Discover the Gastronomic Essence of Mallorca
Mallorca offers much more than breathtaking beaches and unforgettable landscapes. Here, you’ll also find history through its flavors—flavors that preserve their traditional essence while embracing innovation and creativity. Local ingredients have a unique richness, from olive oil to almonds, as well as Mediterranean herbs that give Mallorcan cuisine a special touch you won’t want to miss.
At Cabau Hotels, we honor and value this cultural and culinary wealth. That’s why we’ve created a guide with our favorite recommendations, those we share with family and friends. And now that you’re part of our trusted circle, we want to share them with you as well.
Traditional Mallorcan Dishes You Must Try
Mallorcan cuisine is deeply connected to the island’s history and the diverse landscapes that have shaped its agricultural traditions. Here are three typical dishes that truly capture the island’s essence:
Tumbet: This delicious dish is vegetarian-friendly. At its core, it features layers of eggplant, zucchini, potatoes, and tomatoes, either fried or oven-cooked—each family has its own version—but always finished with a generous touch of olive oil. It’s commonly served with fried eggs or a piece of meat, though it can stand alone as a main dish. Try it as an entrée or a tapa (so you can sample more dishes at once).
- Pa amb oli: A classic, embodying the very essence of Mallorcan cuisine. It may seem simple, but that doesn’t take away from its bold flavor or importance. It consists of slices of rustic bread, rubbed with tomato (specifically ramallet tomato, a traditional variety cultivated on the island since the 16th century), and drizzled with olive oil. It’s often accompanied by cured meats such as sobrasada or local cheeses. This dish is a true reflection of the authenticity and simplicity of Mallorcan cooking. It’s typically served with pickles—especially olives and spicy peppers.
- Frito Mallorquín: This traditional dish blends meat, potatoes, vegetables like peppers and peas, and spices such as fennel, which gives it a uniquely distinctive flavor. It has a very intense taste, as it’s made using offal (only for the more adventurous), but it’s likely to win you over. Without a doubt, it’s one of the most traditional dishes in Mallorcan cuisine rooted in centuries of using every part of the animal. A true local favorite.
2. Discover the Local Wineries
Mallorca is also renowned for its wine production. The island boasts designations of origin such as Binissalem and Pla i Llevant. Visiting local wineries not only gives you firsthand insight into grape cultivation and winemaking, but also offers the chance to enjoy tastings and purchase local products. A must-do experience for wine lovers. During guided tastings, you’ll sample native grape varieties like Manto Negro or Callet while learning about the production process.
Here are a few of our favorites:
- Bodega Ribas in Consell: A winery where all wine production is done using their own hand-harvested grapes.
- Bodegas Macià Batle in Santa María: Established in 1856, they grow local grape varieties and offer an exceptional selection of wines, along with an art gallery.
- Son Prim in Sencelles: A small family-run winery that produces high-quality wines in Mallorca using French grape varieties.
- Binigrau Vins i Vinyes in Biniali: Known for its organic and sustainable wines, produced using biodynamic methods for cultivation, pruning, and harvesting.
3. Local Markets – A Feast of Flavors
Mallorca offers a wide variety of local markets where you can enjoy a vibrant experience filled with colors, fresh products, and food options to suit every taste. Here’s a list of must-visit markets where you can sample goods brought in by local farmers, buy artisan crafts, or enjoy the best of Mallorcan and Spanish cuisine:
- Mercat de l’Olivar in Palma: Located in the heart of the city, this market is not only home to fresh produce like fruit, vegetables, fish, and seafood, but also local crafts and food stalls where you can enjoy tapas and wine. It’s open all week, Monday to Friday from 7:00 am to 2:30 pm, and Saturday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. The dining area remains open Monday to Saturday until 4:00 pm.
- Mercat de Santa Catalina in Palma: Set in a bohemian neighborhood, this market draws both locals and visitors with its selection of fresh products and food stalls offering tapas, sushi, natural juices, and more. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, with the food stalls open until 5:00 pm.
- Mercat de Sineu: The oldest market in Mallorca, held every Wednesday. Here you’ll find a wide range of artisans selling their goods alongside fruits, vegetables, and even items like plants, clothing, and accessories. It runs from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm.
- Mercat de Pollença: If you’re exploring the north of Mallorca, this beautiful town hosts its traditional market every Sunday. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and sample local products in a charming setting. The market is open from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm.
Gastronomic Experiences at Our Hotels
At Cabau Hotels, we take pride in offering culinary experiences that allow you to truly immerse yourself in the essence of Mallorca—blended with innovative touches:
- At our hotel in Palma – Glòria de Sant Jaume, indulge in our exclusive restaurant El Patio de Glòria, where you’ll be surrounded by an elegant and welcoming atmosphere. Here, tradition meets creativity with a diverse menu full of flavorful dishes.
- In Camp de Mar, at our exclusive Bahía Suites Camp de Mar, you’ll find Restaurant Flor de Sal. Renovated in 2025, this restaurant offers a unique setting with sea views and an inviting décor that will make you feel at home as you enjoy a Mediterranean menu crafted with the finest ingredients.
Cabau Circle Tip: Explore Local Cuisine Like a True Islander
To make your experience as complete as possible, we recommend venturing out to explore Mallorcan cuisine from different angles—especially by visiting small, family-run restaurants in charming villages such as Deià, Valldemossa, Santanyí, or Campos.
In addition to the wine tastings mentioned earlier, you might also consider joining an olive oil tasting at a private estate for a truly authentic experience.
Experience Mallorca Through Its Flavors!
There’s no better way to discover Mallorca than through its cuisine. At Cabau Hotels, we invite you to experience everything the island has to offer firsthand. Book your stay with us and take the opportunity to enjoy local gastronomy at one of our hotels—or ask our staff for the best recommendations to reserve an unforgettable culinary experience.