Why the tapas bars in Palma de Mallorca are an absolute must? Lovers of good cuisine are undoubtedly in good hands in Mallorca’s capital. All year round, Palma de Mallorca offers an enormous gastronomic variety of international and Mediterranean cuisine. The excellent tapas bars in Palma are particularly popular with locals and tourists alike. Fresh ingredients, be it seafood or fish from the Mediterranean, or locally grown vegetables, olive oil and other high-quality ingredients, are reflected in the great taste and good quality of the tapas.
The culture of sharing is very important in Palma’s tapas bars, as eating tapas is a social and convivial tradition. Tapas nights in Palma represent a relaxed ambience and pleasant togetherness in a cosy environment. The type of tapas can vary from one tapas bar to another. Thus, different regional specialities and influences ensure a creative variety. These are my absolute favourites among the tapas bars in Palma de Mallorca:
1. La Rosa Vermutería: My favourite tapas bar in Palma de Mallorca
Bar La Rosa Vermutería is convincing in every respect: it combines good service, a great atmosphere and excellent Spanish tapas in Palma. As an aperitif, I recommend the homemade vermouth: a sweetened wine with different herbs and flavours. Served on ice, with an olive and a slice of orange, the aperitif exudes the ease of the Mediterranean lifestyle, and is the ideal start to the tapas evening. In addition to the classic tapas dishes, the menu offers a variety of preserves and main courses, all of which are ideal for sharing. For newcomers, I recommend the house tapas variation, an assortment of the kitchen including croquettes, meatballs, grilled octopus, fried calamari, pimientos de padrón (fried small green peppers) and ensaladilla rusa (a type of potato salad with tuna).
2. La Pergola: Delicious tapas in a relaxed atmosphere
A little out of the city centre, but within easy walking distance, is the restaurant La Pergola. In an authentic setting, it serves both traditional tapas and creative interpretations of the small dishes. My favourite on the menu is the excellent tortilla, probably one of the best I’ve ever had. Another highlight is the Gambónes al Ajillo, prawns fried in oil and served in a clay dish.
3. Bar Espanya: The best pinchos and tapas in Palma’s city centre
Bar Espanya is a venue with a lively atmosphere, good music, quality wine and beer, but above all good tapas. Here you can have tapas a la carte as well as pinchos from the bar (a small dish on a slice of bread). The tumbet, a Mallorcan vegetable dish, is particularly tasty, served here either vegetarian, with or without quail egg, or with a small pork fillet. There is the more traditional Bar Espanya and the Nou (“new”) Bar Espanya, which attracts a younger crowd. I like both places very much.
More good tapas bars in Palma de Mallorca:
- Lolita opposite Marivent Palace
- Buscando el Norte in Santa Catalina
- OMBU Paseo del Borne in Palma’s city centre
- Quina Creu Tapas & Restaurant close to Palma cathedral
- 13% vinos tapas bistro in Palma’s old town
Discover more Palma insider tipps here, in my TOP 3 blog category and more about food and drinks here.