10 of the best restaurants in Palma de Mallorca – on a budget
Palma de Mallorca, the heart of the Balearic Islands, hosts a vibrant culinary scene that has something for everyone. The multifaceted city boasts diverse dining experiences that can satisfy diverse gastronomic preferences. However, the city does have a contrasting reputation as there are also notorious eateries notorious for their exorbitant pricing and subpar food that often leaves travelers disappointed.
But fear not; the city also teems with innovative restaurants that deliver high-quality, cosmopolitan food options at surprisingly affordable rates. Food lovers will appreciate the variety of mouth-watering dishes from around the world while budget-conscious diners will love the value for money. Dig a little deeper, and you'll unveil these hidden gems that manage to offer spectacular gastronomic experiences without denting your wallet.
One standout feature of dining in Palma is the popularity of the menú del día offers during the midday meal. Restaurants offer these deals, allowing diners to sample chef-grade cuisines that might otherwise be way more costly during the evening. The menú del día, a Spanish tradition, usually includes a starter, a main course, and a dessert, providing a full sensory exploration of Palma's culinary scene. Thus, lunchtime becomes an exciting gastronomic journey, making Palma de Mallorca a must-visit destination for foodies on a budget.
Your gastronomic exploration of Palma does not mean you have to compromise on your stay. You can choose to stay at one of the many Beachfront Hotels Palma de Mallorca. These hotels offer a fantastic view and immediate access to the beach, for when you wish to relax and enjoy the city's coastal beauty.
Not sure which hotel to choose? There are numerous options available, and you can always find the best hotels at tophotels.com. This site provides you with all the necessary information and reviews you need to make an informed decision. If you are seeking a more private and homelike experience during your foodie journey, consider booking a stay at The Sailor House - Duplex Palma. This charming duplex apartment located in the city center provides all the comfort of a home, while still being in close proximity to the top restaurants of Palma de Mallorca.
The Room
Few would consider Santa Catalina's old mariners' quarter - now a buzz with trendy transformations - as their first stop for an economically-savvy meal. However, thanks to the La Crisis (the economic downturn of Spain), it is delivering great meals at competitive prices. One such gem is The Room that enchants with its minimalist charm of stark white walls and raw wooden tables. Its value-for-money lies in the €13 daily three-course menu that includes a beverage. Food lovers have been raving about their refreshing couscous, nectarines, and mint starter that serves as a delightful antidote to the Mediterranean summer warmth. Furthermore, the fact that it is prepared with locally sourced ingredients adds to the authenticity of the eatery.
The Room, Carrer de Cotoner 47, +34 971 281536, indulge in their fabulous offerings theroompalma.es from Monday to Saturday for both lunch and dinner.
Bunker’s
Round the corner, Bunker’s menu reflects chef Luigi Valdambrini’s Roman roots. It’s small, so you can watch Luigi slaving away in the kitchen as you gorge. It’s only open in the evenings but prices are excellent for the quality: aubergine caponata with raspberry vinegar and honey, topped by a quail’s egg, is €8; wild boar pappardelle €14.
Carrer de Soler, +34 971 220504, facebook.com/BunkerPalma. Open Tues-Fri 10am-11.30pm, Sat-Sun 7.30pm-11pm
Diner Palma
A little piece of Americana has landed in Santa Catalina – cue red vinyl booths, chrome counters, vintage signs, and the best burgers in Palma. Choose from a sensible-sized regular at €5.50 to a 300g double Texas at €11. There’s also a branch near the bus and train stations. Both restaurants are often packed with locals so don’t feel too guilty.
Carrer de Sant Magí 23, Santa Catalina +34 971 736222, dinerpalma.es. Open daily 24/7
Celler Sa Premsa
This cavernous hall will get you back on the Spanish track – it’s about as traditional as it comes, all bullfighting posters and slightly surly waiters, but the cooking is spot-on. It concentrates on Mallorcan specialities such as tumbet (slices of aubergine, potato and red pepper) at €5.30 and conill amb ceba (roast rabbit with onions) at €9.85. The three-course menu including a drink is €12.75.
Plaça Obispo Berenguer de Palou 8, +34 971 723529, cellersapremsa.com. Open Mon-Sat, midday-4pm and 7.30pm-11.30pm
La Juanita
When making a reservation at this novel dining destination nestled in the still-bustling Sa Gerreria neighborhood, I was humorously forewarned by Albert Medina, "This isn't a dining establishment; it's bedlam." A passionate multi-tasker, Albert juggles the responsibilities of owner, chef, and dishwasher, all at once, intricately crafting each dish with a vigour that's infectious. He served his patrons - calling them 'diners' would be too starched - outstandingly straightforward dishes, right before their eyes. Mid-day offerings like courgette salad or palometa fish garnished with capers, which span from a wallet-friendly €5 to €7, are a delight. Dinner, in contrast, is a surprising affair with no fixed menu. My gastronomic adventure included prawns, chicken escorted by a refreshing cucumber dip, squid tempura, and pork tenderloin served with samfaina - a delightful dish that's highly reminiscent of ratatouille. An all-inclusive meal accompanied by wine at this establishment will set you back merely €20-€25. Fascinatingly, Albert even imparts cooking workshops at an unbeatable price of €15 per person.
This culinary gem can be located at La Sala dels Flassaders 4, and can be reached at +34 653 441208. They unfortunately do not have a website. Operational hours are Monday to Saturday, 1pm to 4pm and Thursday to Saturday from 8.30pm.
La Ruta Martiana
There exists a diverse array of lively watering holes located in Sa Gerreria that are best visited through the wildly acclaimed Ruta Martiana (Martian Route) taking place every Tuesday. Each participating bar offers a unique, tantalizing tapa and a cocktail for the mere price of €2. One only needs to notice the amusing Martian cartoon portrayed in the storefront of the bars taking part in this event. Prime locations to start this culinary adventure are Bar Farina, positioned at Carrer del Pes de la Farina 10, Molta Barra, situated right beside Bar Farina, and Ca La Seu, found at Carrer de Corderia 17. Indulge in this fantastic evening experience of hopping from bar to bar, observing the diverse patrons, and feasting on delectable tapas all while staying within a budget.
Visit rutamartiana.wordpress.com for more information.
Quina Creu
Moved a little bit from Sa Gerreria neighborhood, there resides a bistro bar with a unique and cultured vibe. Elegance abounds along the long, mysterious bar surrounded by waitstaff dressed in cosmopolitan black, while playful films are featured on a backdrop screen. Choose from an array of pinchos priced at €1.50, or make a selection from the delectable menu, such as the cod fillet topped with alioli and served next to quince gratin for just €2.85; both choices ideal for allowing one to fully immerse in the hip and happening crowd that comes and goes. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the three-course menú del día at €12.50, which includes a drink - note, this deal does not apply on Saturdays.
For unforgettable dining experience, visit Carrer de Corderia 24, +34 971 711772, quinacreu.com. Operational hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-1am
Simply Fosh
Renowned British chef, Marc Fosh, is celebrated in Palma for his gastronomic flair. His renowned establishment, Simply Fosh, is snuggly nestled amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, inside the 17th-century refectory of Hotel Convent de la Missió. While dining during the evening might be on the steeper side, the set-lunch menú del dia offers a more pocket-friendly option with a price tag of €28. Patrons can experience an epicurean delight with a three-course meal that may include a creamy strawberry salmorejo, akin to gazpacho, subtly flavored with avocado, coriander, and langoustine as a starter. The main course offers rump steak complemented by white asparagus, chervil, and pink pepper. The dining experience concludes with a sweet note of a pudding made from chocolate, mint, and gooseberry.
Located at Carrer de la Missió 7, and contactable on +34 971 720114, Simply Fosh is an absolute must-visit. Visit their website at simplyfosh.com for more information or to make a reservation. They are open daily from 1 pm – 3.30 pm and then again from 7.30 pm – 10.30 pm.
Experience Palma's Neighborhood Ambiance at La 5a Puñeta
Stroll through the streets of Palma and stumble upon 'La 5a Puñeta', a charismatic local bar nestled in the vicinity of Plaça del Mercat. Steeped in authenticity, it's a place you won't want to miss, especially when the sun goes down. It can be bustling, but the energy only adds to its charm. Be ready to bob your way through a lively crowd to reach the delightful array of magnificently arranged pinchos—imagine a delicious combination of sardines, tangy green pepper and flavorful serrano ham—, a specialty that truly shines here.
Make it a point to stay vigilant for freshly stocked dishes throughout the night. For just €1.65, you can indulge in these pinchos paired with a glass of the delectably priced wine, also starting from €1.65. This watering hole is an epitome of value for money, proving you can experience Palma's gourmet scene on a shoestring budget.
Located at Carrer de les Caputxines 3 (call at +34 971 711571 for inquiries), La 5a Puñeta welcomes guests from Tuesday to Saturday, from midday to 4 pm and again from 7.30 pm until midnight, with Monday operations starting from 7.30 pm.
Cervecería Anfos
Imagine strolling leisurely through the bustling lanes of Palma’s renowned Mercat de l'Olivar, where every turn leads to another culinary treasure waiting to be found. This is the unique dining experience offered by Anfos. In this novel concept, guests have the exciting opportunity to select their choice from the diverse fish products available within the market (did you know you can get turbot for just €11 a kilo?) and then have it professionally prepared to their liking for a nominal charge of €3.50 per individual. All dishes are crafted with simplicity and authenticity, featuring a superb sear on the griddle and a luscious sprinkle of olive oil. For those who prefer the effortless pleasure of having made-to-order meals, there's also a regular menu with starters beginning around €6 and main courses for €12. Anfos is situated on the 1st floor of Mercat de l'Olivar and can be reached at this number: +34 971 729120. You can find additional details about their working hours and what's on offer at the facebook.com/Cerveceria-Anfos page. They are open from Monday to Saturday between 8.30am and 7pm. Feast on the bounties of the sea whilst staying within a reasonable budget, Anfos truly offers a dining experience like no other.