Menorca or Minorca is one of the four main Balearic Islands found in the Mediterranean Sea, off the east coast of Spain. Its name derives from its size ('Minor-ca') as opposed to its neighbour Majorca ('Major-ca'). Other popular islands in the archipelago include Ibiza and Formentera.
The island has a typical Mediterranean climate with long hot summers and short mild winters. Menorca is the most northern of the Balearics, making it slightly cooler and wetter, but it is considered the most tranquil and least overrun. It is nicknamed the 'windy island' as it is in the path of eight prevailing winds.
Menorca has an eclectic cuisine due to input from several civilisations over the years. Anywhere you go you'll be able to find a variety of restaurants, from Mediterranean to British. Seafood is very popular on the island, so why not try 'caldereta de llagosta', a delicious lobster stew.
If you want to sample Spanish cuisine, make sure you have some tapas, paella or 'patatas bravas' (fried potatoes with spicy tomato and garlic sauce). Wash it down with some sangria, a Menorcan wine, or fiesta favourite Pomada a pungent mix of gin and lemonade.
Spanish
Menorca has a myriad of Spanish restaurants if you want to sample the local cuisine. Most offer a 'Menu del Dia' or set menu which is best for value, but if you splash out you can try the local specialities.
Ideal for families is Haiti located in the centre of Cala'n Blanes which serves traditional Spanish dishes such as paella, as well as Menorcan specialities. Kids will enjoy the Caribbean theme and there is a menu just for them.
In Cala Galdana there's Delit, perfect for a romantic evening out with its quirky Spanish menu why not order the homemade local sausages presented on a metal tree on a bed of vegetable crisps, or the pork meatballs, dipped in honey and presented on lollipop sticks in tall glasses?
Also great for couples is the contemporary Cas Consol where you can feast on modern Catalan style cuisine with stunning views over Ciutadella harbour. The Menu del Dia is just 14.50 and includes 2 courses, bread and dessert.
Also in Ciutadella is Ses Voltes, a three-story restaurant and bar named after the Calle Ses Voltes street lined with arches. Enjoy the taste of Menorca from the upstairs terrace overlooking the town with char-grilled meats, artisan pizzas and Mediterranean specialities.
If you're after a tapas restaurant try, C'an Xavi in Mahón offering a range of hot and cold 'bocadillos' (sandwiches) and an extensive list of tapas, from speciality meats to fresh seafood. Afterwards, why not head to Assukar salsa club also in the capital?
For traditional Menorcan food head to C'an Bep located in a renovated 19th century house in the centre of Ciutadella. This rustic restaurant specialises in meat, fish and caldereta de llagosta (lobster stew). Or there's El Gallo Restaurante located in Cala Galdana opposite the famous horse shows at Son Martarellet. Why not go for mixed paella at this quaint farmhouse restaurant before the show starts at 8.30pm?
Mediterranean
For a romantic evening head to The Cobblers, a picturesque restaurant set in typical 19th century Menorcan townhouse in Alaoir. Sit outside in the courtyard tables among the flowers and a lemon tree with subtle lighting and ambient music as you tuck in to Mediterranean, seafood and vegetarian cuisine.
Ca Na Marga in Ses Salinas near Fornells offers you a typical Mediterranean style barbecue made with the best quality meat. Finish your meal with a delicious homemade dessert.
Why not eat in a lighthouse at Far d'Artrutx in Cap d'Artrutx? This charming 19th century lighthouse is home to delicious Mediterranean offerings with emphasis on fish, rice and stews. Sit on the terrace and take in the spectacular sea view.
Alternatively there's Fuente de Trevi located in the heart of Cala Galdana offering a tasty selection of Mediterranean dishes. On the set menu for 13.80 you could have gaspacho for starter, Andalucian fried cuttlefish for main and finish with crème caramel.
Seafood
Most restaurants offer seafood on the menu, but these are some of the best.
Head to the port at Ciutadella and you'll come across Cafe Balear offering the freshest Menorcan fish and shellfish, caught daily by their own fishing boat. They have a wide range of tapas, seafood dishes and of course caldereta de llangosta (lobster stew).
Cafe del Nord is in a beautiful location by the beach in Fornells and has a great choice of fish dishes why not go for the monkfish and seafood stew? The set menu is just 14.50 and there's also a kid's menu.
Also by the waterfront in Fornells is the traditional seafood restaurant Es Port. Check out the large tank of lobsters (one of their specialities) and try one for yourself. Or you could sample the sole meunière, stuffed squid or grilled sea bass.
Modern European
For those in search of French or Italian food, try out one of these European restaurants.
In Sant Lluis there's Pan Y Vino, a highly rated restaurant focusing on French cuisine but it also incorporates Mediterranean food and other influences. Be sure to try something from their extensive wine list.
Roma Pizzeria in Ciutadella has a tasty selection of pizzas and Italian food which you can enjoy on the terrace overlooking the port. Try the three-course set meal for 18.
Alternatively there's Puccini Restaurant in Punta Prima where you can dine al fresco in the fountain courtyard and tuck into one of their delicious pizzas or pasta dishes and finish with profiteroles or tiramisu.
British and American
If you want a break from all the tapas, head to one of these restaurants for a taste of home.
Visit The Black Horse in Cala'n Brut for fresh fish, homemade chips and mushy peas for 8. Or for just 3 you can feast on a full English breakfast with bacon, sausages, beans, eggs, mushrooms, toast and orange juice.
For American grub head to Hamburgueseria de Pelicula in Mahón for cheap hamburgers and pizza. Or there's the Western-themed Big Al's Ranch in the centre of Cala'n Porter which is great for families. The Texan-inspired menu includes reasonably priced steaks and ribs, or you can choose from the buffet. Afterwards you could head to Vu Bar Menorca, a chilled-out bar 80 feet above the sea with panoramic views
Asian
Look no further than these Asian eateries for authentic oriental cuisine.
At Restaurante Way you can enjoy Chinese and Japanese food by Mahón harbour. Their award-winning chefs serve up traditional favourites with more contemporary Asian delicacies and use fresh ingredients from the town markets.
Yuzu is a Japanese restaurant and sushi bar by Ciutadella harbour. Sit on the terrace and enjoy high quality Japanese dishes as you gaze out at the port. Why not try the 'Yaki Sake' (salmon pan friend with soy sauce) or 'Niku Dango' (Japanese style meatballs)?
Or if you fancy a curry there's Taj Indian Restaurant in Port d'Addaia. Sit on the terrace and feast on popadoms, samosas, shish kebabs and tandori chicken.