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It’s impossible to truly understand a city unless you’ve tried its food. Palma, Mallorca’s buzzing capital, isn’t just a feast for the eyes with its Gothic spires and sea-salted breezes – it’s a place where every bite tells a story.
To find the best restaurants in this city, you have to dig deeper than just looking at menus. TripAdvisor ratings.
Locals are the best resource. Or in this case, two well-travelled expats – one Dutch, one German – who’ve swapped global festival planning for something far more delicious: curating immersive food tours that connect visitors directly with the heart of Palma’s kitchens.
Rather than following a script or handing out bland brochures, they spent three years eating, talking, testing, and refining – building relationships with chefs, bakers, and bartenders, and crafting a tour that feels more like a series of personal invitations than a commercial circuit.
The result is Food Tours Mallorca, A mobile web application allows you to have a self-guided tour without having to download anything.
Just bring your phone, your appetite, and a decent internet signal – and let the city serve itself to you, one delicious stop at a time.
Our journey began at Plaça del Mercat, a historic square that’s been a marketplace since Moorish times.
The app, with its intuitive map, shared the story of the square – founded in 1302 by King Jaume II – before directing us to one of Palma’s oldest bakeries.
Tomeu Arbona, a local food hero, lovingly restored the Forn del Teatre in 2010. Now known as Fornet de la Soca, the bakery proudly displays vintage pans and baking trays alongside photos of its former owners – tributes to Mallorca’s culinary traditions.
The pastries, although technically not one of our four course meals, were irresistible. I splurged on an empanada filled with red pepper and pork – worth every bit of the €4.50.
Our first official stop was a vermutería called La Rosa, a hidden gem up a side alley buzzing with life even at 5:15pm.
“We bring the tourists early, and the Spaniards finish their lunch late,” said manager Carlos Fabiani who is opening a second restaurant nearby.
With the hum of jazz and the relief of overhead fans, we perused the idea of bravas or oysters – until remembering that all food selections were pre-set. All we needed to do was pick a drink, sit back and enjoy the ride.
A much-loved local tapas haunt, La Rosa is filled with vintage photos and specializes in gourmet tinned delicacies, jamón ibérico, and of course, vermouth.
They offer over a dozen varieties, including their house-made blend featuring six-plus local herbs – cardamom, rosemary, and orange peel among them – hand-foraged by owner Nacho Velasco from the nearby hills.
The plate was filled with anchovies and two types of melt-in your-mouth croquettes, along with an ensaladilla Kyiv.
Tempting as it was to linger, we pressed on – our map leading us to La Rambla.
After a massive flood in 1403, the avenue that was once a river’s path, had to be rerouted.
We followed the boulevard, now shady and serene. It led us to an apparent hole in the walls.
Cantina panza is located in an old merchant’s house, a maze of rooms and a tiny kitchen at one end.
Unassuming in appearance but deeply atmospheric, the space focuses entirely on the food, crafted by two chefs – one being Fernando Arellano of two Michelin stars.
His partner, Argentinian chef Javier Gardonio, described their approach as ‘cooking from memory’, blending Spanish roots with French technique.
He grinned when he showed off his signature dish: scallops with braised Octopus in a rich, fishy sauce.
Michelle, who was one of the cofounders, a warm, enthusiastic Dutchwoman, shared with us how they had built the tour concept.
The tours begin at 1pm for early dinners and lunch crowds. They rotate routes to fit restaurant hours and boost business in quieter periods.
Being foodies themselves, they realised they were always discovering new places and chatting with chefs – why not turn that passion into curated tasting experiences?
Once guests tasted these delights, they were hoped to return for a complete meal at a later date in their vacation.
There was a buzz of curiosity throughout the evening. What’s next? Are you more traditional or ultramodern? Can each stop surpass the last? The tour was perfect for couples, families or anyone who wanted a safe bet for their special night out instead of choosing a risky choice.
Next, we wandered into what seemed an average stone building on a nondescript street – only to discover a stunning 15th-century palace.
Now a five-star hotel, Concepció by Nobis, it’s home to the restaurant Xalest – which fittingly means ‘in a good mood’.
What is our main course? Pig’s cheeks (carrillera) served with corn purée, demi-glace, and crisp tortillas – comforting and beautifully spiced.
Restaurant manager Ali, originally from Casablanca, described the concept as ‘KM-zero Mediterranean fusion’ using hyper-local ingredients.
Chef Xema alvarez, winner of Palma’s prestigious TaPalma and former owner of Catalina la Fina – a casualty from COVID – is in charge.
Arlequin is our final stop, a whimsical place inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Dessert arrived in a red box along with a donut tower.
Charlie, my colleague, swooned over a chocolate-covered treat while I ate caramel cream filled donuts garnished by raspberries.
The evening is capped off with cocktails.
The tour, priced at €130 for two, departs multiple times daily and offers an unforgettable way to taste the city.
For more information visit: www.foodtoursmallorca.com
Discover Palma’s hippest neighborhood!
WHY NOT? step into Santa CatalinaPalma’s bohemian, vibrant neighbourhood is known for its colourful streets and lively food scene.
A recently launched self-guided Wine & Dine food tour lets you taste the area’s best, with four handpicked restaurants, signature dishes, and perfect drink pairings.
Food Tour Mallorca’s unique web app guides you to the best places without having to worry about choosing.
You can explore, eat and drink at your own pace. As they say ‘no guide, no groups, no guesswork’
You will receive:
- Locals choose the best local restaurants
- Enjoy a signature dish and paired beverage at each stop
- No stress and no guide. All pre-paid and curated
- Start location: Santa Catalina, Palma. 17.00h – 21.00h
- Bookable Monday – Saturday, up to 24h in advance
