Balearic Islands in Spain, Majorca continues to be one of Europe's most popular summer holiday destinations, thanks to the top selection of tourist facilities, great weather and fantastic choice of restaurants. When it comes to dining in Majorca, you are really spoilt for choice. Most of the main holiday resorts offer a huge selection of international eateries to cater for the varied tastes of visitors. The smaller and more traditional towns in Majorca are great places to try tapas and the island's traditional dishes.
Local cuisine
Joan Marc Restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants in Inca. The kitchen is run by Joan Marc himself, who has worked in many restaurants throughout the world. He serves a selection of Mediterranean and local dishes which come in small-sized portions, allowing diners to try several different meals without feeling overloaded. There is also a great range of freshly prepared homemade desserts on offer and a take away service is provided for those who would rather dine in the comfort of their apartment or hotel room.
Como En Casa in Alcudia is another great choice if you're looking to try local cuisine. The name of the restaurant translates as 'Like at Home', which is strengthened by a relaxed atmosphere and Mediterranean comfort food. On top of the traditional meat- and fish-based dishes, this restaurant also serves a selection of pizzas and tapas. The extensive wine menu features a number of bottles produced in Majorca and the staff will happily suggest which one pairs best with your chosen meals.
Another popular choice for local cuisine is Can Cera Gastro Bar in Palma. This eatery prides itself on using only the freshest local ingredients in its menu to give diners a true taste of Majorca. There is a top selection of Mediterranean starters and main dishes available here, packed with fresh fish, seafood and grilled meats. If you don't want to settle for just one plate, you can try the tasting menu and enjoy a small selection of the restaurant's best dishes. Make sure you leave room for dessert the lemon meringue pudding comes highly recommended.
Cafe Bar Es Reco in Soller is a great place to go for typical Majorcan food. Located on the beach, this eatery offers amazing sea views and top quality service. Here you'll find a menu packed with traditional Mediterranean dishes, such as mussels in white wine and grilled fish served with seasonal vegetables. Every Friday evening, Cafe Bar Es Reco holds a beachside BBQ with many different meats on offer. On top of all this, the cafe also regularly hosts cooking workshops, so you can watch exactly how they prepare their dishes and try to replicate it at home.
Tapas
Restaurant Diferent in Cala d'Or is a top location if you want to try tapas. In addition to the regular a la carte menu, this eatery offers a large collection of tapas, with all sorts of different Spanish dishes to try. If you're really hungry, you can opt for the special unlimited tapas deal, which allows to you order as many tapas dishes as you want for just one set price. There is also a varied children's menu available, if you're dining with a fussy little one.
Bistro Mercat in Llucamajor serves a small selection of tapas made freshly onsite. Run by the same owners who used to run Bar C'an Miquel in Porres, this restaurant serves up a variety of traditional Majorcan cuisine in a friendly and comfortable atmosphere. The portions are very generous, so if you're unsure of how much to order, your server will be happy to advise. As well as homemade tapas, Bistro Mercat also offers a great choice of local wines and sangria which pair perfectly with the food.
La Cabana is one of the most popular tapas restaurants in Puerto de Pollenca. Suitable for both carnivores and vegetarians, this restaurant offers a top selection of meat-free tapas dishes something which is usually hard to come by. If you're still feeling a bit peckish after your dinner, try the tapas dessert platter a selection of miniature desserts freshly prepared on the premises. The seafront location makes this restaurant very popular during lunchtime, so make a reservation if you can.
When it comes to tapas, it doesn't get much better than Tapa Negra in Palma. Frequented by both locals and visitors, this eatery offers a variety of high quality tapas dishes. If you feel a bit overwhelmed, ask your server for advice and they will be happy to offer their opinions and suggestions. On top of the tapas menu, there is also a great selection of desserts to choose from, including the popular deconstructed cheesecake.
Modern European
Miti Di Palma Restaurant & Lounge Bar is one of the best Modern European restaurants in Playa de Palma. Decorated in a shabby-chic style, this eatery serves several multiple course set menus including an impressive seven course menu packed with traditional dishes with unique twists. The presentation of the food is immaculate and there is an extensive wine list available with international wines to match each dish. The staff here do their upmost to ensure everyone has a pleasant evening and are happy to explain any dishes on the menu and make suggestions.
When it comes to dining out, you can't go wrong with Roland Restaurant in Porto Cristo. Due to its high reputation, this eatery is often completely full, so reserving at least one week in advance is highly recommended, keeping in mind that it's closed on Mondays. The German chef has added his own touch to the menu, with many dishes being influenced by Germany. Although there is only a handful of starters, mains and desserts on the menu, each one is to a very high standard and the service is unbeatable.
Ca'n BoQueta in Soller is another popular choice for those wanting to indulge in modern European dining. Regarded as one of the best restaurants in the resort, this eatery offers a wide selection of dishes, with something to suit everyone. If you don't want to limit yourself to one dish, opt for the tasting menu and try a little bit of everything. The chef here is more than happy to tweak the menu to cater for those with allergies or special dietary requirements, which is why it's one of the most highly rated eateries in Soller.
El Patio in Andratx offers a large menu, packed with contemporary international dishes. There are several tasting menus available which give diners the chance to try a little bit of everything. On top of the tasting menus, there is also an a la carte menu to choose from, as well as a set three-course menu which changes every day. Reservations are highlight recommended at this restaurant, which can get very busy during peak seasons.
Asian
When it comes to Asian cuisine, it doesn't get much better than dining at Koh in Palma. This modern restaurant offers a fusion of Indonesian, Thai and Vietnamese food, so there is something for everyone to enjoy. The interior and exterior dining areas are very stylish and provide the ideal setting in which to enjoy traditional dishes such as prawn gyoza and curried beef. Every Wednesday the restaurant hosts a tasting night, when diners are invited to try small portions of all the dishes available.
Sambal in Palma is another great choice for when you're craving Asian food. Here you'll find a great selection of Thai dishes which can be altered to suit you. The chefs will happily change the herbs and spices in each dish to cater for those who love spicy food, as well as those who prefer things a bit milder. There is a selection of vegetarian choices and a take away service is also offered.
Baisakhi is one of the best places to go in Palma for an authentic Indian curry. The restaurant is decorated with karma sutra images and sculptures, so you might want to think twice about dining here with curious children. Although there is only one fixed menu on offer, the flavours of the courses are so varied that it will be suitable for everyone to enjoy. If you let the staff know that there is a vegetarian in your group before dining, the chef will make an effort to prepare several meat-free dishes for you.
Pub grub
When it comes to good old pub grub, you'll struggle to beat Tom Brown's in Magaluf. This restaurant serves food from early morning until late in the evening, with the full English breakfast being one of the most popular dishes on the menu. This family-run restaurant has toys and games to keep the children amused whilst the adults can enjoy their dinner. With everything from burgers, steaks and pies to fajitas, pasta and vegetarian dishes, there is bound to be something to suit even the fussiest eater.
The Foxes Arms in Alcudia is another great place to go for traditional home-cooked comfort food. The Sunday roast comes highly recommended as is great value for the portion size. Food is served throughout the day, starting from full English and continental breakfasts in the morning, followed by light meals such as salads and omelettes in the afternoon and hearty pub grub-type dishes in the evening. The inside of the restaurant is decorated with football memorabilia and many football matches are shown live on several large screen TVs.
Mollys Irish Bistro & Pub in Cala d'Or is a popular place for tourists and expats who want a taste of home. The Sunday roasts which are also available on a Wednesday are said to be the best in the resort. The staff offers quality service and go out of their way to ensure everyone has a great time. If you've got room for dessert after the huge portions, be sure to try the banoffee pie it's one of their most popular puddings.
Cala Portals in Portals Nous is another favourite amongst expats and tourists who visit for the freshly prepared food and friendly atmosphere. Every Friday this eatery serves beer-battered fish and chips, followed by traditional roast dinners each Sunday. During the rest of the week, there is an a la carte menu available, as well as a daily specials menu, made up of seasonal products. This eatery is known for its quality Sunday dinners, so it's advisable to book a table in order to avoid disappointment.
Grills & BBQs
A visit to Magaluf isn't complete without an evening spent at the Pirates Beach Bar & Grill. An absolute must for any carnivore, this restaurant serves up grilled meats cooked on the BBQ on the beachfront terrace, right in front of your eyes. There is also a selection of pasta, pizza, salads, fish and vegetarian dishes available for those who don't fancy BBQ food. Pirates Beach Bar & Grill is situated just a short distance away from the famous Magaluf strip, making it the ideal starting point for your night out.
Asador Bolixe in Palma is one of the best places to go to sample Argentinean meat-based dishes. The menu is packed with huge portions of beef, pork, lamb and chicken dishes, as well as several other pasta and vegetarian choices. If you can't settle for just one type of meat, opt for the mixed BBQ meat platter to enjoy a selection of their finest cuts. There is also an extensive wine list with bottles from all over Spain to accompany each and every meal.
No.8 Bar & Grill in Santa Ponsa is another top choice for carnivores. Here there is a large menu with loads of different dishes, although it can be quite pricey if you're on a budget or in a large group. Fortunately, there is a great value-for-money daily set menu which includes a starter, main, dessert and one drink. The fillet steaks come highly recommended and are accompanied by a selection of side dishes and sauces. There are also extensive vegetarian and children's menus available, full of dishes created using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.