Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
to postdinner drinks being relished to the fullest. Even when not ordering a
menú
(set
menu), Mallorquins generally order two courses and a dessert when they go out for
lunch.
Mallorquins' stomachs start growling by 7pm or so. This is a great time to stop for
tapas. An import from the mainland, tapas aren't as widespread here as in other Spanish
cities, but many bars and cafes will have a small selection of snacky things to choose
from. Olives or a dish of almonds are the ideal accompaniment to a
caña
(beer).
For most Mallorquins, the appropriate dinner time is around 9pm. A meal usually be-
gins with
pa moreno
and perhaps a
pica pica,
when many small appetisers are put out for
everyone to share. Next comes the
primer plato,
which may be a salad, pasta, grilled-ve-
getable plate or something more creative. Desserts are most often a simple
gelat
(ice
cream), flan or fruit.
LUNCHTIME SAVER: MENÚ DEL DÍA
Save by following the lead of locals and making lunch your main meal of the day.
The best value is themenú del día,a fixed-price lunch menu that offers several op-
tions each forprimeros(starters),segundos(mains) andpostres(desserts), bread
and a drink (including wine or beer) for roughly €10 to €15.
Where to Eat
»
Celler
A country wine-cellar-turned-restaurant, with a solid menu of traditional home
cooking, a local crowd and relaxed feel.
»
Cafe
Takes you through from morning coffee to evening tapas and drinks. Great for light
bites like salads and
pa amb oli
.
»
Chiringuito
Beach shack serving drinks, snacks and sometimes tapas and seafood.
»
Confiteria
A pastry shop, alternatively called a
forn
or a
pastelería
. Find the best
en-
saïmades
here.
»
Gelateria
Ice-cream parlour, often with Italian-style gelato (made with milk and fresh
fruit)
.
»
Marisquería
Specialises in seafood. Sometimes called a
restaurant de marisc
.
»
Restaurant
From simple to gourmet. Anything with ca'n or ca's in its name serves tradi-
tional fare in a family-style atmosphere.
»
Tabernas
Rustic taverns serving tapas or meals.
Tascas
work to a similar concept.
