Tapas have long been a popular snack in the Mediterranean, and they are a great way to try lots of different dishes. Even more so if you share them with 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. There are countless places for tapas on the island. These are our Top 16 tapas bars in Palma, eight of them rather traditional, eight more refined.

Traditional Tapas Bars

1. Café La Lonja

Café La Lonja is a popular meeting place in the heart of Palma. And what a place. Located right next to one of the city’s most emblematic buildings. Enjoy your tapas on the terrace amidst beautiful Modernisme facades or inside at the fabulous Art Deco bar.

2. El Bar del Celler

Places like this have become rare, even on the island. The rustic feel and typical Mallorcan dinner make Celler Sa Premsa a restaurant that has remained popular for decades. Their bar next door serves tapas and other small dishes during the day.

3. Bar Espanya

Bar Espanya is one of the classic tapas bars in old town Palma. And one of the few places left with a large variety of pinchos. Hidden in a side street close to Plaça Major, it is almost always crowded. But this is part of the unique atmosphere.

4. Bodega Morey

At Bodega Morey you feel at home, right away. “Only without doing the dishes“, as owner Octavio puts it. Just around the corner from busy Plaça Cort, a few steps lead from street level down to the quaint restaurant. Full of maritime vintage objects and cheerful people.

5. Bodega La Rambla

Bodega La Rambla has long been popular for its variats. The ultimate way to enjoy different tapas all on one plate. You can also choose from the menu, of course. But a variat with its mish-mash of textures and tastes is the most authentic way to indulge in Mallorcan tapas.

6. La Trastienda

And there are more tapas bars on La Rambla, Palma’s beautiful tree-lined street with the flower stalls. A particularly nice one is La Trastienda. The name actually means back room. But life mainly takes place on the terrace, where the sunlight gently filters through the foliage of tall plane trees.

7. X Etapas

At X Etapas, Seville meets Palma. Silvia and Carmen opened their bar near Plaça Gomila a year ago. The traditional tapas vary depending on season and inspiration. Beyond the food guests love the charming hosts and appreciate the value for money.

8. Bar Mónaco

Bar Mónaco started out as a cabaret and is one of the most emblematic tapas bars in Palma, today. And a great place to sit outside and watch street life on Carrer Nuredduna. You also get a decent variat, here, a selection of classic Mallorcan tapas all on one plate.

Refined Tapas

9. OMBU

OMBU is both fancy cocktail and creative tapas bar. Actually, there’s two of them, one on Passeig del Borne and one in Santa Catalina. The kitchen is rooted in the Mediterranean but takes the liberty to pick popular ideas from all over the world. And the large selection of drinks also includes a couple of non-alcoholic cocktails.

10. La Rosa

Now in its 10th year, La Rosa has been popular right from the start. There’s a nice choice of classic tapas as well as portions of fish and seafood, canned and fresh, on the menu. With its vintage design the vermuteria on Plaça Weyler is a fab place to spend a night with friends.

11. Stagier

The menu of Stagier in Santa Catalina reads like a best of tapas. And indeed, chef Joel Baeza gathered experience in 23 renowned, often Michelin starred kitchens as a stagiere (intern). Only to surprise his guests with an exceptional selection of Latin-Mediterranean flavors.

12. La Bodeguilla

Located on noble Carrer de Sant Jaume La Bodeguilla spoils its guests with a selection of fine tapas. Upscale versions like grilled oyster or salt-cured foie as well as classic ones like patatas bravas or pimientos de patron. Served in a rather chic atmosphere.

13. La Vasca

La Vasca is dedicated to traditional Basque cuisine, fused with the charm of Mallorca and the passion of chef Patxi. The restaurant offers a large choice of refined tapas as well as pinchos and dishes of meat and fish. Enjoyed inside or in the square on Carrer Bonaire.

14. La Pergola

It’s all about pinchos here, even the logo of La Pergola is inspired by the popular snack with the skewer. The restaurant in El Terreno features a terrace and a classic bar and is popular with neighbors and regular visitors alike.

15. El Camino

Sometimes, the waiting line outside buzzy El Camino is almost as long as the bar inside. Where the guests are seated next to each other, facing the open kitchen. Enjoy a drink and a chat while your food is being prepared right in front of you.

16. Ca n’Ela

Ca n’Ela is not actually a tapas bar. But the family-run restaurant in the bustling Lonja neighborhood is a fantastic place to share and enjoy small vegan dishes. The excellent food is a feast for the palate as well as the eyes.

Sharing is caring

Of course, there are a lot more tapas bars in Palma. Last but not least, the market halls in Santa Catalina, Pere Garau and the Mercat de l’Olivar are unique places to enjoy a few tapas and pinchos. If you miss your personal favorite, please let us know. Because with Estilo Palma it’s like with tapas: Sharing is caring.

Read more about variat, the only one dish that is even more popular with the locals on the island than tapas.