As the largest island of the Balearic chain off the northeast coast of Spain, Majorca is a gastronomic paradise that seamlessly blends classic Mediterranean cooking with historical influences from the Roman Empire, the Moors, North Africa, Catalonia, and, of course, Spain.
The capital city, Palma, sometimes referred to as the ”pearl of the Mediterranean”, offers a vibrant, alfresco lifestyle brimming with Mediterranean flair and a rich culinary scene steeped in tradition.
The heart of Majorcan cuisine, known locally as ‘Mallorquin’ food, lies in its use of pork, fish, and vegetables, generously seasoned with garlic and olive oil, as the food blogger and Masterchef judge Leyla Kazim explains in her fantastic food blog, the Cutlery Chronicles. This hearty home-cooking style is deeply rooted in local traditions and ingredients found on the island, including almonds, olives, walnuts, lemons, and salt from the natural salt plains in the south.
If you’re wondering where to eat the very best versions of traditional Mallorquin dishes in Palma, then you’ve come to the right place; no, not Palma, silly, but rather, our guide on where to eat traditional food in the Majorcan capital.
Sopas Mallorquinas at Celler Pages
One of the most traditional dishes you can find in Palma is sopas Mallorquinas. These dense and hearty soups are perfect for chilly days up in the Tramuntana Mountains. The ingredients follow the seasons, but typically include slices of local bread, onion, garlic, tomatoes, cabbage and beans, all brought together with a generous glug of local olive oil.
At Celler Pages, one of Palma’s most cherished culinary institutions, you’ll find sopas Mallorquinas done in the traditional style, alongside many of the other dishes on our list.
Ensaimada for Breakfast at Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo
No culinary journey (or day!) of Palma would be complete without trying the famous ensaimada, a puff pastry rolled into a spiral shape and made with flour, eggs, yeast, sugar and lard. This pastry is considered one of the wonders of the island and is easily the most famous sweet treat from Majorca.
The best time to enjoy this swirl of light, fluffy pastry is in the morning, dunked in a cup of hot coffee. You’ll find plates of them served at most buffet breakfasts across the island, including one of the many 5 star hotels in Majorca by Iberostar, of which our favourite sits in prime position on Playa de Palma, the capital’s gorgeous, sprawling beach. Wash it down with a refreshing glass of horchata de almendras, otherwise known as ‘the drink of the gods’, and you’ll be well set for the day.
Alternatively, for a true taste of tradition, Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo is one of the oldest establishments in Palma. Dating back to the 18th century, it’s especially famous for its ensaimada and almond ice cream.
Caldereta at La Bodeguilla
Caldereta is a famous Balearic stew, known for its rich, hearty flavour profile. It’s traditionally made using lobster, although variations can include other types of meat or seafood. The stew is characterised by its aromatic blend of spices, tomatoes, onions and peppers, which are slowly simmered to create a savoury depth of flavour.
The version at Michelin-recognised La Bodeguilla is particularly fine, rich with a copper-tainted lobster stock and shaken with enthusiasm whilst bubbling until the lobster’s natural juices have emulsified. Order plenty of bread to soak things up.
Read: The best restaurants in Ciutadella de Menorca
Squid a la Mallorquina at La Rosa Vermuteria
Another seafood delight on the island is the squid a la Mallorquina, a dish featuring squid stewed in a sauce of tomato, onion, garlic, and spicy paprika.
The rendition at revered tapas joint La Rosa Vermuteria sees local squid kissed by the grill until blistered and burnished, and served with a garlic infused squid ink sauce.
Tumbet at Celler sa Premsa
Tumbet is another must-try Mallorquin speciality. This vegetarian-friendly dish is similar to ratatouille and can be enjoyed alone as a meal in and of itself, or with a fish side, but it’s at Celler sa Premsa that our favourite version is made, served with a side of crisp, giving suckling pig.
For a fish-adjacent version, the aforementioned La Rosa Vermuteria serves their tumbet with crisp John Dory each and every Friday.
Coca de Trampo at Mercat de Pere Garau
Another fantastic vegetarian treat is coca de trampo, a local pizza of sorts topped with red and green peppers, tomatoes and onions. At Majorca’s 1000 square foot food market, Mercat de Pere Garau, there are several stalls selling this gorgeous snack.
Sobrasada at La Taberna de la Bóveda
Sobrassada is considered one of the island’s signature delicacies. It is a red sausage made from ground pork, paprika and various spices, sometimes served raw and spreadable, and sometimes grilled and a little more chunky.
Famed for its extensive selection of cured meats, you’ll find exemplary sobrasada at La Taberna de la Bóveda.
Verderol at Mercat de L’Olivar
Seafood lovers should not miss out on verderol, a type of fish native to the waters near Majorca. The traditional Mallorquin version is prepared with spinach and sweet onion baked on top of the fish.
At one of Palma’s premier food markets, Mercat de L’Olivar, you’ll see piles of enticing fresh produce, from the island’s acclaimed olives and almonds to just caught fish and shellfish. The best part? Choose a fish and they’ll happily cook it for you in one of the bars upstairs. Choose a vederol and ask for it prepared the traditional Majorcan way. What could be fresher than that?
Lomo con Col at Restaurante La Balanguera
For meat enthusiasts, lomo con col, a dish made from pan-fried pork wrapped in cabbage with possible additions of sobrasada, apricot, pine nuts, and raisins, is a must-try. Another popular meat dish is frito Mallorquin, a versatile serving consisting of pan-fried vegetables from the island, such as peppers, onions, eggplant, potatoes and artichokes, all fried with lamb or lamb organs.
We love Restaurante la Balanguera’s take on the dish, which keeps things traditional rather than any attempt to ‘refine’ proceedings, the tangle of salty pork, cabbage and vegetables arriving in a generous, enticing pile. Heaven!
If you’re keen to explore the island’s food culture in even greater detail, then why not join us as we explore the best things for foodies to do in north Majorca. You won’t regret it!
