Menorca, the wind-kissed, sun-dappled treasure of Spain’s Balearic Islands, boasts a sensory panoply unmatched in its richness. In particular, the island’s western city, Ciutadella de Menorca, anchors itself not just in its history, but also in its vibrant culinary scene that has, in recent years, been wooing the global gastronome with ever more enticing come hithers.
Whilst perhaps not as well known for its culinary scene as neighbouring Mallorca, with its mixture of traditional Menorcan recipes and contemporary cuisine, Ciutadella is a delightful dining destination for all tastes and budgets. Here, we explore 7 of the best restaurants in Ciutadella de Menorca that you simply can’t miss. Yep, you’ll want to arrive with an appetite for this one.
Es Tast De Na Silvia
Known as the first certified Slow Food restaurant in Menorca, Es Tast De Na Silvia promotes local products and traditional Menorcan recipes. The restaurant is renowned for its 100% certified organic cuisine, with all ingredients served here having been sourced from Menorca’s farms.
The chef’s table experience here, which boasts certain theatrical flourishes we won’t spoil here for you, is arguably the best on the island; the shoulder of lamb with honey and thyme is not to be missed.
Es Tast De Na Silvia is open for lunch and dinner every day except Tuesday, when it’s closed.
Godai
Though the majority of Ciutadella’s de Menorca’s best restaurants serve traditional Menorcan fare – with all the local grilled kid goat and lobster caldereta that entails – if you’re looking for something innovative and thought-provoking, then it’s to Godai you should head.
Here, Menorcan ingredients are combined with Japanese cooking sensibilities to create a truly unique cuisine, with the tasting menu full of fusion-led flourishes. The locally caught, raw sea bream over paella rice in the style of sushi is a particular highlight.
For those looking for a more laid back dining experience, Godai’s terrace menu, to be enjoyed overlooking Ciutedella’s de Menorca’s famous marina, always hits the spot.
Godai is open Tuesday through Sunday for dinner, but closes on Mondays.
Nonna Bazaar
As a true hidden gem of the island, Nonna Bazaar, a traditional restaurant in Menorca, is located a 5 minute drive away from Ciutadella in 400 hectares of farmland.
If you’re looking for traditional Menorcan cuisine combined with the freshest ingredients, then you’ll find it here; Nonna Bazaar’s kitchen garden is a sprawling, abundant place that feeds the kitchen long before they have fed you. If you’re looking for dinner with a very slow-paced show, then take in the grazing animals on the 400 hectares of farmland that the restaurant overlooks.
Dishes are served in the style of traditional Spanish tapas, with an emphasis on sharing food communally with family and friends. There is also a fantastic drinks menu, with wines chosen personally by the owner, and cocktails that include local Xoringer gin.
Nonna Bazaar opens daily for dinner only.
Smoix
Housed on the old town of Ciutadella’s main thoroughfare, Smoix offers a menu that changes with the seasons, based on the availability of local produce. Acclaimed chef Miquel Sanchez ensures a gastronomic journey filled with creative cuisine that includes dishes like suckling pig with onion cream, and the unmissable beef tripe stew. Don’t miss out on a few crayfish ravioli to kick things off – simply survey your hunger levels and order accordingly. One dumpling costs €4.50… You might want several.
The restaurant’s forward-thinking menu, slick, industrial interiors and boisterous larger sharing tables ensures that Smoix is one of Menorca’s most grown-up dining experiences, with a keen selection of local wines to fit that spirit. For those who get a little carried away with that lively vibe, Smoix has rooms.
Smoix is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday, closes on Sundays, and opens for dinner only on Mondays.
Restaurant S’Amarador
Located in the busy heart of Ciutadella, in a gorgeous spot right at the mouth of the Med, Restaurant S’Amarador offers high-quality seafood dishes of the island, all served in a gently contemporary style that keeps things light but doesn’t run the risk of offending the purists.
Though that vantage point overseeing Ciutadella’s bustling little port is certainly striking, even more spectacular is S’Amarador’s semi al-fresco dining room, which has a fig tree bursting through the floor and defining the room. Take a seat and tuck into arguably the island’s best lobster caldereta, this one shaken vigorously whilst still bubbling until the beast’s natural juices have emulsified. Order plenty of bread to mop things up.
Even better, perhaps, is the monkfish and clam casserole, punchy with garlic and soothing with butter. A well-curated wine list serving locally produced wines makes it a preferred destination for wine lovers – a local Malvasia cuts through those saline-heavy cooking liquors with aplomb.
Restaurant S’Amarador is open for lunch and dinner everyday, and opens for breakfast one day a week, too, on Wednesdays.
Ses Voltes
Housed in a traditional Menorcan townhouse, Ses Voltes serves up a fine selection of tapas, seafood, and fresh local ingredients. The rooftop terrace, offering panoramic views of Ciutadella’s old town, is a must-visit.
From the local culinary classics like restaurant’s signature seafood black rice to more kid-friendly options like mini pizzas and the house burger, Ses Voltes boasts an expansive menu that’s sure to please the crowd, and is ideal for larger groups.
Ses Voltes opens from 9am until around midnight every day except Tuesday, when it’s closed.
Café Balear
A list of the best restaurants in Ciutadella wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Café Balear. This eatery, located near the port, is another one loved by locals for its confident, generous seafood dishes, many of which are supplied by the restaurant’s own boat, the Rosa Santa Primavera. Whilst we’re loath to recommend another lobster caldereta, the version here is top notch, as is the whole John dory, grilled sympathetically, as a fish of this calibre deserves.
The beautiful seaside views add to the allure of the place, making it one of the most sought-after restaurants in the town. Now, we think we might just stay here a while and finish our wine…
Café Balear is open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner, is closed on Sundays, and is open for dinner only on Mondays.
The Bottom Line
The culinary scene in Ciutadella de Menorca is as diverse and vibrant as the city itself. These restaurants are the best representations of the locale’s gastronomy – a delightful mix of tradition and innovation, quality local produce, and beautiful settings. So, when in Ciutadella, prepare for a culinary journey like no other and make sure to add these eateries on your ‘must-visit’ list. Buen Provecho!
If you find yourself returning home and yearning for more whole grilled lamb, you can replicate the smoky barbequed effect with your own wooden barbeque from companies like The BBQ Shop, who can supply you with high quality fire pits and wood fired barbeques to feed the whole family.
