Ibiza and the Balearic Islands Restaurants

On the Balearic Islands many restaurants tend to have short business seasons. This is less true of Mallorca, but on Menorca, Ibiza, and especially on Formentera, it might be May (or later) before the shutters are removed from that great seafood shack you’ve heard so much about. Really fine dining experiences are in short supply on the islands; in the popular beach resorts, the promenades can seem overrun with paella and pizza joints. Away from the water, however, there are exceptional meals to be had—and the seafood couldn’t be any fresher.

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  • 1. Cap Roig

    $$$

    A Menorca institution set above Cala Sa Mesquida, a short drive from Mahón, Cap Roig owes its well-deserved fame to the quality of its seafood and the splendor of its views. The mussels from the port of Mahón are excellent, as is the lobster, which can be served grilled, in a stew, or as part of one of the restaurant's celebrated rice dishes or paellas. 

    Ctra. Sa Mesquida, 13, Maó, Balearic Islands, 07701, Spain
    971-188383

    Known For

    • Ultrafresh fish and seafood
    • Splendid views
    • Lobster rice
  • 2. Es Molí de Foc

    $$$$

    Originally a flour mill, this is the oldest building in the village of Sant Climent, and both the atmosphere and the food are exceptional. Taste seasonal dishes, which can include prawn carpaccio with cured Mahón cheese and guacamole, black paella with monkfish and squid, and carrilleras de ternera (beef cheeks) with potato. End with some local cheese, ice cream, and figs. In summer, book a table on the terrace. With a brewery on the premises, visible behind glass, you'll know what to drink.

    Carrer Sant Llorenç 65, Sant Climent, Balearic Islands, 07712, Spain
    971-153222

    Known For

    • Summer terrace
    • Brewery on-site
    • One entire menu dedicated to rice dishes

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 3. Ca Na Marga

    $$

    On an island known for its excellent paellas, fresh fish and seafood, Ca Na Marga is famed for its top-quality steak, served with a choice of sauce, including green peppercorn or Mahón cheese sauce. Balearic specialties such as lamb shank with thyme and grilled rabbit are also a good bet.

    Carrer de sa Barrera 24, Fornells, Balearic Islands, 07748, Spain
    971-376410

    Known For

    • Mediterranean barbecue
    • “Chuletón” steak
    • Rustic dining room with open kitchen

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Wed., and Oct.–Apr.
  • 4. Cafè Balear

    $$$

    Seafood doesn't get much fresher than here, as the owners' boat docks nearby every day except Sunday. The relaxed atmosphere welcomes either a quick bite or a full dining experience. The house specialty, arroz caldoso de langosta (lobster and rice stew), is very impressive, as are the carpaccio d'emperador (thin slices of swordfish marinated in lemon, salt, and olive oil), cigalas (crayfish), lobster with onion, and grilled navajas (razor clams).

    Pl. de San Juan 15, Ciutadella, Balearic Islands, 07760, Spain
    971-380005

    Known For

    • Lobster caldereta
    • Port-side location
    • Sincere service that draws locals

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. Oct.–Jun. and Sun. Jul.–Sept. Closed Nov.--Jan.
  • 5. El Jàgaro

    $$$$

    This simple waterfront restaurant, at the east end of the harbor promenade, is a local favorite. The lunchtime crowd comes for the platter of lightly fried mixed fish with potatoes; knowledgeable clients home in on local specialties like cap-roig (scorpionfish) with garlic and wine sauce, or paella bogavante (with clawed lobster). The menu takes a major leap in price for the €75 spiny lobster, a delicacy prepared in a variety of ways. The prix-fixe lunch is a good value at €15.

    Moll de Llevant 334, Maó, Balearic Islands, 07701, Spain
    971-362390

    Known For

    • Spiny lobster stew (caldereta)
    • Harbor-front setting
    • Local flavor

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner Sun. Nov.–Mar., Credit cards accepted
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  • 6. El Rais

    $$$$

    Rice reigns supreme at upscale El Rais, but that doesn’t mean it’s all paella. There are starters like prawn gyozas, cured Menorcan beef, and red tuna belly with salt-cured yolk and caviar. In addition to the rice-centric options—which naturally extend to rice pudding for dessert—find wood-fired vegetables, seafood, fish, and meat dishes.

    Moll de Llevant 314, Maó, Balearic Islands, 07701, Spain
    971-362345

    Known For

    • Lunch with views of the port
    • Rice in every form
    • Excellent shrimp carpaccio

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
  • 7. Es Molí d'es Racó

    $$$

    A great place for a lunch of typical local cuisine, this restaurant is in an old windmill at the west end of Es Mercadal, on the ME1 about halfway between Mahón and Ciutadella and roughly 4 km (2½ miles) from El Toro. Menorcan specialties include squid stuffed with anglerfish and shrimp, and chicken with centollo (spider crab). It has fortress-grade, whitewashed stone walls and low vaulted ceilings, and a constant air of cheerful bustle that pulls in locals and visitors alike. On warm summer days, arrive early to claim a table on the terrace. The sopa menorquina is excellent.

    Carrer Major 53, Mercadal, Balearic Islands, 07740, Spain
    971-375392

    Known For

    • Menorcan specialties
    • Pretty terrace
    • Queues out the door in high season
  • 8. S'Amarador

    $$$

    At the foot of the steps that lead down to the port, this iconic restaurant has a café-terrace out front that's perfect for people-watching, drinks, and tapas. Fresh seafood in any form is a sure bet here: try the local John Dory, baked, grilled, or fried with garlic—or splurge on the caldereta (€52 per person). The wine list is impressive, with local labels and rich reds from Priorat, Montsant, La Rioja, and Ribera del Duero.

    Pere Capllonch 42, Ciutadella, Balearic Islands, 07760, Spain
    971-383524

    Known For

    • Bustling terrace
    • Flavorsome lobster stew
    • Good-value fixed-price lunch menu
  • 9. Smoix

    $$$

    Creative, contemporary Menorcan cuisine is the draw here, in a former-jewelry workshop with a small leafy courtyard and low-key cosmopolitan vibe. Start things off with a local gin, and choose from a menu that is updated monthly, showcasing regional flavors with artful flair.

    Av. Jaume I el Conqueridor 38, Ciutadella, Balearic Islands, 07760, Spain
    971-382808

    Known For

    • Standout crayfish ravioli
    • Minimalist design
    • Also having 8 hotel rooms, should a siesta beckon

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Wed.

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