As with everywhere in the Mediterranean, expensive restaurants do not necessarily give you better food than cheap ones, but eating cheaply can sometimes be a false economy.  Nor do posh premises mean good food, and vice versa.  The only constant is that, if you want to eat what the locals eat, then you are likely to be better off at a restaurant with a Spanish name and where most of the clientele are clearly locals. If you want to eat as you do at home, then there are many restaurants that cater for English tastes, a few German and several Italian.  

Lunch is rarely served before 1pm and dinner before 8pm, though the latter usually later, unless you like eating in an empty place.  A lot of restaurants offer a fixed lunch menu of "Menú del Día" at a fixed price that usually includes  three courses, wine or water and bread.  Prices vary between 1000 and 2000pts and a good one is worth seeking out. 

Freshly caught fish is usually excellent but is pricey because of the paucity of fish in the Mediterranean.  You will be unlikely to get fresh fish for less than 2500pts per portion. Gambas (prawns) are excellent, but very expensive.  Pork and chicken are of high quality and at the cheaper end of the scale.  Salads are almost invariably very fresh and tasty.  Puddings are usually limited in choice, but ice cream is good quality.

Unless you are a wine connoisseur, the vino de casa is usually perfectly drinkable.

Eating out Menorcan Style

One of the great pleasures of traveling is the opportunity to try out the local food. Cookery is an important part of culture everywhere and something we can all enjoy for ourselves.

Many restaurants are helpful in translating the menu. However it is useful to know that most restaurants provide an economical set meal at midday - known as a Menú del Día - a similar alternative - Menú del Noche - often appearing in the evenings. If you want to see the full menu then you should ask for “La Carta”.

For a snack  why not try Bocadillos fresh crusty filled bread rolls that are available in most bars. As well as the familiar ham or cheese, try them with a fresh hot omelette - Tortilla, with the salami like Salchichón, or the excellent island-made spreading sausage - sobrasada served hot or cold, it is made with sweet paprika which gives it its characteristic orange colour. You may be asked if you want your roll “con tomate” as a healthy alternative to butter, a whole ripe tomato is squeezed over the inside of the roll before filling.

Tapas are also to be found in most bars. They are  a wide selection of typical dishes usually displayed along the top of the bar itself. They  are served in small portions and can be eaten as an appetiser. Or you can choose a selection of several to make up a meal. Some of the most popular are: albondigas - meatballs, higado - liver and garlic, riñones al jerez- kidneys in sherry, calamares a la romana - fried squid rings in batter, carne con salsa - meat in a rich gravy, and of course tortilla, the Spanish omelette in numerous varieties.

The island’s most famous dish is the rich seafood stew called Caldereta de Langosta, made with delicious, and expensive, spiny lobster. However all the fish “calderetas” and soups are excellent. Pork or cerdo,  much of which is reared locally, should be tried and if you order paletilla de cordero you will be served with half or even a whole shoulder of roast baby lamb.  If you enjoy garlic pollo al ajillo - chicken pieces fried with garlic, or gambas al ajillo - prawns cooked the same way, should be tried. You are expected to dip your bread in the oil and juices, and this is why butter is seldom served unless requested.

Flan the local version of creme caramel is served everywhere for desert, but look out for “pudin” a Menorcan version enriched with fruit. Tarta de manzana - a French style apple flan is also very popular, as is nueces con nata y miel - walnuts with cream and honey.

¡Bon aproveche!

Restaurant Guide

Alaior

Cala'n Bosch

Cala en Porter

Calas Picas - Calas Blanes

Es Castell & Calas Fonts

Es Canutells

Cala Galdana

Mercadal

North Coast

Mahón

San Clemente

S'Algar

Sant Luis and South Coast

Son Bou