Have you ever tasted Mallorcan food? Chances are you’re travelling to Mallorca to relax, enjoy its magnificent beaches and mountains, and to visit its main attractions. But you can’t forget about the food, which is equally spectacular and varied. If you want to find out more about the island’s fascinating foodie culture, read on, as we’re going to tell you everything you need to know, including where to eat in Mallorca.
Typical Dishes of Mallorcan Cuisine
First of all, you need to know what to eat in Mallorca, so you can choose the dishes that best suit your tastes. These are the most typical dishes or ingredients of Mallorca:
Sobrasada
Sobrasada is a must-try sausage when it comes to Mallorcan cuisine. Its signature red hue comes from the paprika, which is blended with pork and salt, and then cured for varying periods of time, resulting in textures ranging from soft and spreadable to firm and rich. This Mallorcan staple is incredibly versatile in the kitchen, whether enjoyed simply spread on bread with a drizzle of honey or incorporated into more complex dishes like stuffed meats or as a star ingredient in stews.
Ensaimada
With its spiral shape and airy texture, the ensaimada is a true masterpiece from Mallorcan bakeries. This pastry, whose origins can be traced back to Sephardic recipes, has transcended the island’s borders, becoming a symbol of Spanish confectionery. While the most traditional version is plain, generously sprinkled with icing sugar, the options filled with Angel hair squash, custard, or chocolate offer a range of flavors to suit all tastes.
Arrós Brut
Arrós Brut, which translates to “dirty rice,” is a deeply rooted dish in Mallorcan cuisine, characterised by its rich and spiced broth that turns the rice a deep, earthy color. The combination of local meats and sausages, along with fresh vegetables and a carefully curated blend of spices, makes this dish a hearty and comforting flavour experience, perfect for those chilly days.
Cocas
Cocas are an ode to flatbreads on the island, coming in endless varieties ranging from sweet to savoury. The crispy base serves as a canvas for all sorts of toppings, from fresh garden veggies to more sophisticated combos with seafood or cured meats, reflecting Mallorca’s rich agricultural bounty and culinary creativity.
Tumbet
Tumbet is a vibrant feast for the eyes and taste buds, where the most emblematic Mediterranean vegetables come together in this Mallorcan staple. The unique cooking technique involves roasting each vegetable separately before bringing them together in a final simmer with tomato sauce. This allows each ingredient to retain its distinct texture and flavor, creating a harmonious and delightfully vegetarian ensemble.
Empanadas
Mallorcan empanadas, with their Jewish roots, are a testament to the island’s rich culinary heritage. While lamb was the original filling, nowadays you can find an array of variations, from sweet to savoury, with all sorts of fillings in between, making them a perfect snack for any time of day.
Frito Mallorquín
This dish is a vibrant example of Mallorcan “cucina povera” (peasant cuisine), showcasing how to transform humble leftovers into a culinary delight. It combines chunks of meat, typically lamb or pork, with an array of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. Frito Mallorquín stands out for its intense flavour and varied textures, a result of the frying technique that amplifies the tastes of each ingredient.
Gató con almendras
Gató is a sponge cake that celebrates the star ingredient of Mallorcan pastry: the almond. Its fluffy texture and delicately sweet flavour make it perfect to pair with almond ice cream or a glass of horchata, offering a sweet and sophisticated ending to any meal on the island.
This list of things to eat in Mallorca is not exhaustive, as it would be impossible to include all the options available here. But with this, you’re sure to get a taste of many of the island’s flavours. Now, let’s tell you where to eat in Mallorca.
Where to Eat in Mallorca: Top Picks
Naturally, Palma offers the widest selection of restaurants, both local and international. So, if you’re craving variety, the capital has everything you need.
If you want to explore other areas of the island, we can share our favorite dining spots and top gastronomic destinations around Mallorca.
Cala Santanyí
Cala Santanyí is famous not only for its scenery but also for its Mediterranean gastronomy, which makes use of fresh ingredients. From paella and seafood to ensaimadas and tapas, Cala Santanyí promises a unique culinary experience right by the water’s edge, in a relaxed, authentically Mediterranean setting.
Valldemossa
In the heart of the Tramuntana mountain range, this charming village offers more and more options for great food. The local produce is almost always treated as it deserves, and the end result is delicious dishes showcasing Mallorca’s traditional cuisine in an unparalleled setting.
Alcúdia
Playa de Muro is quite the tourist hotspot, and for good reason: a charming village, wide sandy beaches, and proximity to the s’Albufera Natural Park. Now, you can add another reason to visit: the cuisine. Don’t miss out on the fresh seafood, prepared in traditional and simple way.
These are just a few of the top dining spots in Mallorca, but we promise you’ll find incredible restaurants all over the island.
Discover Mallorca’s Wines
While Mallorca may not be the first region that comes to mind when you think of wine, local producers are working hard to change that narrative. Today, the island boasts a growing reputation for producing high-quality wines. So, we recommend ordering a glass of locally produced wine to go with the fantastic dishes Mallorca has to offer.
With over 70 wineries and hundreds of brands, divided into two appellations of origin (Binissalem and Pla i Llevant), Mallorca’s wine scene is as diverse as it is delightful, making the most of the ideal conditions of sun and terrain on this Balearic island. Kust like any other region of our country, you’ll find white, red and rosé wines, made from various types of grapes. And for those seeking a unique tipple, keep an eye out for Malvasía de Banyalbufar, considered one of Mallorca’s finest grape varieties.
Come and Enjoy Mallorcan Gastronomy!
So, now you know that Mallorca is also a gastronomic destination, with a wide range of food and fine wine to match. These suggestions give you an idea of where to eat in Mallorca and will bring you closer to tasting fantastic Mediterranean ingredients, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, and creating unforgettable holiday memories. To complete your travel planning, check out these incredible Mallorca accommodations. Trust us, you won’t regret visiting Mallorca!
