Best Tapas in Palma: My Top 10 Tapas Places

Sooner or later, everybody who comes to Mallorca will ask the same question: Where do you get the best tapas in Palma? Mallorcan cuisine is fabulous and tapas are a great way to try lots of different dishes. Even more so if you share them with your friends. Because that’s what tapas are all about. Originally, it was a custom to cover (tapar) your drink with a slice of bread to protect it from insects. Over time the covers or tapas, respectively, became more elaborated. Today renowned chefs compete for the most creative recipes. In Palma, there are numerous places for great tapas and pintxos. Some of the best have already been covered by Estilo Palma. But since you keep asking for my personal favorites, here you go:

13% on noble Carrer San Feliu has been around for many years and is still going strong. The cozy restaurant has a small but carefully chosen menu with a North African touch. Plus a nice selection of wines, both from Mallorca and the peninsula. Their aubergine carpaccio with almonds and truffle oil is just heavenly.

Bar España is one of the classic tapas bars in Palma. Hidden close to Plaça Major Bar España is always crowded. And this is part of the unique atmosphere. You can eat at one of the tables but I’d rather go for the bar and enjoy the hustle and bustle.

Catalina La Fina is the rising star among the tapas places in Palma. In a quiet street of Santa Catalina chef Xema Álvarez prepares fantastic small dishes right in front of you in his open kitchen. Last year, Catalina La Fina got the prestigious Golden Tapa at the TaPalma for his “Rabo Meloso”.

The name says is all. Gaudeix is Catalan for “enjoy”. The menu offers a choice of superb tapas in an authentic setting. The few tables on the small square where C/ San Feliu meets C/ Sales are always in high demand, a wonderful place to pause and watch the passers-by.

La 5a Puñeta is another typical tapas bar frequented both by locals and travelers. Their pintxos are super good and the no-frills atmosphere is a lovely change from the touristy places.

La Vieja is the go-to place if you love food from the Canary Islands. Chef Jonay Hernandez moved from Tenerife to Mallorca. And his restaurant in Palma became popular among neighbors and visitors in no time. For the quality of his dishes as well as for its instagramabilty.

Mercado Gastronómico San Juan is kind of a food court for tapas. Located in Palma’s former slaughterhouse S’Escorxador the mercado offers a unique choice of scrumptious tapas from different bars. The prize-winning Modernisme complex also hosts my favorite movie theater CineCiutat, restaurants, and a supermarket.

OMBU is situated in the heart of Palma at Plaça de la Reina next to splendid Borne. If you need a break from exhibitions and window shopping, stop right here and enjoy some of Palma’s finest tapas. Famous for it’s creative cuisine, OMBU was among the winners at TaPalma twice.

Quina Creu opened up in Sa Gerreria when the former red-light district started to change once again. Restaurant and bar feature a fancy vintage interior and a varied menu of starters and mains as well as tapas and pintxos. (Re-opens in September 2020)

It’s only due to the alphabetical order that Vandal is last on the list. But when it comes to tapas in Palma chef Bernabé Caravotta has been number one several times. Vandal’s menu is special in several ways, you’ll find out. What I like most is how they marry each dish with a separate drink.

Of course, there are a lot more tapas places in Palma, many of them you find on my blog. If you miss your personal favorite, though, please let me know. Because with Estilo Palma it’s like with tapas: Sharing is caring.