Over the past few years, Mallorca has developed a noticeable glamour and reputation for luxury. It has its own collection of upscale hotels and five-star destinations. It is no longer considered a budget destination, and ranks as one of the more coveted stops among the Balearic Islands. A premier Mediterranean location for a winter holiday, it is also home to a growing food culture, and has several highly recommended eateries for those staying in one of its many luxury rentals.
The main city on the island, Palma de Mallorca, is definitely home to some of these dining hotspots, but there are other parts of the island in which classic Mediterranean fare or other types of dishes will wow the traveler eager to savor the best Mallorca has to offer. Some are in rural areas, others are secluded spots by the sea, and still others are similar to Caribbean beach shacks where fresh-caught seafood is the order of the day.
It is important to remember, as one expert has noted, “There are so many great restaurants on Mallorca and with new ones opening constantly it’s not easy to keep up-to-date with the ever-evolving gastronomic scene,” so be ready to ask your concierge or a local expert about their favorite eatery in Mallorca.
The Top Spots
It might surprise those staying in luxury villas or other locations that Mallorca is home to seven Michelin starred restaurants. They include:
- Adriàn Quetglas – Offering fusion dishes that give a nod to Mallorca and Buenos Aires, this spot offers five and seven course options.
- Marc Fosh – Enjoy a 17th century setting and seasonally inspired dishes that emphasize presentation and flavor.
- Andreu Genestra – In the village of Capdepera.
- Deià – Located in Racó d’es Teix.
- Zaranda – Chef Fernando Perez Arellano has two Michelin stars and his restaurant in the Castell Son Claret Hotel (near the Capdella area).
- Es Fum – At the St. Regis Mardavall Resort Hotel it is scenic as it overlooks the grounds, but also remarkably tasty as it specializes in local produce and fresh ingredients.
- Maca de Castro – Set in the Port de Alcudia area.
As you might expect, the seating at such dining spots can be a bit of a challenge, and if you are eager to see what these award-winning chefs are up to, and what their restaurants are serving, you will most definitely want to book ahead.
In Palma
Of course, many travelers stay within easy reach of the delightful town of Palma, which is the capital of the island. It has a wealth of interesting neighborhoods, with Old Town one of the most visually appealing. It is also where the highest concentration of delicious eateries is found, and most of them are within a short distance of one another. If you are enjoying a honeymoon villa or one of the luxury villas of the area, you will find the restaurants of Mallorca to be some of the most atmospheric.
There are al fresco options set along shade and leaf-dappled squares. There are world-class dining rooms within old-fashioned and boutique hotels, and there are ancient palazzos now converted into upscale or low-key restaurants.
The most recommended include:
- Fera – Serving Asian and Mediterranean fusion
- Tomeu Restaurant amb Arrels – In the Sant Jaume hotel, it has a Michelin starred chef at the helm
- Aromata – Three to five course meals focused on Mediterranean fare and ideal for lunch
- Equus – Specializing in French cuisine, it is part of the all new Summum Prime Boutique Hotel
You will also want to wander La Longa district, Borne Ave, and the Paseo Maritimo to find cafes, bars and little restaurants offering amazing treats and fresh tastes.
Santa Catalina
Tucked right below the picturesque windmill, this is a Palma suburb or neighborhood that features some of the best shopping and dining. Take time to explore Calle Fabrica with its many cafes, or Calle Sant Magi for its nightlife.
Dining in Santa Catalina means enjoying such treasures as its indoor market or the many cafes. There are restaurants specializing in Spanish specialties, and some of the best in the neighborhood include:
- Nuru – New and wildly popular it is a hotspot for lunch and dinner
- Gin Burger – As the name implies, this unique and tasty spot serves an array of gins along with artisan burgers
- Café Zanzibar – Specializes in world cuisine and is part of the market neighborhood
- Xorigeur – Specializing in Basque far
Explore this entire area as it is one of the most globally inspired, in terms of eateries, with Lebanese, Peruvian, Asian, Italian and even American dishes available in an array of eateries.
Portixol
The old fishing village of Portixol is another outlier in the Palma area and a must if you want fresh seafood and world-class dining. Though you will find fewer options here, most are winners. They include:
- Molinar – This is where you go when it is all about seafood
- Hotel Portixol – Offering a show-stopping restaurant out on a deck and with amazing sea views, it is considered a trendy spot
- Ola Del Mar – This is another great destination for fans of seafood and amazing scenery
- Petit C’an Punta Port – This is a fusion spot with international cuisine, inspired décor, and an emphasis on local ingredients
There are many other areas to visit, whether close to your luxury villa or honeymoon villa, or a bit of a drive. Head to Deia (home to Es Raco d’Es Teix, another with a Michelin star rated chef), Valledemossa, or the Soller area to enjoy amazing coastal and mountain views along with world-class dining. The mountain area of Banyalburfar is ideal for farm-fresh ingredients, and the Fornalutx area has mountain views and is home to some of the best Mallorcan cuisine. Don’t forget Porto Cristo if you want waterside romance, and the eateries of Port de Soller and Soller are emerging as a trendy spot for dining and waterfront sightseeing.
Mallorca has shed its outdated reputation and is taking center stage as a spot of great luxury, amazing dining, culture and beautiful scenery – all perfect ingredients for a winter holiday.