Eating, drinking and dancing
We've tracked down the best cafés for people-watching, the bars with the coolest cocktails, the most accomplished restaurants and the liveliest local nightlife in Mallorca, Balearic Islands.
Restaurants
Entre Tapas y Vinos
A modern tapas bar on in Palma that goes against tradition, resulting in innovative creations.
Paseo Mallorca, Palma, Mallorca
(+34 971 725715)
La Cuchara
This is Claudia Schiffer’s favourite drop-in diner, and is great for organic tapas.
4 Passatge Santa Catalina de Sena, Paseo Mallorca, Palma, Mallorca
(+34 971 710000)
La Bóveda
This tapas bar is a Palma institution and is still a favourite with locals.
C/Passeig Sagrera 3, Palma, Mallorca
(+34 971 714863)
Caballito de Mar
This elegant restaurant is great for seafood on the terrace.
Passeig Sagrera, Palma, Mallorca
(+34 971 721074)
Bens d’Avall
Ask for a cliffside table at this fantastic restaurant, renowned for its rich Mediterranean cuisine, sea views and fabulous location.
Carretera Soller-Deià, Soller, Mallorca
(+34 971 632381)
Es Faro
This low-key restaurant turns out decent regional dishes and has amazing views over Port de Sóller.
Cap Gros de Moleta, Port de Soller, Mallorca
(+34 971 633752)
El Olivo
Located at La Residencia hotel in Deià, this restaurant offers fine dining in a romantic setting in a former olive press. Dress up – shorts are not allowed – this is one of the island's top restaurants.
La Residencia, Son Canals, Deià, Mallorca
(+34 971 639392)
Es Celler
A rustic bodega in Petra serving traditional game dishes and hearty Mallorquin cuisine.
46 Calle de la Hospital, Petra, Mallorca
(+34 971 561056)
Casa Manolo
For the best lobster stew on the island, head for this popular tapas bar in ses Salines. It's also a good chance to dress up, because you ain't getting in wearing those shorts.
Placa San Bartolomé 1-2, Ses Salines, Mallorca
(+34 971 649130)
Cases de Son Barbassa
This restaurant, set in a 400-year old finca turned boutique hotel in Capdepera, has delicious fresh food and amazing views across the mountains.
Cases de Son Barbassa, Camí de Son Barbassa - Ctra. Cala Mesquida
(+34 971 565776)
Agapanto
Agapanto’s romantic torchlit patio overlooking the bay of Sóller is a lovely place to sit on a balmy summer's eve. The menu features plenty of fresh seafood and fresh takes on traditional classics: try the anglerfish carpaccio or steak tartare rolls with sour cream and caviar. Set menus offer good value for money at around €45 for five courses, and there are live music nights and events – catch the paella-making fisherman at weekends, or join in one of the kitchen parties (www.agapanto.com).
2 Camino del Faro, Puerto de Sóller, Mallorca
Es Passeig
Es Passeig has a German chef, a Spanish wine list and a creative Modern Mediterranean menu (don’t have the Bling Bling Burger, though, unless your sesame-bun cravings are near-desperate). Try to get a table in the main room (www.espasseig.com).
Passeig de la Platja, Puerto de Sóller, Mallorca
(+34 971 630217)
Cafés
Es Baluard
This museum café is a great spot for a salad at lunchtime, under the shade of a parasol, overlooking the marina.
Es Baluard, Plaça Porta de Santa Catalina, Palma de Mallorca
(+34 971 908 200)
Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo
This patisserie and café has served fluffy pastries and hot chocolate since the 17th century. It's a Mallorquin institution.
10 Calle Can Sanç, Palma de Mallorca
Bars and clubs
Abaco
Set in a flower-filled courtyard off Carrer San Joan in La Lonja, Abaco is a romantic spot for a refreshing drink during the day. By night, it's an opulent and pricey cocktail bar, occupying a stylishly converted townhouse.
Calle Sant Joan 1, Palma de Mallorca
(+34 971 714939)
Abraxas
This club (formerly Pacha) has great views of the glitzy gin palaces in the marina. Top-name DJs play throughout the summer, but it also opens in winter, Thursday to Saturday.
42 Paseo Marítimo (Av de Gabriel Roca), Palma de Mallorca
113
A chilled-out, intimate NY-style club, popular with Palma’s see-and-be-seen set.
Ca’n Barbara, Paseo Maritímo (Av de Gabriel Roca), Palma de Mallorca