Meet Saloua Sfar: The Woman Behind A Ma Maison and Muse in Palma
Living and working in Mallorca: Saloua’s story
Many people dream of moving to Mallorca for the sunshine, the sea, and the slower pace of life. For Saloua Sfar, that dream began by chance. Born in Tunisia, she was working on a private yacht when she first docked in Palma. She had never even heard of Mallorca before — but something about the island reminded her of home. The mountains, the coastline, the light.
“My heart was captured,” she explains on the Majorca Mallorca podcast. “It felt familiar, but freer. I decided to stay.”
Like so many expats, Saloua built a life here from scratch. But instead of slipping into the background, she became one of the island’s most distinctive restaurateurs.
A Ma Maison: more than a restaurant in Palma
Tucked away in Santa Catalina, A Ma Maison is not a typical restaurant in Mallorca. Saloua does everything herself: cooking, serving, managing, even washing dishes.
“It’s my house,” she says. “If you don’t have at least two hours to spend, don’t come. You are not just coming to eat — you are coming for an experience.”
Her food reflects her roots, blending French, Tunisian, and Mediterranean flavours. There is no fixed à la carte. Instead, guests are invited to trust Saloua’s creativity. Vegan? Gluten-free? Not a fan of fish? She adapts every menu to suit.
Dinners cost around €40 — a fraction of what is now typical in Palma. “I decided to earn less but give more,” she says. “I want everyone to feel welcome.”
Cooking with love, heritage and a little surprise
A Ma Maison has become known for its warmth and authenticity. Saloua’s mother still brings spices from Tunisia every year, keeping traditions alive. One speciality is her fennel herb couscous — a vegan dish unique to Tunisia.
And every November, as the restaurant marks its anniversary, regulars gather for something special. Saloua cooks with her mother, and sometimes steps out from the kitchen to perform a belly dance. “I love surprising people,” she laughs.
This year marks the 14th anniversary of A Ma Maison, a milestone few small restaurants in Mallorca reach.
Muse: a cultural space in Palma’s Foners neighbourhood
Two years ago, Saloua expanded her vision with Muse, an event and cultural space in Palma. Located in Foners, a neighbourhood that is rapidly transforming, Muse is like a blank canvas.
“It’s a big white box,” she says. “It can be anything — a gallery, a performance space, a yoga studio, a wedding venue. Palma needs places like this.”
Already Muse has hosted fashion shows, drag nights, jazz concerts, art exhibitions, and community celebrations. Saloua often reduces rates or gives the space for free if she believes in the cause. “Life is not just about money. It is about giving and receiving.”
Muse celebrates its 2nd anniversary on Sunday 7 September, with an afternoon of music, art and dance. The event is free and open to everyone.
Hospitality with kindness
Beyond food or events, Saloua’s philosophy is clear: hospitality is about kindness. “People don’t go to a restaurant because they are hungry,” she says. “They go to be happy, to be seen, to be cared for.”
That belief is what makes her one of Mallorca’s most unique voices in food and culture.
Listen to the Majorca Mallorca podcast
In our latest episode of the Majorca Mallorca podcast, Saloua Sfar shares her story of living and working in Mallorca, building A Ma Maison, and creating Muse. She talks openly about the challenges of rising costs, her love of cooking, and why kindness matters in hospitality.
👉 Listen to the full podcast episode here
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