The 21 best restaurants in Palma de Mallorca
The joy of Palma's burgeoning restaurant scene is the sensational choice and diversity on offer. Jogging alongside traditional and quirky bars serving tapas and pinchos are feted Michelin-starred establishments and edgy sushi and Asian food joints. And let's not forget vermuterias, snazzy vegetarian bistros and classy international dining emporiums. Inspired and innovative menús del día (lunchtime set menus), accompanied by superb local and Spanish wines, abound, providing exceptional value, even from Palma's leading gastronomic maestros.
This may be a bijou capital, but it packs a punch when it comes to food, effortlessly holding its own on the world's culinary stage. Here's our pick of the best restaurants.
For further inspiration, see our guide to spending the weekend in Palma, plus the best hotels, nightlife and things to do in the city.
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Best all rounders
Tast Club
Tast Club in Carrer de Sant Jaume is one of the city's best kept secrets. It's almost undetectable and there's no sign, but a discreet, cobbled patio hints at your arrival. This intimate and chic temple of discretion has the comfy feel of an old English club with its leather stools, wood panelling and graceful chandeliers. It exudes confidence and charm as do the waiters who smoothly patter about the warren of rooms wielding shared platters of rich and intense jamón Ibérico, refined tapas, tortillas, ceviches and the wispiest cristal bread. There's an excellent wine selection too.
Canela
Blink and you'll miss Canela, the little jewel of a restaurant on understated Carrer de Sant Jaume, just off El Borne. From the nineties, under the ownership of the Fuster family, this much-loved culinary den enjoyed a cult following until its closure. Breathing new life back into it, executive chef, Fernando Coradazzi, brings a wealth of experience to the table having honed his skills in Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe, the Middle East and North America. Offering innovative cuisine, using local fresh and seasonal ingredients, Canela still packs a punch, offering exquisite local and international meat, fish and rice dishes served with flair and attention to detail.
KOH
With its colourful Chinese hanging lanterns and wall art, this fun, original and cool culinary den serves up some of the best authentic South-East Asian cuisine in Palma. Sharing platters such as Pad Kra Pao Duck stir-fry, dim sum, cumin lamb ribs and Thai fishcakes can be savoured accompanied by a moreish cocktail. Try a Passionate Monkey, a winning blend of Japanese Bourbon, creme de banane and Maple syrup. There's a WOK Station section on the menu and tantalising side orders aplenty. A warm and intimate ambience combined with hugely welcoming staff, make this the perfect place for a lively weekend get-together.
Bistro Esencia
This unassuming, cosy and romantic den is run by talented Italian chef Luciano Sansó and partner, Andrea Pirel-la. Skilfully combining Italian and edgy Mediterranean cuisine using fresh local market produce, clients are assured bags of flavour and impeccably presented dishes. Seven and five course tasting menus include such gems as rich local fish stew cappuccino served in a cup with a lemongrass and coconut foam, and mouthwatering signature dish, Ravioli Carbonara. The chocolate mousse with mascarpone foam and 'coffee crunch' is a winner as is the award-winning Tiger cocktail, a heady mixture of passionfruit, tequila, tiger milk, local herbes liqueur and tabasco.
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Best for fine dining
Fera
Hidden in an unobtrusive street is one of the city's chicest addresses, with its grand arched portals, inviting patio and garden. Rock up here for a Mediterranean-cum-Asian sensory journey in impeccable surroundings. The four exquisite lunchtime and evening tasting menus, including vegetarian options, devised by chef Simon Petutschnig never disappoint. Service is slick and the accompanying breads and oil, a feast alone. Expect exciting creations such as crab roll in salsa verde, or subtly flavoured sea bream ceviche with pomegranate tiger milk and shiso. Desserts lure like sirens with sweet, sour and aromatic offerings that include chocolate yuzu, dulche de leche and kumquat.
Marc Fosh
The star performer at this elegant and laid-back restaurant is British Michelin-starred chef, Marc Fosh. With minimalist decor, this gastronomic den is simply all about the food. Lunchtime and evening tasting menus are an explosion of Mediterranean flavours using locally sourced ingredients, which are artfully executed and beautifully presented on unfussy crockery. The Menu Marc offers artistry on a plate with scrumptious dishes such as Bombeta rice with loin of venison, Jerusalem artichoke, fresh quince and lovage emulsion. Famed for his indulgent desserts, Marc's dark chocolate and olive oil 'cremoso', red pepper and raspberry sorbet is a glimpse of heaven.
Adrián Quetglas
This renowned Michelin-starred chef of Argentinian and Majorcan origin, uses avant-garde techniques in his sought-after cuisine, garnered from his culinary travels in Russia, London and Paris. His colourful, idiosyncratic five course lunch and seven course dinner menus, bursting with flavour and theatrical nuances, offer good value. Bullish yet aesthetically pleasing combinations of white asparagus with egg yolk and Iberian ice cream, or beef with cocoa and chili sauce, challenge the taste buds, while signature delights include borsch with ravioli of beetroot jelly, stuffed with crème fraiche. The restaurant overlooks bustling Paseo Mallorca and is home to modish interiors and has an unpretentious vibe. There's also a canopied terrace.
DINS Santi Taura
Santi Taura, one of Majorca's most feted local chefs, has set up his gastronomic fiefdom in five-star Hotel El Llorenç in the atmospheric Calatrava district, close to Palma Cathedral and facing the sea. Situated on the ground floor, DINS Santi Taura, offers stylish dining either at a communal counter where you can watch the Michelin chef prepare his masterpieces or at private tables. Taura celebrates the rich culinary heritage of the Balearic Islands, serving contemporary dishes based on ancient Majorcan recipes. The eleven-course Origens tasting menu is a relaxed affair, full of flavour and enterprise and offering plenty of delicious surprises.
Aromata Restaurant
Andreu Genestra has relocated his Palma gastronomic den to a hotel. It lacks the romance of the atmospheric old place, but happily, this celebrated local chef still enchants with his refined Mediterranean haute cuisine creations and exquisitely presented dishes that resemble works of art. À la carte and set menus are available at lunchtime with three inspired tasting menus served at night. The new contemporary space is comfy and relaxing, and al fresco dining is offered in a small adjoining garden.
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Best for innovative experience
Clandestí Taller Gastronòmic
If you like living on the edge, try Clandesti, the ingenious concept of talented young chefs Pau Navarro and Ariadna Salvador, which offers exceptional show cooking in a converted garage in hip Bon Aires. It's essential to book as only a limited number can dine at the sweeping bar where the pair prepare two tasting menus and interact with guests. Gutsy, experimental dishes such as sobrassada pastry, carob and fig or mountain rabbit, lampuga and monkfish liver are the order of the day. Don't expect a menu – there are lots of surprises here – and look nonchalant when you pass the skull-covered wood barrel at the entrance.
Vandal
This svelte urban hangout in voguish Santa Catalina surprises with an eclectic world menu of tantalising and bold dishes that are expertly matched with cocktails and wines. The architectural décor is minimalistic but fun, with brick tiles adorning the walls and an open plan kitchen. Winning Argentinian duo, chef Bernabé Caravotta and sommelier, Sebastián Perez, offer classics that include charcoal black cod marinated in miso or experimental humdingers such as glazed bone marrow with beef tongue and brioche. The 'childhood feelings' wispy candy floss and popcorn dessert is as light as a feather and guaranteed to elicit a smile.
De Tokio a Lima
Situated in Boutique Hotel Can Alomar, this smart and exclusive emporium serves fresh and innovative Japanese, Peruvian and Mediterranean fusion fare. Enjoy the balmy roof terrace overlooking Paseo del Borne, or the understated and sophisticated restaurant inside. The warm and welcoming atmosphere along with punchy wine list and faultless presentation and service has made this a hot ticket. Sharing plates full of colour and panache to excite the palate include Iberian pork tacos with apple and roasted guacamole and expertly grilled scallops with artichokes and sea sauce. The mischievous creamy meringue pie with Soller lemons is a class act.
Nus
Nus, a new kid on the block in hip Santa Catalina, fuses eclectic Mediterranean and Asian cuisine that bursts with flavour and panache. Up and coming chef-cum-owner, Irene Martinez, has created an intimate and welcoming nest with honey hued wood flooring, mellow lighting and simple wooden tables. There's a seven-course tasting menu of highly original dishes that packs a punch, from omelette with kimchi, pickled artichokes, to snapper marinated in kombu seaweed. An à la carte menu is also provided. Creations are innovative yet authentic and full of contrasting textures and powerful flavours. A simple menu of wines, beer and sake is offered.
Neighbourhood: Santa Catalina
Contact: nuspalma.com
Price: £££
Reservations: Recommended
Merchants
Few restaurants in Palma exude as much character and chutzpah as Merchants. Housed on the lower floor of luxurious Hotel Palacio Can Marques in the historic La Lonja district, this buzzing and welcoming den of good taste and exceptional seafood and steaks has an intimate and vibrant ambience. Seasoned chef, Stephen Sullivan, lends menus a British clubby feel with comforting side dishes such as truffle and parmesan fries and grilled cabbage with anchovy mayo. The plethora of steak varieties are prepared to perfection, as are the grilled lobster and the popular prawn and lobster croquettes. Dining inside is a delight but the candlelit garden with towering palms, cherry and fig trees, is a treat not to be missed.
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Best for cheap eats
Bistro 13%
Tucked away in arty Calle San Feliu, this popular, informal bistro prides itself on using organic meats and eggs, fair-trade coffee and healthy ecological fare. Picture cream and vermillion-hued walls, wooden tables, modern art and cushions in earthy colours, plus a varied, good-value and inspired menu. Dishes such as Moroccan couscous with organic beef or cod with sage butter and honey regularly lure back locals. Staff members are helpful and easy-going and well informed about the extensive wine list on offer. The cheese and meat platters are worth a try especially matched with a robust island red wine.
Quina Creu
Blink and you'll miss the lean, understated frontage of this culinary delight which opens up like a Tardis inside. With eclectic, vintage décor, original hydraulic tiled floors and a warm and friendly atmosphere, it's the perfect place for a good value lunch or supper. A wide selection of tapas and beautifully presented savoury and vegetarian plates are offered, including an excellent mixed paella. Decadent desserts such as the rich chocolate fondant hit the right spot.
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Best for walk-ins
Café La Lonja
This long-established little jewel with its Art Nouveau décor and vintage wall lamps is right in the heart of cheery Plaça de la Lonja. With a large terrace and quaint, traditional interiors of polished mahogany furniture, marble tables and tiled checkerboard floors, locals cluster here for the friendly, warm ambience. It's famed for its garrotines (slim baguettes with various fillings) cooked in a wood oven and also serves excellent-value tapas, and hearty dishes such as chorizo sausage with eggs. It's the perfect cosy haunt for a cheap lunch plate with a glass of house wine, or evening tapas and cocktails.
Neighbourhood: La Lonja
Contact: cafelalonja.com
Reservations: Walk-ins
Price: £
Best table: Sit out on the lively terrace
Market Kitchen
This unpretentious and welcoming eatery is located near the bustling market in voguish Santa Catalina neighbourhood. Experienced British chef, Rob Kirby, and wife, Amber, run the joint together, offering creative modern British dishes that celebrate stalwart Majorcan ingredients. With its green shutters, wood beams and white walls sporting iconic pop art, the restaurant has a warm and cosy feel. Expect beautifully presented tasty treats such as chorizo and apricot Cumberland sausage rolls served with crispy pig sticks and apple and thyme sauce. Desserts include chocolate, Majorcan orange and hazelnut brownies with homemade apricot ice-cream. Scrumptious cocktails such as Blackberry Gin Bramble are de rigueur.
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Best for families
La Casa Gallega
Cheery and always bristling with life, this roomy, popular and cosy eatery specialises in Galician style seafood and is packed with locals who covet the excellent value lunchtime menu del día. With its jaunty seafaring themed cane ceiling, rope covered pillars and stylish art, it's ideal for lunch or a laid-back fish supper with good Spanish wine. Dishes such as piquant and saucy stuffed mussels, juicy prawns and meatballs with rich tomato sauce are highlighted on blackboards along with various tortilla combinations. Fresh seafood such as squid, shellfish and lobster, and melt-in-the-mouth meats, particularly the entrecote steak, are grilled to perfection.
Andana
Bustling Andana, housed in an atmospheric 19th century railway building next to the main bus station, is the brainchild of Michelin-starred female chef, Maca de Castro. Booking is advisable as the restaurant is usually heaving and the ambience frenetic. Fresh local produce is used for a modern interpretation of authentic Majorcan fare with dishes such as broken eggs, chips and truffle, proving popular. Grilled squid with garlic potatoes and olive mayonnaise packs a punch and there are plenty of tapas plates served up in the busy open kitchen to keep everyone happy. If you enjoy people watching, opt to dine on the paved terrace.
Neighbourhood: Plaça España
Contact: andanapalma.es
Reservations: Recommended
Prices: ££
Naan
Fans of world street food will never want to leave this welcoming, cosy haven of tantalising aromas and flavours created by experienced Argentinian chef, Nico Malenchini. Situated in hip Santa Catalina, this simple, laidback den with wooden floors and open kitchen is perfect for families, offering small and large scrumptious sharing plates to suit the pickiest of diners. Succulent barbecued ribs, burgers, creative salads and dishes such as crispy chicken Yakitori, Ramen, and the likes of tuna Tataki have devoted diners returning for more.
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How we choose
Every restaurant in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, who has visited to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets, from neighbourhood favourites to Michelin-starred restaurants – to best suit every type of traveller's taste – and consider the food, service, best tables, atmosphere and price in our recommendations. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest opening and provide up to date recommendations.
Anna Nicholas is Telegraph's Palma expert. Since settling on the island 23 years ago, she has written eleven Majorca titles, offering a brilliant excuse to explore the city and island. You'll find her enjoying a coffee at Rialto Living on famed Calle Sant Feliu.
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