Must-try Mallorcan cuisine for lunch or dinner
The summer heat goes on in July and we’re thinking of more Mediterranean paradises we can visit before the end of the season. An island that instantly comes to mind is Mallorca or Majorca if you like (we’ll use both spellings in this blog post). Mallorca was under Roman rule in 123 BC and invaded many times by traders across history but these days the sunny island is synonymous with scenic views of fishing boats and yachts at Port de Sóller, hippie markets selling bohemian and vintage fashion, keepsakes and jewelry. The spectacular beaches, secluded coves and 13th century Santa Maria cathedral have charmed their way into our hearts. We’re now chasing that sexy looking beach tan and typical Spanish holiday we’ve seen in the movies. Boutique and luxury hotels in Palma and Sóller, Illes Balears and Porto Cristo are distinctly charming and favorite retreats of Hollywood celebrities on vacation. But hold on. We just got word that this crown jewel of the Balearic islands has as many as seven of its restaurants featured in the holy grail of fine dining - Michelin Guide. If you look at a map of Spain, you will see that Majorca sits off the North East Coast of Spain. The huge influence on food from traditional ingredients and cultural flavors of the Phoenicians, Romans, Moors and Catalans who occupied the land at that time has resulted in a Mallorcan cuisine completely its own. Some of the local produce includes citrus fruits, olive oils, red shrimp, gourmet sausage, grapes and hand-made pastries. Sounds like we’ve really been missing out!
There are so many delicious organic, seasonal, meat and seafood dishes to try out at Majorca’s best restaurants and bars. We’re sharing 3 of our favorite places to eat but you can find the rest in the WKNDTRP app under our Mallorca city guide.
Pan fried sea bass, butter beans, sweet roast tomatoes and herby aliol.
Spanish cooking traditions are vibrant as is but when you take Catalan cooking and pair it with Grace Berrow things get even more colorful. The influence of Moorish and Arab cuisine can be seen in their signature hummus dish loaded on spices and of course, the labneh. But this laid back chiringuito isn’t just the perfect place to chill out and go on a a romantic date or two. You are invited to order a hydrating cocktail and just relax before your main meal. Patiki is serving up the most mouthwatering food you’ll ever have by Mallorcan shores and its the ideal place for a lazy lunch where you can eat at your own pace.
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The menu is seasonal and mostly organic and self-taught chef Grace usually uses the freshest ingredients and sources local produce on the day of itself so you could call it conscious cooking. The restaurant faces the open kitchen where you can catch the chef moving about busy making organic jams, creamy dips, vegetable medleys featuring the most delish artichoke hearts and occasionally filleting a massive fish! Special mention for the catch of the day seafood that reaches your table seared to perfection with a generous drizzling of olive oil, aromatic herbs and a full bed of home-grown veggies straight from the chef’s own garden. Grace seems to constantly reinvent the wheel on her everchanging menu. Most say her modern and cosmopolitan dishes give a nostalgic mouthfeel similar to the humble more traditional Fisherman’s Stew the locals on the island love eating. This spot is anything but a tourist trap. We give it a thumbs up for bold Mallorcan flavors and the most creative and satisfying dishes to be enjoyed overlooking views of the Med.
Freshly grilled squid served with lemon slice and sour cream.
From time to time you come across a restaurant that delivers hearty meals in the authentic style of cuisine you actually came to the country for. That place is Ca's Patró March. And some say that the food delivers so highly that even a ham sandwich would taste good here. Let’s talk about the stunning venue first. You will be fascinated to learn that the restaurant was the filming location for the BBC series The Night Manager based on the novel of the same name by espionage author John Le Carré. During the high season it is not unusual to find the place totally booked up and tables buzzing with people getting through the courses of perfectly grilled fresh fish, razor clams and shellfish prepared with a charming simplicity - a hot flame and just a squeeze of lemon to finish before it gets plated up with a side of dipping sauce.
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Wash it all down with a glass of chilled white wine, Mallorquin wine baby. It’s the perfect way to end the day or start it depending on your holiday itinerary. Coming here in the summer months is the name of the game because that is when the superb location on the rocks of Cala Deià in Mallorca's Tramuntana mountains can best be enjoyed. It is for this reason, the Trumantana views of course and quality of seafood that the price may be on the high side but here us out when we say the dining experience somehow makes it all worthwhile - even if it feels like the straw roof above your head would do little to keep out heavy rains. So yes the seafront location is spectacular to say the least, especially when you can catch a glimpse of a superyacht or two. But is not for every traveler especially not for the faint of heart since it is not so easy to even reach this restaurant. It can be challenging to get a table since it’s mostly first come first served basis (you can only book your meal) and you’ll need to take a boat, a car or come on foot (it’s almost a 30 minute walk from the village). Everything about this place screams rustic and fisherman-style so if that’s up your alley, do not miss this one! You’ll regret it!
Cod with tender almond, oxalis, and apple.
Restaurant Marc Fosh is an ideal spot for Mallorcan fine dining be it lunch or dinner especially if you want to enjoy your meal in open spaces. Palma maybe an old town in the Balearic islands but it has an affinity for exclusive tasting menus and contemporary Mediterranean food usually served in an elegant space which demands a certain savoir faire from its diners. Marc Fosh is an icon of Mallorcan Michelin starred cooking with a sharp focus on seasonal produce and a clean flavor profile across its courses. Needless to say you will need to book well in advance to snatch up a table here at the extremely modern restaurant which formerly used to be a dining room of sorts for a convent. The food is ambitious.
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The courgette tortellini with prawn was perfectly balanced in flavour and produce and the corvina was beautifully cooked with a crisp skin and a trio of aubergine, paprika and basil purée. A good thing to note would be the absence of that fishy smell which can sometimes make or break an exquisite seafood course. If you’re not feeling upto seafood that evening you can of course order the pork which comes accompanied with a special jus - crackling skin and melt in the mouth fat. Some of the other mouthwatering dishes on the tasting menu are duck breast with eucalyptus, salt-baked baby turnips, and caramelized pineapple cubes and foam. Everything you’d expect and more! After dinner you’ll be craving for something sweet on your palate. We recommend the desserts as well , beautifully crafted and plated, like the petit fours and cortado coffee. A special meal is as good as its highly curated menu but it’s also in the ambience and aesthetic details expected from a Michelin starred restaurant - the carefully decorated tables and lovely interior courtyard is a beautiful touch to the place, perfect for a romantic evening with your significant other. You need not worry about waiting for your meal and what to order, the service is particular attentive and rest assured the wine pairings - cava and local rose wines available - are just as stellar.