Discovering authentic local dishes is one of the delights of travelling somewhere new, and Mallorca is no exception. When you dine in the right places you will find that Mallorca’s food is intrinsically linked to the cultural heritage of the island. Traditional Mallorcan dishes are generally unpretentious, with the overriding focus on flavour and fresh local produce, rather than elaborate presentation. There is still exceptional fine dining to be found for those who seek it, however, with no fewer than 13 restaurants in Mallorca currently listed in the Michelin Guide. To tap into Mallorca’s fabulous balance of the traditional and the innovative, our destination specialists share some of their favourite local dishes and highlight the island’s best restaurants.
FIVE LOCAL DISHES OF MALLORCA
Sobrassada
Mallorca's signature cured sausage is a spreadable delicacy made from pork, paprika and spices, lending it a rich, smoky flavour – perfect with fresh, crusty bread. This vibrant, red sausage can be found throughout the island, including at Palma's Mercat Olivar, a traditional food market open Monday – Saturday.
Arròs Brut
Arròs Brut is an aromatic, spiced broth made from local vegetables and meats, which varies depending on the season. The name means “dirty rice” but don’t let this put you off! The very distinctive flavour is due to a complex blend of spices including saffron, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
Ensaimada
Likely to become your daily holiday treat, ensaimada is a delicate spiral-shaped pastry baked using pork lard rather than butter. The lard gives the delicacy a light, crumbly texture and it sometimes comes filled with cream, chocolate or sweet pumpkin, finished off with a delicious dusting of sugar.
Frito Mallorquín
Frito Mallorquín, a substantial dish dating back to the 14th century, combines tender lamb’s liver, potatoes and seasonal vegetables in a rustic one-pot stir-fry. A relatively quick dish to prepare makes it a staple of Mallorcan cuisine.
Trempó
For a lighter dish, try Trempó. This Mallorcan salad keeps things simple and is best when using the island’s freshest and finest produce. Slices of ripe tomatoes, onions and green bell peppers are coated with olive oil and salt – it’s beautifully refreshing on hot summer days. Traditionally, farmers would come together in the morning to eat Trempó as a sharing dish, enjoyed without cutlery accompanied by fresh bread.
BEST RESTAURANTS IN MALLORCA
1. No. 11 by Verico, Port d’Andratx
Av. Almirante Riera Alemany 11, Port d’Andratx 07157
Tel. +34 871 510 010
Mediterranean, European, Vegan Options
No11 by Verico offers a relaxed dining experience over three floors (including a rooftop terrace), in a beautiful sea-view location. Esteemed chef Bonnie Han oversees a tapas-style menu that blends high-quality Mallorcan ingredients with international influences from Thailand, Korea, and Peru. These irresistible bites are accompanied by an extensive selection of local and international wines and signature cocktails.
Please note: the restaurant closes in winter, reopening in March.
2. El Olivo, Deià
Son Canals, Deià 07179
Tel. +34 971 639 011
Mediterranean, European, Vegetarian Friendly
This fine dining restaurant is located within Belmond’s La Residencia hotel and is one of the most exceptional places to eat in Deià. Chef Pablo Aranda and his team bring gourmet Mallorcan and international cuisine to your well-dressed, candlelit table. El Olivo’s multi-course tasting menus are a particular highlight, including an exceptional ’12 step’ vegetarian menu. Expert wine pairings will bring these to life in a memorable way.
Please note: children are welcome in the restaurant, but families should be aware that El Olivo offers a longer dining experience lasting 3-4 hours. Closed in winter.
3. Béns d’Avall, Sóller
Carretera de Deyá, Costa de Deià, Sóller 07100
Tel. +34 971 632 381
Mediterranean, European, Vegetarian Friendly
This Michelin-rated, family-run restaurant is located between Sóller and Deià, with expansive views of the Mediterranean from its cliffside position. Being a firm favourite in the region for over 40 years, it is now run jointly by father and son who prepare delicious tasting menus employing only the finest regional ingredients.
Please note: children under 16 are not accepted. They do not offer an à la carte menu. Closed in winter.
4. Restaurant Es Guix, Lluc
Carrer Baix, Lluc 07314
Tel. +34 971 517 092
Mediterranean, European, Vegetarian Friendly
Hidden in the heart of the Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range and close to Lluc Monastery, Es Guix vies for the title of one of Mallorca’ most intimate and beautiful settings for lunch. Make sure to book a table in advance to ensure a seat outside on the terrace overlooking the turquoise natural pool surrounded by oak forests and wild vegetation. An extensive wine list is available.
Please note: a dinner service (as well as lunch) is offered from June to September. Closed on Tuesdays in winter and Sundays in July and August.
5. DAICA, Llubí
Carrer Nou, 8, Llubí 07430
Tel. +34 686 001 604
Mallorcan, Vegetarian Friendly
Acclaimed by the Michelin guide for its “rustic-contemporary” setting and traditional dishes, DAICA’s seasonal menu will not disappoint. Local produce is a core element of their dishes, with seasonal highlights including freshly baked Xeixa bread, sobrassada, and delicately prepared serviola. Llubi itself is a tranquil, rural village, renowned for producing Palo de Mallorca, a bittersweet liqueur.
Please note: There is an exclusive indoor space for families with children under 12 years. Book a taxi in advance as availability can be limited in this area. Closed in winter.
6. 365 Restaurant, Son Brull Hotel, Pollença
Port de Pollença, Pollença 07460
Tel. +34 971 535 353
Mediterranean, European, Spanish, Vegetarian Friendly
In the delightful setting of an 18th century former Jesuit monastery and farm, 365 offers a standout dining experience in the Pollença region. Al fresco dining on the restaurant’s terrace is highly recommended during the summer months to capitalise on the wonderful valley views, and the cuisine is no less impressive. Two showcase menus (one of them vegetarian), are overseen by Mallorcan Chef Andreu Segura and celebrate the highest quality organic ingredients, produced on the estate.
Please note: closed in winter and on Mondays.
7. Stay, Port de Pollença
Moll Nou s/n, Port de Pollença 07470
Tel. +34 971 868 020
Seafood, Mediterranean, Vegetarian Friendly
Open all year round this family-friendly, long-established restaurant has open, harbourside views and guests can dine either inside or out. The extensive menu includes seafood dishes and dedicated children’s options. By day, Stay offers delicious tapas, fresh salads and fish. The dinner menu is more refined still, yet the atmosphere is still very relaxed; the perfect spot to watch the sun set.
8. Porxada de Sa Torre, Capdepera
Ctra. de Artá-Canyamel Km 5, Capdepera 07580
Tel. +34 971 841 310
Mediterranean, Barbecue, Vegetarian Friendly
Porxada de sa Torre enjoys a striking backdrop of the Torre de Canyamel Medieval fortress, and its menu is known across the island as one of the best places to sample porcella (suckling pig). The pigs are raised on the restaurant’s farm and the delicacy is cooked on a wood fire. The ambience of the restaurant is relaxed, with a spacious outdoor terrace and an ancient olive press taking centre stage inside.
Please note: closed in winter and on Mondays.