Chris Blackburn is a food and travel writer, World Yorkshire Pudding Champion and founder of YorkshirePudd.co.uk, a blog celebrating exceptional food experiences across the globe. 

Majorca has always held a special place in our family’s hearts. For us, it’s the ultimate balance of great beaches, wall-to-wall sunshine and that unmistakable sense of luxury, yet still completely accessible from almost anywhere in the UK.  

It’s the kind of destination that gives you a touch of the high life without demanding a high-end budget. Our love affair with Majorca began years ago, drawn by its mix of effortless style and laidback charm. It’s a place where mornings start with the sound of waves and end with glasses clinking under warm, golden sunsets.  

From the cobbled streets of Sóller to the quiet harbours of Portocolom, Majorca doesn’t just cater to sun-seekers, it speaks to the culinary traveller too. 

For the food-obsessed (and I absolutely count myself among them), this island is a playground. It offers everything from rustic tapas that celebrate the heart of Spanish home cooking to fine-dining experiences where the presentation feels as artistic as the scenery. Every meal here tells a story of local fishermen, family-run kitchens and chefs who understand that simplicity often wins over spectacle. 

This guide isn’t about the obvious or the overhyped, it’s about places that stay with you long after the plates are cleared. Each of these restaurants has left its mark on me, not just for the food (which is exceptional), but for the feeling, the ambience, the setting and the warmth that lingers in your mind long after you’ve left.  

These are the memories that make Majorca one of Europe’s most captivating food destinations, where every meal feels personal and every flavour tells a story. 

Restaurant Illeta: a hidden gem by the sea
Playa de Camp de Mar

If I could capture the essence of Majorca in one meal, it would be lunch at Restaurant Illeta. Perched on a tiny rocky outcrop just off the coast of Camp de Mar, this restaurant is more of an experience than a location. You reach it by a small wooden footbridge that stretches across the water, the kind of charming detail that makes every arrival feel like a secret discovery. 

I first stumbled across Illeta several years ago while cycling in Majorca with a friend. We stopped for what we thought would be a quick drink, but an hour later we were still there, mesmerised by the setting and the smell of seafood drifting from the kitchen. A couple of years later, I returned with my wife to celebrate her birthday, and it more than hit the mark. The view, the food, the atmosphere – it was everything I’d remembered and more. 

When we visited, I finished the last forkful of grilled sea bass, took a final sip of wine, and did what can only be described as the most Majorcan thing imaginable, I jumped straight into the sea and swam back to shore. That spontaneous dip, the sun on my back and the sound of the water beneath me summed up everything I love about this island: natural, unpretentious, and pure joy served with a side of sunshine. 

Insider tip: Get to Camp de Mar early and make lunch at Restaurant Illeta the focus of your day. Spend the morning on the beach, wander across for a leisurely lunch, then head back to the sand to sip cocktails as the afternoon drifts into evening. Book ahead, tables right by the water go fast, and it’s a setting you’ll want to linger in for as long as possible. 

Patiki Beach: fine dining with a view
Sóller 

Tucked along the sand near Sóller, Patiki Beach redefines what beach dining can be. It’s fine dining without the fuss, toes-in-the-sand, and relaxation meets world-class cuisine. The setting alone is reason enough to visit. There are wooden tables shaded by woven parasols, there’s the gentle roll of the Mediterranean just metres away, and a golden glow that seems to last for hours. 

The ethos here is beautifully simple: locally sourced ingredients, creative cooking, and sustainability woven through everything they do. The dishes arrive as edible works of art. Think charred octopus, slow-roasted aubergine with Majorcan honey, and perfectly pink lamb that falls apart with the slightest nudge of a fork. Every plate feels like a conversation between the island’s farmers, fishermen and chefs. 

Here’s my advice: Be brave. Patiki Beach rewards curiosity. Order the dish you might normally shy away from. Trust the chefs, step out of your comfort zone, and let the flavours surprise you. When I did, I discovered combinations I’d never have chosen, and they turned out to be some of the most memorable dishes of the trip. 

Wine pairing tip: Try a chilled glass of Mesquida Mora, a local orange wine made from giró ros and premsal blanc, two indigenous Majorcan grape varieties. It’s bright, elegant and full of personality, the kind of wine that glows in the glass and tastes like liquid sunshine. And truly, there’s nowhere in the world that does orange wine quite like Spain. 

Bar Blau: authentic Majorcan cuisine
Portocolom 

In a world of curated Instagram plates and polished menus, Bar Blau is a refreshing return to authenticity. Sitting quietly by the harbour, it’s the kind of place that locals keep to themselves, and a restaurant that hasn’t changed much because it doesn’t need to. It’s real, it’s rustic and it’s the heartbeat of traditional Majorcan cooking. 

Inside, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. The air hums with conversation and the scent of garlic, olive oil and sizzling meat. The menu feels like a love letter to local produce: slow-cooked lamb shoulder, tumbet (a layered vegetable dish reminiscent of ratatouille), and smoky sobrasada spread over crusty bread. Finish with ensaïmada, a sweet, spiral pastry dusted with sugar that’s pure indulgence. 

Bar Blau is more than a meal, it’s a moment. Time your visit with sunset, when the sky over Portocolom blushes pink and the harbour reflects it like a mirror. As the evening unfolds, a live singer often takes a seat in the corner, performing timeless classics that drift softly across the terrace. It’s the perfect soundtrack to the glow of candlelight and clinking glasses. The romance of it all is impossible to ignore, the kind of evening that makes you fall in love with Majorca all over again. 

Pro tip: Arrive just before golden hour and ask for a table outside. The view, the food, and the glow of the setting sun combine for something genuinely special. 

Restaurante Fins Tapas & Cocktails: for the best tapas experience
C’an Pastilla 

There’s something magical about finding a restaurant slightly off the beaten track, especially when it ends up being one of the best meals of your trip. Restaurante Fins Tapas & Cocktails, tucked away in C’an Pastilla on Majorca’s southern coast, is exactly that. Hidden from the main tourist bustle but worth seeking out for its bold, modern take on Spanish tapas.  

Just a few minutes from Palma Airport, or a short taxi ride from central Palma, it’s the perfect spot to begin or end your island adventure. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by warm smiles, upbeat music and the sound of laughter bouncing off the walls. The menu blends tradition and innovation beautifully. Small plates like lamb croquettes with demi-glace and curry sauce, truffled potato bites, and garlic prawns with honey and lemon arrive looking as good as they taste.  

For something heartier, try the Iberian pork belly, slow cooked until it melts in your mouth, or the pulled pork tacos packed with guacamole, fried onion and lime zest. If you’re more in the mood for something indulgent, the Fins burger with hollandaise and caramelised onion is a local favourite, while seafood lovers can’t go wrong with the red tuna tataki and miso soup. Every dish bursts with personality and confidence and is proudly Majorcan. 

I’ve eaten a lot of tapas over the years, everywhere from Barcelona to Malaga, but Fins stands out. It’s not just the food (which is superb) but the energy of the place. You can feel the pride in every plate and the joy in every pour of sangria. 

Don’t miss: The cocktail list is every bit as creative as the food. Try the passionfruit mojito – it’s the perfect way to toast an unforgettable evening. 

Restaurant HPC Portocolom: a modern twist on Mediterranean flavours 
Portocolom 

To end your culinary tour of Majorca, make your way back to Portocolom for something sleek, stylish and utterly satisfying: Restaurant HPC Portocolom. Overlooking the marina, it strikes that perfect balance between contemporary design and Mediterranean warmth. 

From the moment you arrive, there’s a sense of calm with yachts bobbing in the water, a light sea breeze and staff who treat service like an art form. The menu takes familiar Mediterranean flavours and gives them a polished twist. Dishes like seared tuna with citrus glaze and Majorcan pork tenderloin with fig sauce are standouts, beautifully plated and packed with local character. 

There’s a lovely rhythm to evenings here – the chatter of diners, the soft background music and the glow of lanterns reflecting on the water. We booked an outside table overlooking the harbour, and it turned out to be the highlight of the night. As the lights of Portocolom flickered across the marina, it felt like the island was showing off just a little. 

Why go? It’s the perfect final stop on any Majorca food journey. Elegant, unhurried and worth every kilometre of the drive to get there. 

My top dining tips for Majorca 

Before you start planning your own island feast, a few local insights can make all the difference when exploring the best places to eat in Majorca. 

Book ahead. Especially in summer, tables at popular spots like Illeta and Patiki Beach can fill weeks in advance. 

Go local: Try the island’s own wines, particularly those from the Binissalem and Pla i Llevant regions. Majorca’s vineyards are producing incredible orange and white blends, the kind you’ll rarely find outside Spain, with Mesquida Mora leading the way in capturing the island’s sunshine in a glass. 

Timing is key: Many restaurants close mid-afternoon before reopening for dinner around 7:30pm. A late lunch or sunset dinner is often the best bet. 

Explore the towns: Some of Majorca’s best food is found in quieter areas, away from Palma and into the heart of villages like Deià, Valldemossa, and Portocolom. 

The island that serves up lasting memories 

Majorca has long been known for its beaches, coves and sun-drenched coastlines, but look a little closer, and you’ll find a food scene that rivals anywhere in the Mediterranean. The island celebrates connection. Between land and sea, between tradition and innovation, and between people who love good food and the places that make it possible. 

For us, Majorca isn’t just a destination, it’s a feeling. It’s the joy of discovering that perfect seaside lunch, the laughter that lingers over a table of tapas, and the shared sense of wonder that comes with every sunset dinner overlooking the water. From rustic seafood at Illeta to the refined flavours of HPC Portocolom, each experience feels deeply personal and deeply Majorcan. 

So, when you’re ready to trade routine for something remarkable, book your next getaway with Jet2holidays. Majorca’s culinary magic is waiting, and trust me, once you’ve tasted it, you’ll already be planning your return.