The best six restaurants in Mallorca
Mallorca has it all, 262 beaches washed by the clear turquoise waters of the Mediterannean, picture perfect villages in stunning mountain locations, stunning architecture left behind by the Moors the Arabs and any number of invaders who at one time or another laid claim to this beautiful island.
Quiet well surfaced roads for cyclists to traverse. Hiking trials to gladden the hearts of keen ramblers. Art, culture a beautiful climate. I could go on. What is sometimes overlooked is the culinary delights ready to be discovered by foodies, International cuisine of every stripe. In fact there are no less than 9 Michelin starred restaurants boasting a total of 10 stars. There are also many establishments worthy of a star that fly under the radar.
Zaranda
The only restaurant on the island to be awarded two Michelin stars, Zaranda used to be set in the stunning surroundings of the five-star Castell Son Claret Hotel. Zaranda recently moved location and can now be found in the classy Hotel Es Princep, in Palma old town.
The restaurant’s first home was Madrid where it achieved its first star, but after moving to Mallorca a second star was awarded in 2016 – a full ten years later. Chef Fernando Pérez Arellano’s astoundingly creative menu includes his signature dish of a ‘black egg’ – a poached egg blackened with cuttlefish and served on a bed of onion puree and crispy rice with calamari caviar. Unsurprisingly, none of the three tasting menus comes cheap (particularly when paired with wine), but for a meal that really will blow your mind it’s worth the splurge.
Patiki Beach
A Chiringuito with a difference, Grace Barrow prepares fresh food supplied by neighbouring growers. Patiki is an extension of home, a beach house for everyone. Located in the stunning Port Soller cove with all embracing mountains spilling down to the sea. You are invited to eat and drink, and just be. Spend a day shipwrecked on the Patiki deck in the dappled bamboo light. Venture into the kitchen to see your food being prepared, swim, laze in the sunshine and finally watch the mountains turn electric pink as the sun sets far out at sea.
The food is not complicated; it is a textural, colourful, flavourful celebration of the raw ingredients that Grace has very consciously sourced on the island. The Patiki menu rolls with the seasons, changing every day as they use what they have and create with whatever else is delivered to the door.
La Rosa
La Rosa is situated in Palma old town a stones throw from La Rambla and Passeig des Born, two beautiful trees lined avenues reminiscent of Parisian boulevards. The interior isn’t what you’d expect, quite rough and ready and typically Malloquin.
La Rosa are committed to recovering the old customs based on a simple cuisine where the seasonal products are highlighted, as well as the gourmet tin conserved food, the hand cut ham, the vermouth and the homemade fresh food, whose crisp and uncontrived flavour awakens emotional memories of the past. If you’re looking for the quintessential Mallorquin Tapas experience, head for La Rosa.
Stagier
An ideal place to let yourself go and be transported to different parts of the world. Located in one of the most charming places in the city, Santa Catalina, a buzzing, exciting district of Palma, within walking distance of the centre. An intimate interior adds to the quality experience you’ll enjoy here.
Stagier’s menu is the fruit of years of learning. Fusing Latin roots with the Mediterranean. Stagier have found a mix of flavours combined with cultural variety
at the highest level. The quality lies in the composition of the best local products on the island. Stagiers’ cuisine is inspired by that learning carried out in the best gastronomic houses in Spain and outside of Spain. Inspired by their roots, they mix Latin and Mediterranean flavors.
Stagiers menu is unpretentious, they don’t profess to be fine dining just a restaurant with tasty, simple and elegant cuisine. Cooking with passion and heart.
Ca’s Patro March
A hidden gem, found by a winding road that snakes down the mountain from Deia, arguably the most beautiful village in Mallorca. Ca’s Patro March is perched on the side of the rocks in a stunningly beautiful cove. It’s a joy to sit in this beautiful location.
A ham sandwich would taste good here. Luckily Ca’s Patro March food is slightly more ambitious. I had sea bass and it was perfectly cooked. The menu is simple, well cooked fare to be enjoyed with fine Mallorquin wines. I can’t over stress the location. “The Night Manager” crew filmed here and the cove has been the location for many a photo shoot with international models. Luxury yachts moored out at sea complete the idyllic picture. A must do, if you visit the island.
El Olivo La Residencia
La Residencia is a place that knows luxury, and life, is best served chilled. Set between the Tramuntana Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea and situated in Deia, a wonderfully tranquil and beautiful village. Wander through sweet-scented citrus trees and ancient olive groves. La Residencia boasts an impressive collection of over 800 works from local painters. Art abounds in every corner.
The restaurant is set on a beautiful terrace with views to die for. Flickering candlelight creates an enchanting ambience, complementing the Mediterranean cuisine of Executive Chef Guillermo Méndez and his team. They’ll lead you through the tasting menus, à la carte and vegetarian menues. Then have the sommelier pair your choices with wines from a collection that’s earned, year on year, the Award of Excellence from the prestigious Wine Spectator. El Olivo’s seasonal menu showcases local produce for a true taste of Mallorca. Would it be an overindulgence to lunch at Ca’s Patro March the dine here in the evening? Maybe, but it would certainly be an unforgettable experience in arguably the best location on the island.
There are so many great places to lunch and dine on the island, I’m pretty sure that if you went to a different place every day you wouldn’t exhaust the possibilities. Here’s another excellent option that can sometime exceed the dining out experience. The best dining experiences can be created in your own private SunBoutique villa with your own dedicated chef, dining alfresco next the pool or with views over the Mediterranean. Your menu, your music, your friends, what could be better.
By Dan Frith, Director at SkiBoutique. SkiBoutique is a luxury ski chalet agency based in Switzerland.