We moved to Mallorca in December 2023, so we’ve now been here for just over a year. I can’t quite believe it to be honest - we’d had so many false starts with our house selling/moving plans that I didn’t really believe we were moving to Mallorca until we arrived on that day in December. Usually moving countries is a pretty big deal but I think because we’d lived in Wales for three and a half years prior, it didn’t feel very different. In fact, I think it takes about the same time to reach us here as it did for our friends and family to drive to us in Wales, from elsewhere in the UK.

When we were looking for a house to buy, back in September/October last year, we rented a little apartment in Port Soller - a busy, bustling harbour town (village?!), with a charming old wooden tram that pootles back and forth to larger Soller, about fifteen minutes away. I absolutely loved it there, despite its touristy focus. There are so many incredible restaurants and cafes, and being able to finish work at 3 or 4pm and head straight down to the beach for a swim and sunbathe was total heaven. However, we knew we wouldn’t end up living somewhere that was so busy and our property search was more focused on somewhere up in the mountains - so we decided to make the most of being walking distance from so many delicious restaurants… we tried a lot of them! For this reason, quite a few of the places on this list are in Port Soller. My favourite place for coffee and breakfast is also in Port Soller but maybe that’s for another list (hint: it’s called George’s and does THE best coffee and avocado toast).

Since moving here, we have tried to cook a lot more (despite not having an oven for the first five months), but have still managed to discover some more delicious favourites around the island. Palma has so many good places to eat and I don’t think we’ve even scratched the surface. I love wondering through the big food market (Mercat d’Olivar) and stopping for a small plate of sushi or oysters before continuing with the shopping. Some of the stalls there are more expensive than others - I now tend to look out for where the locals are buying and head to there. There was one occasion when I first got here that my dad and I went vegetable shopping and managed to spend about 18 euros on a small box of baby courgettes. We didn’t realise until we got home and saw the receipt in the bag - lesson learnt! Also a good reminder at how easy it is not to check amounts when just tap-tapping away with our contactless cards.

Ok, onto the list. I have kept it to 10 of my favourite restaurants for now but I’m sure this will be the first of many journals about the best places to eat in Mallorca. I’m already thinking I need to do a ‘best places for coffee and cake’ list too.

Blai - Port Soller

This beautiful little spot opened while we were living in Port Soller. The food is seasonal, with a small menu of perfectly formed plates of really fresh and fragrant dishes. Order a couple per person and you’ll leave full and happy! Think roasted beets, tahini dressing, hazelnuts and sprouts or slow cooked lamb, celeriac puree and greens. I’m obsessed with their liberal use of herbs to finish their dishes - dill, mint and coriander feature heavily. Their wines are all natural and they have a delicious cocktail menu. The setting, overlooking the sea, is total perfection and I’m also particularly fond of the dappled light that flickers over the tables, created by the hessian screening above.

Neni - Port Soller

Neni is an Israeli fusion restaurant which serves delicious, flavorful dishes inspired hugely by Tel-Aviv street food but drawing inspiration from all over the world. They call it ‘Balagan’ style cooking which means ‘sympathetic chaos.’ My favourite things are the Moroccon cigars - crispy filo pastry stuffed with spiced beef and pine nuts, served with an incredible tahina and harissa dip. We went back twice for these. You can order them from the bar menu as well and they make the perfect accompaniment to your sunset drinks. I haven’t actually mentioned the best part of this place yet - the views. It sits up the hill and the views across the harbour are the best out. It’s one of the better places to watch the sun go down. Ask for a table on the edge of the balcony when you book. I’d also recommend ordering a la carte. We once opted for the tasting menu and, while great for the most part, we did feel like we missed out on a few things, particularly with the puddings. Why do tasting menus always get the worst of the pudding options?!

El Camino - Palma

This buzzy space in the centre of Palma serves elegant tapas and small plates to discerning visitors and locals alike. A long bar stretches most of the length of the space, where you can sit and watch the kitchen action while you eat. The tapas here feels refined and fresh - stuffed courgette flowers, delicate croquettes… The wine list is great - my favourite being an organic cava that is so light and delicious, I order it every time. They also make a mean bloody mary. But back to the cava, this has been a revelation since moving here. In the UK, the only cava that seems to be on offer is really harsh tasting and frankly, pretty un-enjoyable. You can’t really find anything that costs more than £10 a bottle. Whereas here, there is such a plethora of choice, some amazing organic options, and even the house bottles at most places are delicious. I’m a total convert. I guess the Spanish have been keeping it to themselves… can’t blame them!

Ca Na Toneta - Caimari

I haven’t been to this restaurant for ten years but I couldn’t not include it. I have recommended it to many friends much more recently who all say it is still incredible. It is situated in a small village that feels really sleepy and residential. You’d never know that behind an unassuming door lay such an astonishing place. It is run by two sisters (one front of house, one in the kitchen) and you are served a tasting menu which changes with the seasons and availability of local produce. Much of what is served also comes from their own organic vegetable garden. Truly zero miles produce. I just remember being completely blown away by the food here - small plates with such flavour and creativity. I can’t wait to go back.

Mercat Tramuntana - Puigpunyent

pasta and pizza mercat tramuntana — Image: Mercat Tramuntana

When we moved to Puigpunyent, there was a closed-down restaurant/cafe on a corner spot with a beautiful huge terrace, just as you drive into the village. I remember wondering what would open at the site and hoping it would be somewhere that served delicious food and coffees. I couldn’t have dreamed of a better place. Mercat Tramuntana is owned and run by Dan and Lexy who have created such magic between them. My husband and I usually stop to eat or have a coffee here a couple of times a week, it’s so good. You can taste that the provenance of each ingredient has been carefully considered and each dish has been expertly crafted. The menu is so fresh and flavoursome - focaccia pizzas, hummus plates, seasonal salads, (the best) burgers… I can’t recommend this place enough, just go!

Botanic - Palma

This plant focused restaurant sits within the Can Bordoy hotel. Each of their inventive dishes is ‘plant forward’ but some have an optional meat or fish supplement. You can choose from a number of tasting menus but we tend to order a la carte as none of the menus seem to offer everything we’re looking to try. The food is exceptional - standout dishes include leeks with hollandaise and truffle, beetroot dim sum (these REALLY work) and tacos with pork. Off season it can be a bit quiet but generally there’s a great atmosphere in the elegant dining room.

Rosa de Vermuteria - Palma

Rosa de Vermuteria feels like a hidden gem in the heart of the city. It’s tucked just along a side street near to the steps up to Placa Major. They serve delicious tapas alongside a menu of vermouths and cocktails. It’s great fun to sit at the bar for a drink and a couple of plates. I would definitely book, even in the off season. It always seems to be packed - which creates a fun and buzzy atmosphere. There’s an artichoke dish where the slightly crisped hearts are served with the thinnest slivers of fatty, salty smoked pancetta - so good. The croquettes are heaven, the little gem salad with tomato tartar & anchovies freshens everything up and the calamari with sobrasada mayonnaise is very good. There could be a little more of the sobrasada in the mayo but otherwise…perfect!

Patiki Beach - Port Soller

This beachside restaurant was recommended to me by one of my friends who really knows food, so I knew it wouldn’t disappoint. It’s a very chic spot, the staff are lovely and, as expected, the food is delicious. We went a few times while we were living nearby and always had such a fun time. The food is similar to the food at Blai, maybe a little more refined and they have a broader menu. It’s just delicious, fresh, seasonal food executed really well. There was a pudding with soft sponge, white chocolate cream, beetroot and pistachios that really did it for me. I also couldn’t stop thinking about this brioche bun filled with the softest shredded chicken, loads of fresh herbs and hot sauce…yum!

Sauvage - Establiments

We went here for a friend’s birthday recently and the food was great. They serve Asian inspired street food in a garden setting. It’s tucked just off the road but once you’re nestled in with great food and company, you hardly notice. I’d recommend starting with one of their delicious cocktails - they have some really yummy non-alcoholic options that (rarely) aren’t too sweet. Good wine list too. The food was fresh, spicy, and delicious with lots of crunchy salads and peanutty dressings. Will definitely go back.

Es Taller - Valdemossa

Es Taller is one of those places that we can’t stop going back to. It’s located in an old garage and the room is so bright and airy, with high ceilings, huge windows and, for the warmer months, a terrace outside. The food pairs local produce with spices and flavours from all over the world. Everything is designed for sharing, or, we always share everything! Dishes range from more traditional tapas-y options like sobrasada croquettes (very good) and grilled squid with polenta to more international dishes such as Peruvian tuna tartare with avocado or Thai crispy duck curry. The puddings are also really worth saving space for.

And that’s it! Let me know if you visit any of these and what you think. Or if you have any recommendations of places I should try, PLEASE let me know!

KR x

My top 10 restaurants in Mallorca

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Delicious seasonal food for retreats, wellness events & villas in Mallorca & the Balearic islands.