A Matter of Taste: Our Favourite Restaurants You've Never Heard of!
- Biel Pitman
- May 26
- 9 min read
Mallorca is home to a rich culinary scene, filled with many surprises waiting to be uncovered. While many tourists flock to popular dining spots, we believe that the real treasures lie in lesser-known restaurants offering authentic, mouthwatering Mallorcan cuisine. If you're eager to experience the true flavors of the island, we've prepared a list of our "do not miss" ones. However, there is still a much bigger list we've curated through years of exploration that we'll be sharing with you on Google Maps HERE!
In this selection, we’ll take you on a journey to discover some of Mallorca's best undiscovered restaurants that promise not just great meals but memorable experiences as well. And to do so, we'll start from the ones closest to our home and gradually expand from there, so we don't give away our absolute favourites straight away!
1. The Local Treat of "Es Barranc" (Biniaraix)
Es Barranc is our local Restaurant in Biniarraix, normally open Wed-Sun from 10 am to 11 pm, and is an excellent choice if you decide to simply have dinner in town without the hassle of getting in the kitchen to cook. Their food is amazing, and their ambience is great and relaxed with 3 distinctive areas to choose from (on the town square sharing space with the amazing Bar Bodega that only opens for breakfast and lunch, indoor or an incredible outdoor terrace on a secluded private backyard on the back with great views of the surrounding mountains).
2. Valley Views: Ca N'Antuna (Fornalutx)
If you happen to be around the charming town of Fornalutx, this is a great option for dinner. We recommend making reservations since seating is rather limited, particularly if you want a terrace table with views (highly recommended). Food is good, nothing out of this world, one simply comes here for an "end of trek" treat overlooking the Soller Valley.
3. Amazing Views: Mirador Ses Barques (Fornalutx)
A Great spot to stop by if you're doing the north route to Sa Calobra or connecting to Formentor via the Lakes. This place takes its name from the viewpoint sitting next to it, but the truth is you can skip the viewpoint altogether and have the same experience here, but with a drink in your hand. Great views of the whole valley, it could get chilly even in summer at some hours, but they tend to offer blankets if that's the case!
4. Easy does it: Lluna 36 (Soller)
Now we start to get serious with our options. Lluna 36 would be one of our top choices for fine dining in Soller. Of course, there are many other places to choose from if you're looking for a more informal dining experience, but Lluna 36 hits that sweet spot between charming and authentic with an amazing food offering. Their menu varies by season, like in many other places in the area, but you can be sure it will be delicious regardless of your choice. We recommend making reservations during high seasons just to make sure you get in.
5. Michelin Vibes: Can Boqueta (Soller)
Our local Michelin guide restaurant, Can Boqueta, offers not only a well-rounded dining experience, but it also brings it in the form of a lunch tasting menu for 27€ that, in my opinion, always makes things taste better.
This is another great option for either lunch or dinner, but as usual in the area during high season, we recommend advance booking, especially if you want to get hold of the lunch menu specials.
6. Vibes + Stars: Béns d'Avall (Soller)
If vibes are not enough and what you're looking for is an actual Michelin Star restaurant near us, we've got you covered. Bens d'Avall offers a 1-Michelin-star experience with unparalleled views of the Mediterranean. Needless to say, you can expect the price to match the offering, but if what you're looking for is a place to splurge on a celebration, this might be it. They also offer a tasting menu option for lunch (with and without wine pairing), but here a reservation is not only advised, it is simply a must!
7. A Famous Spot: Ca's Patro March (Deia)
If you’re heading to Deià, you absolutely must make a reservation at Ca’s Patro March, the iconic waterside spot nestled into the rocky cove of Cala Deià. You’ve probably seen it on screen (its fame exploded after starring in the hit mini-series The Night Manager) and it’s still the place to spot both locals and the occasional celebrity savouring lunch (or, in peak season, dinner). To get there, you can glide in by boat and ascend the charming stone steps, drive down and walk five minutes from the car park, or earn your meal with a scenic 30-minute stroll from the village. Just be sure to book well in advance, check the weather, and bring cash (they don’t take cards).
Once you’re perched above the crystal-clear Mediterranean, you’ll understand why we try to go anytime we can: the fish and shellfish are plucked from these waters that very morning, and the rustic setting (simple furnishings, an open-air roof that won’t shelter you from a summer shower) only adds to the charm. There are a few meat dishes and Mallorcan wine labels if you’re not a devoted pescatarian, but be prepared for premium prices (you’re paying for the view, the freshness, and the cinematic pedigree). Service can lag a bit when it’s buzzing, but honestly, why rush when you’ve got that unbeatable panorama stretching out before you?
8. A Hidden Spot: Es Vergeret (Cala Tuent)
If you're headed to Cala Tuent (a beautiful cove beach, located at the foot of the Puig Major, the highest mountain in Mallorca), you should make a stop in this place (not without prior reservations).
From the shore, and after enjoying your time in Cala Tuent, a short climb leads you to the Restaurant from whose terrace you'll enjoy the views while tasting its fabulous Mallorcan cuisine. The specialties are the paellas with fish, warm rice dishes, seasonal fresh fish, as well as a great variety of traditional Mallorcan dishes. They also offer menus for groups with all kinds of Mallorcan dishes.
9. A Rewarding Surprise: Sa Foradada (Cala Tuent)
One of the most demanding spots to have a meal on the island will not go unnoticed by its capacity to reward you with good food and amazing views after a truly beautiful hike. A hidden gem at the foot of the well-known Sa Foradada (The Perforated), where you can enjoy traditional Mallorcan food, not forgetting, of course, the famous “Paella a las brasas” while admiring the stunning landscape offered by this unique location. You can park at the "Sa Foradada" Viewpoint next to the main road by Son Marroig and follow the hiking signs, or arrive by boat if you hired one, but just be aware that you need a reservation and to confirm it if the weather conditions are adverse that day, and it is also cash only.
10. A Triple Choice: La Residencia (Deia)
If you're in the mood for a relaxing, yet exclusive retreat near Deia, then the luxurious "La Residencia" Hotel will give you 3 options to choose from: Either if you choose to have dinner at El Olivo with their amazing tasting menus of Mediterranean food, at Tramuntana Grill (for those meat lovers which had enough seafood already), or at the Miró Restaurant for those Art lovers who would like to enjoy tea or dinner surrounded by an incredible collection of Joan Miró works, you will be making a right decision.
11. A "Michelin" Restaurant: Es Taller (Valldemossa)
Let us simply say: If you like good food, you cannot leave the island without visiting one of our favourite restaurants not only in the island, but in the world! When we say "Michelin" we're not just talking about the tires ad by the door (it's located in a refurbished car repair shop), but about the quality of their food without the premium prices. Their menu is simply perfection, we're yet to try a single dish we didn't love (and we've tried them all), they also have rotating artists showcasing their artwork in the restaurant, and most of their ingredients come from either their own orchard around the corner or the town itself.
12. Dine in Style: Mar&Duix (Puigpunyent)
If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, then carve out an evening at the Grand Hotel Son Net, a resplendent 17th-century palace perched above the mountain village of Puigpunyent. The hotel marries classical Mallorcan charm with sumptuous luxury, from its meticulously restored stone walls to the sweeping views of manicured gardens and the Serra de Tramuntana. Its Mar&Duix Restaurant has quickly become a destination in its own right. You can dine in the grand indoor hall or on the terrace beneath the skies, savoring local wines as the village and mountains stretch before you. The whole place feels like stepping into a living work of art, where every detail, from the garden-to-table ethos to the hotel’s vegetable patch, reinforces that authentic “km 0” spirit. Their menu is a sophisticated riff on Mediterranean classics, spotlighting seasonal, island-grown produce.
13. Plant Forward: Botànic (Palma)
Chances are you'll find yourself exhausted after a long day of walking, sightseeing the wonders of Palma old town or perhaps shopping. If that's the case try to steer clear from the tourist traps and head towards Botanic, which while not fully vegetarian, revolves a lot around the vegetable influence in the mediterranean cuisine. The ambience is top notch and is only a walk away from all the buzz from the old town, so its a good option if you want to simply step away and have a minute to catch your breath before dancing the night away in Palma.
14. Tapas Don't Preach: El Camino (Palma)
Don't get fooled by this sit-at-the-counter tapas restaurant, El Camino is gastronomic theatre: the players are those cooking, plating, and serving behind the counter, while we are the audience watching what looks like a choreographed performance of the friendly El Camino team members as they go about their work, and enjoying the delicious results. An encore is often necessary as the menu has so many tempting choices! This is one of the hardest places on the island to get a reservation to, so you know the drill, but it will honestly pay off if you're into Tapas and want to get a hint of what the best Mediterranean version might look like.
15. Paella in the Sand: Ponderosa Beach (Can Picafort)
If you're out and about around Muro Beach (or nearby) we totally recommend one of (if not THE) best paellas on the island. This beach chiringuito-turned into a groove beach club-turned into a restaurant could really pack a punch when it comes to their Paella offerings. You do need to make a reservationin advance (and they will charge no-show fees), and you also have to be aware of parking restrictions right near it, so a short walk from the closes street parking areas might be the safest choice, but once you've overcome those tiny obstacles you'll be in for a treat. Failing to grant a spot at Ponderosa Beach, you should also try Can Gavella right next to it, they're virtually the same thing both in terms of ambiance and food quality, and in both cases, you'll be eating with your toes in the sand.
Your Mallorqui Culinary Adventures Await
As you can see, Mallorca is bursting with culinary delights just waiting to be explored. From traditional dishes with a local touch to innovative fusions to a more international and experimental offer, the island offers a rich tapestry of tastes and experiences that reflect the local culture.
When visiting Mallorca, try to step off the beaten path now and then to discover some of these hidden gems. Your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of the island's vibrant culinary scene. Eating at these wonderful restaurants allows you to savor not just delightful meals, but the essence of Mallorcan culture. HERE is the broader list of restaurant recommendations we've curated over time, we recommend you save this in Google Maps as a list and take a look at it whenever you're exploring the island on your own, you might be really close to one of our favourite spotrs to eat without knowing! Bon Profit!
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