Those who have lived in Mallorca for some time will tell you that it takes a while to build up a strong repertoire of go-to local restaurants. It’s a sector that changes a lot in Mallorca: new restaurants pop up, chefs move on and concepts quickly adapt to new trends. It’s fast-moving so when the locals settle on a place that they really love word spreads fast within the local community.
Here, Dr Helen Cummins has curated her list of the top restaurants in Mallorca that score highly amongst those who live here – either permanently or for several months of the year. Most of the restaurants have been regarded as favourites for years, but there are also some newer entries that, despite not being open for very long, quickly warmed the hearts of the locals.
Find out below which restaurants the locals love in Mallorca and which one in particular wowed us enough to take the top spot!
22. Cuit - Palma
After honing his skills in his hometown of Campos, Chef Miquel Calent opened his first restaurant Ca’n Calent and rose to fame on the local TV station, IB3. As his name circulated within local culinary circles, it was time for Miquel to reach a greater audience by bringing his laidback Mallorcan cuisine to Palma. The restaurant he opened is Cuit, located on the 8th floor of the Nakar Hotel and home to one of the best views of the city skyline. His seasonal menu features typical Mallorcan dishes, such as octopus with black rice and crispy cod with sobrassada. Dine on the terrace and take in magnificent views of Palma Cathedral and the Mediterranean Sea.
21. Izakaya - Santa Catalina
Experience the pleasure of tasting authentic Japanese cuisine at Izakaya. At the helm of this traditional Japanese tavern is Dani Celis, whose impeccable approach, combined with the ancient culinary techniques of master chef Masahide Ozawa, has positioned Izakaya as one of the best Japanese restaurants in Mallorca. Typical dishes originate from Osaka amongst other regions of Japan. The sushi is prepared with perfectly cooked rice at the right temperature and the Raw Bar offers the best cuts of fresh fish from the local fish market. For a taste of true Japan, Izakaya is a must-visit on the island.
20. KOH - Palma
Strolling the streets of Santa Catalina, there is little in the way of you and a great restaurant. KOH is one such restaurant that makes our top list,Southeast Asian cooking with the tac and approach of some serious talent. Expect the menu here to be colourful, vibrant and with kick. Ingredients like lemongrass, chilli, wild ginger are as fresh as can be expected in a Thai market.
19. Randemar - Port Sóller
Located within the stunning horseshoe bay of Port Sóller is an old Mallorcan house offering an intimate dining experience. The restaurant is Randemar, a well-regarded and popular address on the island for over two decades. The owners behind this long-established eatery, Toni Oliver and designer Cristina Egurrola, have created a stylish and homely place for lunch or dinner. The Mediterranean menu by Chef Aleix Viada includes Mallorcan specialities alongside a punchy local wine list to be enjoyed under palatial archways looking out to the bright Mediterranean Sea. This is a restaurant that deservedly maintains its clientele of locals and tourists alike.
18. Anima Beach - Palma
Glistening sea views, Tiki umbrellas and a delightful Mediterranean menu; Italian restauranteur, Marco de Loreto, has got the balance just right at his restaurant and bar which skirts the gentle shores of Palma. From the cathedral, the walk along the seafront is beautiful and the perfect amount of exercise before sitting down for lunch or dinner. Their menu is modern meets Mediterranean with poke bowls, gourmet burgers, salads and tapas available to share and enjoy. At night, the restaurant doubles into a music lounge with a DJ set, which is popular in the hot summer months for a sultry sunset dance.
17. COR Barra y Taula - Palma
Mini squid sandwiches, anchovy and olive skewers, creamy potato and onion omelette and a selection of cheeses are just some of the ways to start the COR barra i taula experience. The restaurant with Mallorcan roots, which combines local but also national dishes, run by the island’s popular chef Santi Taura, puts a modern twist on traditional cuisine. Its central location is next to the bustling fresh food market, Mercat de l’Olivar and just a few minutes’ walk from Plaza de España and the main bus station.
16. Max Garden - Palmanova
Positive vibes flow freely at Max Garden. The staff are smiley, the music is upbeat and the play on flower power and neon makes it a happy place to enjoy lunch, dinner or cocktails. The owners, Juan Benito and his wife, the Life Mastery Coach Sylvia Ennis, have placed importance on a warm, welcoming atmosphere, which translates into the food. The menu is for laidback beachy dining, with a menu full of colourful Buddha bowls and honest burgers. Vegetarian and vegan diners are well-catered for and there are plenty of options for gluten-free diners.
15. The Merchants - Palma
Within the walls of the iconic 5-star hotel Palacio Can Marques is The Merchants, owned by Five Senses Collection. Opened in 2020, this stylish restaurant in La Lonja draws inspiration from its proximity to the sea and historical location, where originally merchants and sailors would come to buy and sell. Edgar Lagassi and Irish chef Stephen Sullivan are at the helm of the concept, having designed a menu that brings together fresh seafood and premium steaks. Their shareable dishes and lighter options make The Merchants perfect for families and larger groups looking to satisfy multiple preferences.
14. Blue Nest - Port Adriano
A relaxed yet sophisticated restaurant, Blue Nest enjoys a swish waterfront setting in Port Adriano. With a view of yachts glistening on the turquoise water, diners can enjoy Mediterranean fusion cuisine by Chef Oleksandr Pidmohylnyy. The menu introduces punchy, oriental flavours based off new sous techniques and mixes them with recognisable Mediterranean classics. Khinkali dumplings, grilled wild sea bass fillet and Vietnamese salad are just some of the dishes hungry diners can expect to tuck into. There is a spacious terrace as well – perfect for those walking along the harbour in search of a delicious lunch, dinner or selection of cocktails.
13. Las Terrazas de Bendinat - Bendinat
The terrace of Hotel Bendinat has historically been a meeting place for local people and, once seen and experienced, it’s easy to understand why. It’s a popular lunch and dinner spot for all those wanting to disconnect for a while to enjoy a cooling sea breeze and delicious Mediterranean cuisine. Traditional Spanish paella is a well-loved here, particularly on Sundays when Mallorcan tradition calls for families to reunite. There is always a buzzy atmosphere, although the spaciousness of the terrace and nature’s acoustics prevent it from feeling crowded. This is the place to visit for a long lunch surrounded by friends and family.
12. Latitud 39 - Port Andratx
Cheery and buzzing with life, this roomy, sea-view eatery specialises in Mediterranean classics and is packed with locals who covet the excellent tapas. Latitud 39 opened in 2021 from the same owner as Sumailla and soared in popularity on the back of his previous success. The décor is minimalist, leaving all the bright colour to the romantic Mediterranean Sea and vibrant tapas. Those after a laid-back fish lunch with good Spanish wine will not leave disappointed, as will those in want of a romantic sunset dinner by the sea.
11. Arrels by Marga Coll - Illetes
Located within the adults-only Meliá hotel in Illetes is Arrels by Marga Coll, an authentic Balearic culinary experience. In her approach, she prioritises delicious Mallorcan recipes using local ingredients. From the cheeses of Mahón to the vegetables from Inca market, Marga is passionate about keeping her cooking connected to the island. Her dishes arrive plated on beautiful tiled boards and the cutlery is wrapped up in the ‘Cloth of Tongues’ (a traditional Mallorcan print). The tasting menu is exceptional and her 5-course breakfast (which takes over two hours) is as famous as its dinner counterpart.
10. De Tokio a Lima - Palma
Situated in Boutique Hotel Can Alomar, this smart restaurant overlooks the Paseo del Borne from one of the city’s best terraces. Chef German de Bernardi serves a fresh and innovative take on Japanese, Peruvian and Mediterranean fusion with an à la carte menu (sectioned into starters, raw/ marinated and from the stove). His version of tuna tartar with guava dressing, avocado and fish roe well exemplifies the level of creative cooking here, made with care and beautifully presented. The warm and welcoming atmosphere along with a local wine list and fabulous caviar has made this sandstone restaurant a city favourite.
9. DINS Santi Taura - Palma
Situated in a historical settlement just metres from the Cathedral, DINS Santi Taura explores Mallorca’s fascinating culinary past. Island chef Santi Taura interprets old recipes and reinterprets them from a contemporary point of view. His vision and skilled approach won the restaurant a Michelin star in 2020, adding to an already impressive number of awards for El Llorenç Parc de la Mar. Diners are welcome to sit round a horseshoe bar to watch Santi Taura at work, where he brings together seasonal ingredients with local origin. As well as the tasting menus, diners can choose from three courses of reinvented Mallorcan classics from ‘DINS à la carte’, offered for lunch and dinner Sunday through to Thursday.
8. Mar de Nudos - Palma
It can often be difficult to choose between different cuisines, but at Mar de Nudos both Italian and Japanese menus are served from the same kitchen. Chef Diego Buitrago takes control of the sushi table, while Italian-born Chef Giovanni Chiodi serves up typical Mediterranean cuisine. Diners are encouraged to play between the two culinary delights, with the Italian staple of burrata fresca to start, followed by a Lobster Niguiri (the equivalent of a Japanese sandwich). Dessert usually means opting for an Italian finish, with a beautiful tiramisu and small coffee. The setting at Mar de Nudos is fantastic, overlooking the luxury yachts that moor into the glamourous Palma marina
7. Adelfas by Jens - Santa Ponsa
After years of working at Lila in Portals, talented German chef Jens Bräuning chose to open his own restaurant in 2021. His loyal fans followed him, and now there is a buzzy atmosphere at the new Adelfas by Jens. The menu mirrors his ethos, which focuses solely on seasonal produce, sourced locally and made with care. There are no shortcuts or semi-made dishes here since everything at Adelfas by Jens is made by the chef himself with the help of his wife, Nicole. The menu is modern Mediterranean with some welcome international touches for punchier flavours.
6. Jacaranda at Finca Serena - Pla de Mallorca
Jacaranda Restaurant forms part of the beautiful Finca Serena Mallorca, a five-star country hotel situated on a 40-hectare estate. Head chef David Martínez and sous chef David Álvarez form the team behind this exquisite culinary experience, under the direction of Michelin star chef, Óscar Velasco. An imaginative menu inspired by the hotel’s very own gardens includes dishes such as zucchini carpaccio with cured Mahón cheese and mint, and hake with mangetouts and radishes.
5. Suculenta - Port Sóller
Condé Nast Traveller rightly called it “the place to be on the island” and very few would disagree. Suculenta is situated right on the waterfront and home to a rooftop patio that boasts 360 degree views of Port Sóller – encompassing both mountains and sea. It harnesses the idyllic Mallorca, translating it into everything from hand-painted menus, delicious seafood and graceful service. Chef Guillermo Moyá is a master at sea cuisine, from baking sea bass in a salt crust to stirring a broth for hours and topping it with local lobster. All his ingredients are plucked from the swirling ocean below.
4. Aromata - Palma
Michelin star chef Andreu Genestra lights up the Palma culinary scene at his 17th century restaurant, Aromata. The historic building is the Sa Nostra Cultura Centre, situated minutes from the Paseo del Born and Avenida Jaume III. Inside, the quintessential Mallorcan courtyard and ancient stone arches transport diners to a simpler, more elegant time. The creative menú del día (lunchtime set menu) combines winning combinations of Mallorcan classics such as slow-cooked lamb and pork with a sobrassada and honey sauce. Genestra’s ‘back to the land’ approach to cuisine has secured him a top spot for his midday menu – easily one of the best in Palma.
3. Sumailla - Port Andratx
This long-established favourite in Port Andratx fuses Japanese and Peruvian cuisine and marries it with a calming waterfront setting. The restaurant overlooks the popular southwest port and has a stylish, modernist interior. An alfresco terrace is what draws crowds to Sumailla, alongside a fantastic lunchtime sharing menu as well as à la carte alternative. Miso soup, wakame salad, tuna tataki and tea tree panna cotta are just some of the chef’s inspiring creations. A background working at Lucy Wang and Tahini in Puerto Portals helped establish his career in Mallorca, making him one of the best sushi chefs on the island. Read more
2. Fera Restaurant & Bar - Palma
For a Mediterranean cum Asian sensory journey in exquisite surroundings, there can only be Fera. Hidden in an unobtrusive street, this restored old palace welcomes diners to enjoy grand arched portals with an inviting leafy patio and garden. The ‘Borderless Mediterranean’ menu is devised by Chef Simon Petutschnig, who takes Mediterranean and Eastern cooking to the next level. His tasting menu is just stunning with dishes like Nori steak tuna and Kvitsoy salmon tataki plated to Michelin star level. Table reservations should be made in the garden, where gigantic potted palms and a dappled canopy create a cooling yet tropical experience in the heart of the city.
