Mallorca may be famed for sea and sunshine, but the island’s thriving gastronomic scene is yet another star attraction. The capital city of Palma offers a smorgasbord of eateries for all culinary tastes, from the typically rustic menu del día to contemporary Asian fusion and ritzy fine-dining experiences with intricate tasting menus prepared by Michelin-starred chefs. Whether hidden down the atmospheric streets of the Old Town, showcased on sunny waterfront terraces, or resplendent under palm trees on grand palacio courtyards, we are spoiled for choice by the city’s extensive selection of restaurants, so we have handpicked our favourites for you.
1. Fera Palma - Central Palma
Fera Palma stands for Mediterranean-Asian cuisine in a unique atmosphere. Simon Petutschnig, their executive chef, shows his deep love for Japanese flavours along with the rich source of seasonal ingredients found in Spain in each one of his tasteful creations. Fera is an interactive journey of Simon’s culinary evolution where texture, flavour and ingredients are paramount. With impeccable décor and a fun, yet sophisticated ambiance, Fera Palma is the perfect place for business lunches, but also romantic dinners. Choose between their spectacular ‘Fera tasting menu’, the ‘Veggie Fera tasting menu’, the ‘Art tasting menu’ or a la cartè dishes. Whatever you choose, one thing is for sure: you will be totally blown away by exquisite flavors and superb presentation of this culinary experience. The restaurant has a wonderful garden to offer al fresco dining, in addition to cozy indoor spaces like the restaurant, the bar or the library.
2. Tast Club - Central Palma
Tucked away down a side street in the heart of the city, Tast Club is a hidden restaurant with an exciting air of exclusivity. Its clandestine doors opened in 2012 to disclose interiors styled to the heights of sophistication to resemble a private members’ club. Serving modern-European cuisine with a Spanish twist, Tast Club is the epitome of cool. Crystal chandeliers hang from the vaulted ceilings lighting up the bar where charming mixologists serve an extensive menu of the most finely-mixed cocktails at a reasonable price tag. Once seated comfortably in one of the adjacent rooms, you can peruse the delectable yet concise menu. Pair a sparkling cava or an aperitivo with a selection of tapas made with finesse. Why not start with the small salty sardines with rich truffled poached egg or the succulent squid with sweet onion purée and black alioli? Don’t forget to order the famous fine crystal bread which is the perfect accompaniment. Follow these delicious bite-sized morsels with a main dish like shrimp ceviche, red tuna with roasted pepper confit or the show stopping 550 gram premium cow chop. The perfect finale might be the coffee-infused tiramisu or the roasted almond and nougat ice cream. Whatever you choose from the menu, you will leave Tast’s warm, intimate embrace feeling fully satiated and already making plans to return - don’t forget to make a reservation, whether for lunch or dinner.
3. Emilio Innobar - Central Palma
Proudly labelling itself the “home of fine fusion”, Emilio Innobar is another jewel in Palma’s culinary crown. The accomplished and well-travelled head chef, Emilio Castrejón, is renowned for his artful blend of Asian, Mexican and Mediterranean flavours that will make your mouth water. His ever-changing menu features exotic dishes packed with bold flavours made from the finest, freshest ingredients. Savour the exquisite salmon, seabass or tuna tartare which showcase Castrejón’s extraordinary knife skills acquired during his time in Japan. The lobster in a tamarind sauce is a taste sensation and the Korean beef is authentic and refined. We certainly recommend this innovative restaurant for lovers of seafood, fish and adventurous flavours. Visit the airy, spacious restaurant on Calle Concepcio in central Palma to relish this sublime fine fusion.
4. Ombu - Central Palma
At the southern end of the majestic Paseo del Borne overlooking the Plaza de la Reina, Ombu is a relaxed Mediterranean restaurant that serves local cuisine and creative tapas with a friendly smile. Whether you visit for breakfast, lunch or dinner and sit on the lively terrace or indoors in the chic surroundings, the food - and cocktails - will certainly not disappoint. We recommend the Mallorquin-style squid croquette with kaffir lime and lemongrass mayonnaise and patatas bravas with a sobrasada foam and charcoal alioli if you wish to taste typical Mallorquin ingredients with a modern twist. If your palette favours Asian flavours, order the poke bowl with salmon and sriracha mayonnaise or the pad thai with langoustines and fresh herbs. For dessert, don’t miss the fried ensaimada with crema catalana which is heaven on earth.
5. Za'atar - Central Palma
Hailing from the Middle East, za’atar is a blend of spices—sesame seeds, oregano, sumac and cumin. And as the name of this central Palma restaurant suggests, the diverse menu fuses Arabic flavours with produce from all over the Mediterranean, from Spain to Turkey. Located within Hotel Born on a palm tree-framed patio, Za’atar offers a different menu from many restaurants in the city that tend to focus on traditional fare. Expect labneh cheese or baba ganoush from Lebanon, refined lamb kofta dishes and Mediterranean fusion plates like patatas bravas with its namesake, za’atar. The exotic food is matched by exotic surroundings that have echoes of a grand Moroccan riad.
6. DINS by Santi Taura
Close to the cathedral in the charming district of Calatrava, DINS is set within the city walls of Palma’s Old Town. This Michelin-starred restaurant with two Soles Repsol is dedicated to contemporary Mallorcan cuisine curated by chef and owner Santi Taura. Using local seasonal ingredients, Taura and his team prepare elaborate tasting menus that showcase the best of the island, adding a modern twist to ancient recipes. Try the stuffed snails, goat and ensaimada (a traditional pastry) followed by local cheeses and wines for an insight into authentic gastronomy on the island in elegant surroundings.
7. Aromata by Andreu Genestra - Central Palma
Housed within an aristocratic property in the city centre, Aromata prides itself on contemporary cuisine that is directly inspired by the Balearic Islands and locally-grown produce. With a Bib Gourmand Michelin nod, head chef Andre Genestra and his team produce delicate dishes which thoughtfully and skilfully connect the past to the present. There are a variety of exquisite menus to choose from: the set lunch, dinner menu or a vegetarian alternative. For example, you could enjoy the Aromata Midday experience which comprises an entrée of hake terrine, with baked pineapple and cabbage broth, followed by crispy suckling pig marinated with truffled parmentier and sour apple and concluding with amaretto mandarin, raspberry with white chocolate and white pepper meringue. This extraordinary blend of flavours is not to be missed.
8. Adrián Quetglas - Paseo Mallorca
Owner and Michelin-starred chef Adrián Quetglas’ bistro-style restaurant is a firm favourite amongst Palma’s chic epicurean crowd who adore the intimate atmosphere and the innovative mélange of flavours that make up his spectacular modern dishes. Haute cuisine at its finest, highlights include the lunchtime tasting menu and the evening choices which include Iberian ham with marinated papaya and fermented mushroom ice cream, orzo with squid, yuzu and seaweed followed by a dessert of Mallorquin ensaimada with matcha tea and chocolate. If you are devoted to world-class restaurants and bold flavours, you must not miss Adrián Quetglas whilst you are in Palma.
9. Vandal - Santa Catalina
In the city’s fashionable western neighbourhood of Santa Catalina, Vandal is the coolest, liveliest hotspot which offers the most deliciously creative cuisine. Each listed dish is ingeniously ‘married’ to a mixed cocktail or wine. Perhaps you will start with a smoked whisky sour oyster which you could pair with a cold, crisp cava or flute of champagne? Or you might prefer foie gras with a hint of acidic strawberry topped with a camomile reduction matched with a sweet wine? Whatever your taste, Vandal will satisfy your appetite. Larger plates include the Patagonian black hake served with Jerusalem artichokes, sea urchin purée, and almond and garlic relish which you should wash down with a red Patron cocktail. Alternatively, you could sample the sea bass with a clay crust served with Mallorquin espinagada which tastes divine when teamed with a glass of chilled Chablis. For dessert, you should definitely try the toffee parfait with ginger bread and Baileys ice cream, with an espresso martini, of course - the perfect end to a perfect meal!
10. Mar de Nudos - Palma Port
For a table with views of the waterfront, Mar de Nudos is the ideal setting. Feast your eyes on the pristine yachts and the sparkling Mediterranean sea whilst you bask in the excellent service and first-class Mediterrean Japanese fusion dishes on the menu. Whether you choose to sit outside on the terrace or inside, you will have an enjoyably stylish and unique experience. Famed for its Japanese cuisine, the sublime selection of sushi and sashimi is clean and authentic whilst the raw bar offers different kinds of ceviche and tartare that are exceptionally suited to summer. The Mediterranean menu has a selection of fresh fish and seafood sourced from the local market: wild sea bass in a salt crust, grilled sole and king prawns or the parrillada of barbecued seafood and fish to share. Mar de Nudos is an exceptional Mediterranean restaurant with blissful views that is best enjoyed after a morning at the beach or before drinks and dancing in the Old Town.
We hope that our 10 ultimate restaurant recommendations have whetted your appetite. Whether you are craving traditional cuisine, Michelin-starred chefs or avante-garde international fusion, Palma de Mallorca first-class dining scene has secured the city’s place on the global gastronomic map.
And if you want to feel at home in Palma, why not browse through our wide range of properties. We have the right property for every taste and lifestyle. Exquisite properties in trendy districts: Palma center, Palma old town, Paseo Mallorca and Santa Catalina.
