Food and drink
Mallorca Local Food and Drink: What to Try and Where
Short answerMallorcan cuisine centres on pork, seafood, and pastries like ensaimada. For authentic versions, seek out local restaurants such as Ca s'Amitger in Inca for Mallorquine food, or Sa Fonda in Muro for a lunchtime buffet (travellers report). Avoid all-inclusive hotels and explore the island's many eateries.
Essential Mallorcan Dishes
Mallorcan food is hearty and Mediterranean, with pork featuring heavily. Look for dishes like suckling pig (lechona), tumbet (a vegetable and potato bake), and arròs brut (a soupy rice dish). Seafood is also excellent, especially gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns), which travellers report is made with garlic, olive oil, parsley, salt, cayenne, and sometimes paprika and lemon juice.
Pastries are a must: ensaimada is a soft, spiral pastry dusted with powdered sugar, often eaten for breakfast. You'll find it in local bakeries and cafes. Another sweet treat is coca de patata, a potato-based sweet bread from Valldemossa.
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Where to Find Authentic Mallorcan Food
For a true taste of Mallorca, head to inland towns and family-run restaurants. In Inca, Ca s'Amitger serves Mallorquine cuisine. In Muro, Sa Fonda offers a great Mallorquian buffet at lunchtime (13:00–15:00) on weekdays, though it may be closed on Tuesdays (travellers report). In Palma, La Cueva and 13% are regional spots worth trying.
For grilled meats, Ca’n Torrat has wood fire grilled meats at a very good price and parking outside (travellers report). If you're near Alcúdia, La Llotja and Coral serve regional and international dishes. In Sóller, Ses Taronges offers Mediterranean and Spanish fare. Always check opening hours locally, as they can vary.
Local tipSkip the all-inclusive hotel and eat where locals do: in Muro, Sa Fonda's weekday lunch buffet (13:00–15:00) is a great introduction to Mallorquian cooking, but confirm it's open as it may close on Tuesdays.
Drinks to Try
Mallorca has a growing wine scene, with wines from the Binissalem and Pla i Llevant regions. Look for local reds and whites in restaurants. A popular local drink is palo, a dark, bitter aperitif made from carob, often mixed with soda. Hierbas, a herbal liqueur, is typically served as a digestif after meals.
For non-alcoholic options, try llet merengada (a cinnamon-milk drink) or fresh orange juice from Sóller's citrus groves. In cafes, you can order a café con leche or a cortado. Note that many restaurants serve alcohol, but specific drink menus should be checked locally.
Tapas and Small Plates
Tapas culture is alive in Mallorca, especially in Palma and larger towns. In Pollença, Bar Nou is a good choice for tapas and other Mallorquin cuisine. Ca`n Moixet in Pollença's main square is a traditional tapas bar, though quality can vary. In Palma, Wineing and La Cueva offer Spanish and regional tapas.
For seafood tapas, try S'Illeta in Andratx or Sa Cova in Arta. Travellers report that in Spain, low-carb eating is easy because everywhere does jamon and queso, and traditional restaurants do chorizo. So you can always find small plates of cured meats and cheeses.
What travellers report
Valor chocolate brand in some Spanish supermarkets uses Stevia and has many flavors.
Low carb in Spain is easy: everywhere does jamon and queso, and traditional restaurants do chorizo.
Markets and Local Produce
Visiting a local market is a great way to taste authentic Mallorcan products. Pollença market is held in Plaça Major on Sunday 08:00–13:30. Here you can find fresh produce, cheeses, olives, and ensaimadas. Other towns have weekly markets; check locally for days and times.
Supermarkets like Eroski in Pollença and Lidl carry local products too. For a sweet treat, look for Valor chocolate brand in some Spanish supermarkets; it uses Stevia and has many flavors (travellers report).
Questions people ask
What is ensaimada and where can I try it?
Ensaimada is a soft, spiral pastry dusted with powdered sugar, often eaten for breakfast. You can find it in local bakeries and cafes across Mallorca, including in Palma and Pollença.
Where can I find good gambas al ajillo?
Gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns) are a staple in many Spanish restaurants. Try seafood-focused spots like Sa Cova in Arta or S'Illeta in Andratx. The basic recipe includes garlic, olive oil, parsley, salt, and cayenne.
Are there vegetarian options in Mallorcan cuisine?
Traditional Mallorcan food is meat-heavy, but you can find vegetable dishes like tumbet. Many restaurants also offer salads and grilled vegetables. It's best to check menus locally.
What local drinks should I try in Mallorca?
Try local wines from Binissalem or Pla i Llevant, and the herbal liqueur hierbas. Palo, a carob-based aperitif, is also traditional. Specific brands and availability should be checked locally.
Is it easy to eat low-carb in Mallorca?
Yes, travellers report that low-carb eating is easy because everywhere serves jamon and queso, and traditional restaurants offer chorizo. You can also find low-carb products in supermarkets.
Compiled from OpenStreetMap, Wikivoyage and traveller reports. Confirm prices and opening hours locally. About
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