From Botifarrons to Bunyols and everything in-between, Mallorca’s array of authentic produce ensures you won’t go hungry. Proud to display their locally grown ingredients, olive oil and garlic, are a mainstay in most pork, fish and vegetable dishes, providing a warm and hearty flavor, mimicking that of the Mediterranean climate. With influence from their Spanish neighbours and traditional recipes, Mallorcan dining is sure to leave tongues salivating.
Mike GogginMy Destination local expert onMallorca
Eating in Mallorca is very much a social affair. Tapas, though not specifically Mallorcan, lend- themselves wonderfully as an opportunity to try a range of traditional foods in bite sized portions. Restaurant menus today proudly show off the island’s heritage and are typically dominated by aubergines, potatoes, peppers and a generous glug of olive oil.
If you’re fortune enough to befriend a local family, the matança celebration between November and January offers a rare dining experience. Made from slow-roasting a pig, sobradassa, botifarro and chorizo sausages have become a staple in the Mallorcan diet.
Restaurants
With over 200 restaurants, finding something to satisfy every taste and budget isn’t difficult. Although nowadays, influences and cuisine from all over the world are available, Mallorca still has a healthy selection of traditional and authentic eateries on offer, ranging from quaint cafes and delis to the more luxurious Michelin star establishments. One thing to bear in mind: the Spanish love to eat late. Restaurants typically don’t fill up till past 9pm, in keeping with the laid-back pace of life in the Med.
Search hard enough and you may find these small eateries serving beautifully authentic Mallorcan food. Inconspicuously tucked away in nooks and crannies of Mallorca’s capital and towns across the island, these converted wine-cellars are your best chance to taste classic dishes like frit mallorqui (fried offal) or llom amb col (pork wrapped in cabbage). The central region town of Inca is a popular destination for those wishing to try the local delicacies. Celler Can Amer is a particular favorite with its friendly and warm atmosphere.
• Celler Can Amer, Calle Pau 39, 07300, Inca, Mallorca, Spain.• Bodega La Rambla, La Rambla, 15, 07003, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
Farmers’ Market
A chance to buy fresh produce, weekly markets are a common sight across many of the island’s towns. All manner of goods can be bartered and bargained for and the colorful stalls are plentiful in locally grown fruit, vegetables and oils. One of the oldest markets running in Mallorca is in the rural town of Sineu. As the only market trading in live animals, wandering through the evocative smells and joining in with the haggling farmers is a great way to feel like a local.
• Es Fossar, Sineu, Mallorca, Spain
Fine Dining
Along with its ability to attract the rich and famous, Mallorca has, in recent years, seen the influx of a bevy of gourmet restaurants appeasing the most refined taste buds. Adding unique twists of international influence to traditional favourites, high-end dining offers a refreshing insight into the islands rich gastronomic scene. Of course, one of the many benefits of never being too far from the coast, seafront restaurants are never hard to come by, and guarantee fresh and innovative food with spectacular views in equal measure.
• Es Raco des Teix, Calle de Sa Vinya Vieja, 6, 07179, Deia, Mallorca, Spain.• Tristan Mar Bistro, Portals Nous, Calvia, Mallorca, Spain.
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