Alright, let’s talk straight about Palma. You might think you’re just here for the massive Gothic cathedral and the sunny marina views, but hold that thought.
This city has quietly become one of the most exciting food destinations in the Mediterranean. Forget the tired idea of all-inclusive buffet food—Palma’s kitchen scene is a brilliant mash-up.
It’s where centuries-old Mallorcan farmhouse recipes meet razor-sharp modern technique, and where a tucked-away alley holds a tiny tapas bar that’ll blow your mind. If you stick to the obvious tourist strips, you’re only getting a tiny taste of the story.
Get ready to discover a city that eats as beautifully as it looks. We’re going far beyond the postcard spots to show you the absolute best restaurants to visit in Palma de Mallorca.
This is your backstage pass to where chefs are redefining island cuisine, from a market stall turned sensation to a fine-dining spot in a medieval palace. Whether you’re craving the perfect frito mallorquín or a plant-based feast that looks like art, Palma’s table is set. Let’s dig in.
1. Marc Fosh
If there’s one name synonymous with modern fine dining in Palma, it’s Marc Fosh. Housed in a stunning 17th-century convent with a serene, plant-filled courtyard, this Michelin-starred restaurant is an experience.
Chef Fosh, the first British chef in Spain to earn a Michelin star, champions the concept of “honest cooking.” This means a laser focus on pristine, local Mediterranean ingredients, letting their natural flavors sing through clean, precise techniques.
The tasting menus here are a journey. Think delicate red prawns from Sóller, succulent local lamb, and vegetables treated with as much reverence as the seafood. The atmosphere in the historic dining room is elegant yet surprisingly relaxed—no stuffy pretension here.
For a special occasion or to understand the pinnacle of modern Mallorcan cuisine in Palma, a reservation at Marc Fosh is essential.
2. La Bodeguilla
Tucked away in the warren of streets behind the cathedral, La Bodeguilla is a beloved local secret that feels like a wonderfully preserved time capsule. The vibe is rustic, warm, and buzzing with energy.
The walls are lined with wine bottles, cured hams, and antique knick-knacks. This is where you come for traditional Mallorcan dishes executed with a level of care and quality that elevates them to something special.
You must try their Suckling Pig (Cochinillo), which is famously slow-roasted to crackling perfection. Their seafood rice dishes and tapas are also exceptional. It’s always packed, so booking ahead is non-negotiable.
Dining here feels like being welcomed into a bustling, delicious family home. For authentic, high-quality traditional food in Palma, La Bodeguilla is a cornerstone.
3. Simply Fosh
For a more accessible, but no less brilliant, taste of Marc Fosh’s philosophy, head to his more casual venture, Simply Fosh. Located in the chic Convent de la Missió hotel, the space is bright, modern, and full of light.
They offer an incredible-value set menu that changes daily based on the market, making top-tier creative cooking surprisingly approachable.
The dishes are inventive, beautifully presented, and full of flavor. You might get a stunning gazpacho, a perfect piece of line-caught fish, or a vegetarian dish that steals the show. The service is sharp and friendly.
It’s the perfect spot for a long, luxurious lunch without the fine-dining formality. For a top-tier lunch in Palma de Mallorca, Simply Fosh is a savvy and delicious choice.
4. Andana Gastro Bar
Located in the trendy Santa Catalina neighborhood, Andana is the epitome of Palma’s cool, modern bistro scene. The industrial-chic decor, open kitchen, and lively terrace make it a hotspot.
The menu is a creative, shareable tour of Mediterranean and global small plates, all designed with a thoughtful, contemporary twist.
Their Korean Fried Cauliflower has a cult following, and their crispy squid is a masterclass in texture. The vibe is energetic and stylish, perfect for a group wanting to try a bit of everything over great music and conversation.
It’s always buzzing, so reservations are key. For a hip, fun, and flavorful dinner in Palma, Andana delivers every time.
5. El Pilón
Sometimes you just need the real deal, no frills attached. El Pilón, a tiny, no-menu bar in the Santa Catalina market area, is exactly that.
This is where market workers, taxi drivers, and in-the-know foodies crowd around the small counter for what many argue is the best bocadillo (sandwich) in Palma. The star is the Lomo Bombón: thinly sliced, melt-in-your-mouth cured pork loin on a crispy, freshly baked roll.
It’s fast, it’s cheap, and it’s an absolute flavor explosion. You stand, you eat, you marvel, and you leave. There are a few other simple tapas, but the lomo is the main event.
Finding El Pilón and squeezing in for a sandwich is a rite of passage and one of the most authentic food experiences in Palma.
6. Tast Club
For a progressive and theatrical tasting menu that pushes boundaries, Tast Club is your destination. Led by renowned chef Alberto G. Leal, this isn’t just a meal; it’s a multi-sensory culinary performance.
The sleek, minimalist space sets the stage for an avant-garde journey through flavor, texture, and presentation.
Courses might arrive under cloches of aromatic smoke, as edible “soil,” or in playful, interactive formats. The menu is a complete surprise, driven by technical prowess and wild creativity.
It’s an investment and an adventure for the curious palate. For those seeking an unforgettable, avant-garde dining experience in Palma, Tast Club is unparalleled.
7. La Rosa Vermutería
Step back into a chic, bygone era at La Rosa Vermutería. This stunningly beautiful bar and restaurant, with its marble counters, vintage tiles, and antique mirrors, specializes in vermouth and classic Spanish conservas (premium preserved seafood).
Pull up a stool and order a perfectly poured vermouth over ice with an orange slice.
Pair it with exquisite tins of razor clams, mussels, or octopus, served simply with good bread. They also offer a short menu of excellent tapas and larger dishes.
The atmosphere is sophisticated, nostalgic, and incredibly stylish. For a classic, elegant tapas and vermouth experience in Palma, La Rosa is pure magic.
8. Bon Lloc
Calling all plant-based food lovers! Bon Lloc is a pioneer and a paradise. This charming, fully vegetarian (with abundant vegan options) restaurant has been a fixture in Palma for decades, long before it was trendy.
The vibe is warm, rustic, and family-run, with a daily-changing menu based on what’s freshest at the market.
The food is hearty, flavorful, and creatively prepared—think stuffed vegetables, rich legume stews, fresh salads, and incredible homemade desserts.
It proves that Mallorcan cuisine, with its base of vegetables, legumes, and grains, lends itself beautifully to vegetarian cooking. For the best vegetarian restaurant in Palma, Bon Lloc is a must-visit oasis.
9. Ca’n Eduardo
For a legendary seafood experience right on the water, you go to Ca’n Eduardo. Located within the historic Port Pesquer (the working fishermen’s port), this no-nonsense institution has been serving the day’s catch since 1948.
The decor is simple nautical, and the views of the bobbing fishing boats are the real decoration.
You come here for ultra-fresh fish and shellfish, simply grilled or baked in salt. Their Bullit de Peix (a traditional fisherman’s stew of fish and potatoes, served with a separate rice) is a signature dish.
It’s not cheap, but the quality is unmatched. For a classic, premium seafood meal by the port in Palma, Ca’n Eduardo is an institution.
10. La Paloma
Hidden in a quiet square in the old town, La Paloma is a delightful secret garden. The restaurant is set in a beautiful, plant-filled courtyard, making it one of the most romantic and serene settings in the city.
The menu focuses on well-executed, classic Mediterranean dishes with a slight Italian accent.
Think fresh pasta, grilled meats and fish, and beautiful salads. The atmosphere is tranquil and romantic, a world away from the city bustle just steps outside.
It’s the perfect spot for a long, lazy lunch or a romantic dinner under the stars (or the courtyard canopy). For romantic garden dining in Palma, La Paloma is a hidden gem.
Conclusion
So, there you have it—your guide to the thrilling, diverse world of eating in Palma. You’ve gone from Michelin-starred courtyards to standing-only sandwich bars, from avant-garde tasting menus to timeless port-side grills.
Palma shows you that great food can be humble or high-tech, but it’s always heartfelt.
Now, the delicious planning is all yours. Will you book that impossible fine-dining table or hunt down the perfect bocadillo? Will you explore modern tapas in Santa Catalina or find peace in a hidden garden? The best trip savors a little bit of everything.
Don’t just read about these incredible restaurants to visit in Palma de Mallorca—start making your list.
Book those essential tables, map your route through the old town, and get ready to taste why this Balearic capital is a true Mediterranean feast. Bon profit! What’s the first reservation you’ll make?