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.
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.
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.
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.