The best restaurants in Menorca range from traditional southern Spain taverns to sleek fine-dining restaurants. Some sit by the sloshing waters of the Med, others wait between the rolling hills and vineyards inland. There's a heavy focus on homegrown meats and local seafood, plus creative chefs at work.

Menorca isn't all about lazing on the sparkling beaches and wandering the pine-studded coves. The island also has a long and rich culinary history, which shines through in local dishes like the Menorcan lobster and the famous Mahon cheese. And there are some seriously wonderful places to sample all the local goodies, too. Read on for our favourite eateries in Menorca. 

  • 1

    Restaurant S'Amarador

    A nod from the Michelin Guide

    Restaurant S'Amarador
    • Parejas
    • Comida
    • Lujo

    Restaurant S'Amarador is a kitchen of Michelin-guide pedigree that occupies a prime position on the marinas of Ciutadella in western Menorca. That's a good location for it, not only because it's walkable from the middle of the old town area but also because the menu specialises in locally caught and traditionally cooked seafood.

    Much of the stuff that you'll be eating is sourced from the boats that moor up at the jetties just down the road. That ensures real freshness in dishes like fritter calamari and marinara paella. However, Restaurant S'Amarador's sure-fire standout remains its sprawling lobster platter that's served with fries and fried eggs.

    Dirección: Carrer de Pere Capllonch, 42, 07760 Ciutadella de Menorca, Balearic Islands, Spain

    Horario: Monday from 1 pm to 4 pm and from 8 pm to midnight, Tuesday and Thursday from 1 pm to 4 pm, Friday–Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm and from 8 pm to 11 pm (closed on Wednesdays)

    Teléfono: +34 971 38 35 24

    Mapa
  • 2

    Taps Can Avelino

    Spanish-style surf and turf

    Taps Can Avelino
    • Comida

    Taps Can Avelino is one of the standout Menorcan kitchens in the capital city of the island, Mahon. Veer away from the buzzing promenades and head south to the side street of Carrer Sínia des Muret to find it tucked away from the thick of the action. You're looking at about 15-20 minutes on foot from the main ferry port.

    Hearty south Spanish staples are the order of the day, mingling surf and turf with a zest of North African spice. Standout dishes include breaded shrimp in mango sauce, pepper-crusted Mojama tuna steaks, and Iberian ham cuts with taboulé salad. There's outdoor seating on the plaza out front for those long summer evenings.

    Dirección: Carrer Sínia des Muret, 39, 07702 Maó, Balearic Islands, Spain

    Horario: Tuesday–Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm and from 7 pm to 11.30 pm (closed on Mondays)

    Teléfono: +34 971 09 11 04

    Mapa
  • 3

    Can Xavi

    Casual beers and tapas in historic Mahon

    Can Xavi
    • Comida

    Can Xavi spills out of the medieval buildings in the very heart of Mahon's town centre, offering sun-kissed seating areas where S'Arraval street meets Plaça Bastió, all set beneath the handsome outline of historic Portal de Sant Roc.

    Tapas-sharing plates are usually the go-to at Can Xavi. Standouts include bruschetta with Balearic tomatoes, meatballs in tomato passata, and stacks of salty French fries to match. There are usually people dining and drinking – mainly frothy cold ones straight from the tap – from around midday onwards, but remember that Can Xavi shuts for an afternoon siesta at 4.30 pm.

    Dirección: S'Arraval, 1, 07701 Mahón, Balearic Islands, Spain

    Horario: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 4.30 pm and from 7 pm to 11.30 pm (closed on Sundays)

    Teléfono: +34 971 36 38 29

    Mapa
  • 4

    Restaurante España

    Southern Spain's kitchen on show

    Restaurante España
    • Comida

    Restaurante España does exactly what it says on the tin – traditional Spanish food and all the local favourites. It serves that up from its place in the middle of Es Castell, a vibrant port town that sits just south of Mahon, the busy capital of Menorca.

    Drop in to taste the must-try dishes of the home of flamenco. The menu comprises classic Spanish dishes, including paella, spicy prawns, patatas bravas, and gazpacho soups. The setting is charming but not overly fancy, with a big bar space and a small al fresco area in the back terrace.

    Dirección: Carrer Victori, 48, 07720 Es Castell, Balearic Islands, Spain

    Horario: Thursday–Saturday 1 pm to 4 pm and from 7 pm to 11 pm, Sunday–Wednesday from 1 pm to 4 pm and from 7.30 pm to 11.30 pm

    Teléfono: +34 971 36 32 99

    Mapa
  • 5

    Pinzell

    A creative take on Balearic-style cuisine

    Pinzell
    • Comida

    Pinzell offers a rather modern take on the age-old cooking of Spain and the Balearics. That's evident from the get-go, with boho-cool exterior and edgy interior design. The restaurant sits on the Plaça dels Pins, just a short walk from the marinas of Ciutadella de Menorca – a romantic stroll after dinner, anyone?

    Pinzell's menu is all about fresh, locally available ingredients cooked honestly and with flair. Expect grilled octopus with roast potatoes and watercress, sirloin steaks served with thick-cut chips, and paprika-rich stews with langoustines and fish broth. There's outdoor seating on the wide pavement come the warmer months.

    Dirección: Plaça dels Pins, 4, 07760 Ciutadella de Menorca, Balearic Islands, Spain

    Horario: Wednesday–Monday from 1 pm to 3.30 pm and from 8 pm to 11.30 pm (closed on Tuesdays)

    Teléfono: +34 871 02 73 34

    Mapa
  • 6

    Restaurant Es Molí de Foc

    Craft beers and paella

    Restaurant Es Molí de Foc
    • Comida

    Restaurant Es Molí de Foc is a bit of a legend on the Menorcan dining scene. It's made a name for itself with its kitschy interiors, which are adorned with vibrant colours and curious artwork. It's also one of the most acclaimed eateries in the small southwestern town of Sant Climent, a short drive from the airport and only 10 minutes from Mahon.

    A special mention should be made of the paella. It's cooked up in the same way it has been since the dish was invented, with that trademark rice crust below and plenty of seafood packed on top. Restaurant Es Molí de Foc also doubles as a craft brewery, so drop in for some locally-made IPAs and ales even if you aren't hungry.

    Dirección: Carrer de Sant Llorenç, 65, 07712 Sant Climent, Balearic Islands, Spain

    Horario: Tuesday–Sunday from 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm and from 8 pm to 11 pm (closed on Mondays)

    Teléfono: +34 971 15 32 22

    Mapa
  • 7

    Smoix Restaurant

    Fine-dining eatery with seasonal changes

    Smoix Restaurant
    • Parejas
    • Comida
    • Lujo

    Smoix Restaurant is a veritable must for fine-dining buffs inCiutadella de Menorca. Wedged in between the narrow lanes of the old town, it's a charming little joint with stripped-down interiors and a leafy outdoor area that really channels those easy-going Mediterranean vibes.

    The menu changes regularly, depending on what's available. That means it almost always reflects the bounty of the island and the surrounding sea. So, prep for plates like marinated fish fillets in cava with a black-truffle crust, Menorcan lamb with yoghurt, or suckling pig with lemon and potato.

    Dirección: Avinguda de Jaume I el Conqueridor, 38, 07760 Ciutadella de Menorca, Balearic Islands, Spain

    Horario: Tuesday from 8 pm to 11 pm, Wednesday–Sunday from 1 pm to 3.15 pm and from 8 pm to 11 pm

    Teléfono: +34 971 38 28 08

    Mapa
  • 8

    Bodegas Binifadet

    Dine between vineyards

    Bodegas Binifadet
    • Comida

    Bodegas Binifadet might be a winery at heart, but there's plenty here for the travelling gourmands out there. This acclaimed cellar door sits amid the rolling vineyards on the southeast of the island, around 10 minutes by car from Mahon. The setting is spot on for lunchtime sessions tasting the crisp labels, and for long afternoons of dining on meticulously made Menorcan fare.

    Dishes rotate a lot in accordance with the seasons. Some of Bodegas Binifadet's mainstays are Iberian ham platters with coca bread rusks, mature beef tenderloin with Mahon cheese, and celeriac with octopus. There's a big focus on meat, which is often cooked with herbs and olive oil on open coals for extra flavour.

    Dirección: Cami De Ses Barraques, S/N Ctra. Sant Lluís - Es Castell, km. 0,5, 07710 Menorca, Spain

    Teléfono: +34 971 15 07 15

    Mapa
  • 9

    Restaurante Sa Punta Menorca

    Fusion Mediterranean eatery with impressive views

    Restaurante Sa Punta Menorca
    • Comida

    Restaurante Sa Punta Menorca is plonked on the very edge of the Es Castell marina. You could hardly ask for a better backdrop to your evening meal than the one offered by this stylish eatery. Enjoy views of the Illa Llatzeret to the north and a constant montage of cruise ships and fishing boats in the main channel. 

    The food philosophy at Restaurante Sa Punta Menorca could be summed up as Mediterranean with a twist of the east and North Africa. Starters run the gamut from mushrooms in sofrito and hummus to red tuna ceviche. Mains include black-rice paella and lamb chops with tzatziki and aubergine. Expect a different a la carte selection in winter and summer.

    Dirección: Carrer Miranda de Cales Fonts, 2, 07720 Es Castell, Balearic Islands, Spain

    Horario: Friday–Saturday from 1 pm to 3.30 pm and from 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm, Sunday–Thursday from 1 pm to 3.30 pm

    Teléfono: +34 690 85 46 71

    Mapa
  • 10

    Arjau Mao

    Homey cooking with local seafood

    Arjau Mao
    • Comida

    Head to Arjau Ma for a taste of traditional Spanish cooking in Menorca. The joint serves up spicy paella and seafood broths from its location on the side of the Mahon marina – it's literally steps from where the ferries come in from mainland Spain.

    Arjau Ma's evening  a la carte menu is inspired by local fish and farm produce. It starts with salty Iberian hams and coca bread and culminates with huge platters of sizzling paella with langoustines and lobster meat. There are some more left-of-field seafood options here, too, including Menorcan-style skate and monkfish with stewed leeks.

    Dirección: Moll de Ponent, 11, 07701 Maó, Balearic Islands, Spain

    Horario: Thursday from 1 pm to 5 pm, Friday–Monday from 1 pm to 5 pm and from 7.45 pm to midnight

    Teléfono: +34 636 23 24 97

    Mapa
Joseph Francis | Colaborador/a habitual