Eating out in Mallorca, Jan Edwards' latest shortlist, from Palma's tiniest counter seats to a centenary classic in Manacor
If you have ever wished you had a well-informed friend who could point you towards the places you would never stumble upon by chance, Jan Edwards is that person. Through her blog Eat Drink Sleep Mallorca and her weekly “restaurant of the week” reviews, she has built a reputation for tracking down quality, consistency and character across the island.
In a recent chat, on the Majorca Mallorca podcast Jan’s recommendations jumped from a discreet back street bistro in Palma to an always booked out institution in Manacor, then over to the east coast for a relaxed, high level tasting menu that proves fine dining does not have to feel stiff.
Here is Jan’s Mallorca eating list, plus a few practical notes to help you actually get a table.
Palma: Little Jarana, small plates, big energy
One of Jan’s standout recent discoveries is Little Jarana, a tiny, intimate spot in Palma built around the joy of watching skilled cooking up close.
It is the kind of place where you lean into the format, share plates, and let the kitchen lead. The menu is playful and informal, rooted in Mediterranean flavours with international touches, and it is designed for sharing.
Where it is: Carrer Menorca 16, Palma.
Why go: small room, counter seating, open kitchen, changing menu, serious cooking in a relaxed setting.
Top tip: book ahead, it is small, and sittings are structured.
If you like the “sit at the bar and watch it happen” style of dining, Jan flags Little Jarana as a Palma option that feels special without feeling formal.
Manacor: Ca’n March, 100 years of family history and modern Mallorcan cooking
Jan also highlighted Ca’n March in Manacor, which reached its centenary, having opened in 1925 and remained in the same family.
Today, it is led by chef Miquel Gelabert, with a style that keeps Mallorcan roots but updates them with a lighter, more modern touch.
Why go: it is one of those places that locals know and visitors often miss, and it is consistently busy for a reason.
Top tip: do not assume you can walk in, book, even outside summer.
Sa Coma: Tomeu Caldentey Cuiner, the tasting menu experience that stays relaxed
For the east coast, Jan recommended Tomeu Caldentey Cuiner in Sa Coma, a restaurant where you can choose between tasting menu lengths, and, if you are lucky, secure a seat at the counter to watch the team at work. The restaurant publishes multiple tasting menus, with pricing that varies by number of courses.
What stands out here is the balance, the cooking is ambitious and often influenced by Asian flavours and techniques, but the atmosphere is intentionally unfussy.
Where it is: Sa Coma.
Why go: counter seats, multiple tasting options, strong technique, relaxed vibe.
Cas Concos: Can Mel, Mediterranean comfort plus sushi in a tiny village
Jan’s “how did I not know this existed” pick is Can Mel in Cas Concos, a small inland village between Felanitx and Santanyí. It is not just a restaurant, it is also a petit hotel, and it offers both Mediterranean dishes and a dedicated sushi menu.
Why go: it is unexpectedly versatile, you can go classic Mediterranean or lean into sushi, and it works as a lunch destination or a village evening out.
Top tip: lunch can be more forgiving, evenings are when you really need a reservation.
Sustainability and “worth the drive” dining: Terrae and BRUT
Jan also mentioned how Mallorca’s top end is increasingly being shaped by sustainability, not just luxury. Two names to know:
Terrae, Port de Pollença
Terrae is widely described as a zero waste, local and circular kitchen, with a strong sustainability ethos.
BRUT, Llubí
BRUT is an intimate tasting menu restaurant for a small number of diners, built around a radical seasonal, zero waste philosophy.
These are the kind of places you plan as a destination meal, and you build the day around it.
Awards worth noting: Mirabona at Ca’n Beneït
Jan also flagged a major win for Mirabona, the restaurant at Ca’n Beneït in Binibona, which was recognised by Condé Nast Traveler Spain’s Hotel & Mantel awards in the “traditional cuisine” category.
If you have not been to Binibona, it is a lovely excuse to explore the Tramuntana foothills with lunch as your anchor.
Quick Palma add ons: Nus, Annabel, Santina
A few extra names came up in the conversation as places Jan rates or wants to try:
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Nus in Santa Catalina, led by Irene Martínez, a small restaurant with a personal story woven into the space.
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Annabel Mallorca in Palmanova, noted for pizza and an all day style menu by the sea.
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Santina for reliable brunch in Santa Catalina and Puerto Portals.
Booking advice: the one habit that will save your Mallorca meal
Jan’s best practical reminder is simple: if you have your heart set on a place, plan ahead. The restaurants she is most excited about are often small, seasonal, or both. Little Jarana is tiny by design, and structured sittings make reservations essential.
The Palma Aquarium Foundation
This month, we're thrilled to highlight the Palma Aquarium Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation and protection of our precious marine ecosystems, especially in the Balearic Islands
Who They Are
Founded in March 2016 and led by a passionate team of conservationists and volunteers, the Palma Aquarium Foundation sprang from the trusted marine park Palma Aquarium, which has been caring for marine life since 2007. Operated by Coral World International, the aquarium has earned global recognition for its successful coral reproduction programmes and commitment to ocean education.
Their Mission
The Foundation focuses on:
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Preserving marine biodiversity, with a special emphasis on the Balearic Sea
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Restoring endangered ecosystems
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Leading educational outreach to cultivate public awareness
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Encouraging collaboration between the public and private sectors
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Supporting social inclusion through marine education for at-risk groups
Key Initiatives
🐢 Conservation & Research
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Sea turtle, shark & cetacean rescue operations across the Balearic Islands — The Foundation runs the official recovery centre in partnership with regional agencies (COFIB, MITECO)
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Breeding & release programmes:
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Petits Taurons – Acció Stellaris has successfully released nurse hound sharks into the Mediterranean
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Balearic seahorses project has reintroduced over 200 seahorses into their natural habitats
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🌐 Environmental Education
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Workshops, school talks, and community events designed to inspire ocean stewardship and inform about marine ecology
🧹 Volunteer & Training Programmes
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Regular beach, stream and forest clean-ups involving hundreds of volunteers (latest statistic: ~330 volunteers removed 271 kg of waste in 2024)
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Marins Majors programme engages older adults in coastal conservation efforts
Why This Charity Matters
The Palma Aquarium Foundation is more than an aquarium charity—they're a crucial part of marine rescue in the Balearics. Their high-impact work includes saving distressed marine animals, nurturing endangered species, cleaning coastal habitats, and educating local communities.
By supporting the Foundation, you help:
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Rescue injured or stranded sea turtles, dolphins, sharks and whales
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Increase wild populations of vulnerable species
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Foster the next generation of marine advocates
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Keep Mallorca’s shores clean and thriving
How You Can Help
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Donate to support vital rescue, conservation, education and research efforts —donations are tax-deductible for Spanish residents.
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Volunteer at beach clean-ups, recovery centre support or community events
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Spread the word—share their work with friends and on social media to increase awareness and impact.
In Summary
If you care about marine life, biodiversity, or Mallorca’s coastal environment, the Palma Aquarium Foundation offers a powerful local charity to support. Their multi-faceted approach—combining rescue operations, species restoration, education and community engagement—makes them a force for good beneath the waves.
Join us in supporting their mission to protect our seas.
Mia's restaurant of the month: Calvià Beach House
Calviâ Beach House is making waves this summer with the arrival of a young chef Jade Louise Fraser (coming from five star Hotel Cap Rocat) and an exciting menu inspired by Mediterranean flavours and global flair.
Located on the beachfront in Son Matias part of Palmanova in South West Mallorca, this stylish venue offers a great dining experience that blends creativity with quality ingredients and friendly service.
Whether you are joining for a lazy lunch, sunset drinks, or a delicious dinner by the sea, the new culinary direction ensures something to delight every palate.
I particularly love Jade's take on burrata and her salmon tartar with avocado, mango and strawberries. The ceviche is also to die for.
This season Calviä Beach House introduced a tender service for nearby yachts anchored in Son Matias and Palmanova. With its prime location, relaxed beach vibes, and innovative new menu, the place is set to continue attracting the residents, holidaymakers and yacht guests alike.
FOLLOW MIA for more restaurant and cafe suggestions!
Discover Palma's Food Scene
DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT AND DISCOVER PALMA’S FOOD SCENE
This is a clever idea from the folks at Food Tours Mallorca. A 21st century tapas tour of the best stops along Palma’s winding old town streets, known only to the savvy locals until now. Download their app, book your tour and follow the directions. It guides you along the route, lets you know where and when to stop. Your table, your tapas, your drink, your bill and a warm welcome is already taken care of when you arrive. It’s a great way to see parts of the Island’s capital that you might have missed out on, and fresh local delicacies and drinks carefully curated to delight.
It’s customisable to accommodate dietary requirements, and the stops and the menu are changing all the time. Perfect.
Restaurante Nama
Deia is an iconic place to visit in Mallorca, but we don't recommend that you go in the height of the summer... unless you can go by bus or cab. Parking is tricky in this picturesque village! Which is why we think you should go to Nama right away! Let's start with the food which is impeccable. The menu offers a great range of Asian dishes all created by the energetic ball of creativity that is Bonnie Han. Bonnie and her partner Arantxa run Nama and lead a team of dedicated chefs and service staff to make your visit really wonderful.
YOU MUST BOOK IN ADVANCE! And you will be asked for a credit card deposit to secure your booking.
The views from the terraces at Nama are spectacular and not to be missed either. Go try them out, we love them!
They are open from 12.00 to 21.30 and they are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
If you go please take a photo and share it on Facebook or Instagram and tag us so we can share!
You can book and visit their website here.
The Walk Against Cancer
GET MOVING TO SUPPORT THE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP!
The Walk Against Cancer
We’re thrilled to announce that The Walk Against Cancer is back for another inspiring year in April 2025! Building on the incredible success of the past two years, this year’s event promises to be bigger, more inclusive, and even more impactful in raising funds to support people on the island who are living with cancer.
The Walk Against Cancer is all about getting active while giving back. Whether you prefer walking, running, cycling, or rowing, everyone is welcome to join and set their own step goals—daily, weekly, or monthly. It’s not just about walking; it’s about moving, connecting, and making a difference.
Key Dates to Remember:
Launch Event: March 29, 2025
Final Celebration Party: May 3, 2025
Participants can register on their website, set up their personal fundraising pages, and start their journey toward their activity goals.
A Special Challenge by Their Organiser
This year, Anita Vince, the driving force behind The Walk Against Cancer, will once again take on her personal challenge to inspire and motivate others. From April 16–22, Anita and her team will be walking the scenic GR222 route, starting in Lluc and finishing in Artà.
Participants and supporters are invited to join Anita at various stages of the walk, making this a truly community-driven effort.
Join Them and Make a Difference
Further details, including registration information and event updates, will be available on their website and social media channels soon.
The Cancer Support Group encourages everyone to take part—regardless of age, fitness level, or preferred activity. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by cancer while fostering a healthier, more active community.
Let’s come together, get moving, and show our support.
Join us this April as we Walk Against Cancer!
Visit the Cancer Support Group Mallorca website
Christmas Markets
PALMA
23 November to 6 January.
Open daily 1000 to 2100
Various Locations – Plaça Major, Plaça Espanya, Las Ramblas, Via Roma
Not to be missed, these markets will give you just what you need for those perfect gifts.
PUEBLO ESPAÑOL CHRISTMAS MARKET, PALMA
28 November to 22 December
Open Thursday to Sunday midday to 2300.
The beautiful Pueblo Español transforms into a festive village with music, DJ’s and lots more. Santa Claus and lots of food and mulled wine.
ALGAIDA CHRISTMAS MARKET
1 December to 7 January
A typical Mallorcan Christmas market with more authentic artisan goods for sale.
PORT PORTALS CHRISTMAS MARKET
13 December to 6 January.
Open Monday to Friday midday – 2100 Weekends midday – 2200.
Glitzy Port Portals Festive Market never disappoints. Expect some live music, and lots of high quality stands selling classy gift ideas. There will be some great food and drink and an Ice Rink.
PORT D'ADRIANO CHRISTMAS MARKET
20 December to January 7 12.00 - 20.00 (except 24th & 31st when the park closes at 16.00)
Father Christmas and King Melchior will visit on:
Father Christmas: 21st, 22nd & 23rd Dec: 17 to 20.00 & 24th Dec: 12 to 15.00
King Melchior: 2nd, 3rd & 4th January: 17 a 20.00
OTHER CHRISTMAS FAIRS COMING UP INCLUDE
Felanitx December 14–15,
Inca December 21–22
Manacor December 14
Marratxí December 14–15
Puerto de Sóller December 13–15
Santanyí December 14
Pollença December 21–22
Port de Pollença Beachfront promenade) December 14–15
ASDICA
….and while we have your attention, we’d like to let you know about a great team, doing some great work in the Calviá municipality in the south of Mallorca.
ASDICA are a small, hard working team dedicated to making the lives of young learning disabled people and their families just that little bit easier.
Founded in 1996 ASDICA provides physical, psychological and practical help to 35 members. They hold social events, shows, fiestas and more throughout the year, putting a lot of smiles on a lot of faces.
They receive some funding from Calvià council, and raise funds themselves with their events, but also rely on donations to carry out their vital work, and expend it to help more young people in need.
One of their proudest donors is Calvia-based cycling charity 6Points. They are an ever expanding group of riders, Mallorcan residents and riders from overseas. Every May they ride a three day circumnavigation of the island with two aims. Fun, and charity. They first supported ASDICA during their 2018 event, and have been working with them ever since. Their donations to ASDICA so far are more than 140,000 euros, and they have just topped the quarter of a million mark for total donations to charities since their inception in 2017.
Aside from their main event in May, they run smaller events all year round, and not just in Mallorca, Events in Tenerife, UK and sister Balearic Islands make up their ever expanding diary of events.
To find out more about ASDICA, https://www.asdica.com/
…. And if you fancy joining the 6Points family and helping ASDICA that way, you’ll find all you need to know here. https://6pointschallenges.com/
Keep up the good work.
Cat Protection Pollença
Some important news about a fabulous feline project that needs your help!
The problem of stray cats has long been a problem in Mallorca. Some 7 years ago, three generous women put their heads together and formed Cat Protection Pollença in an effort to support street cats in their local area. Since then, what started as ad hoc efforts to manage and care for stray cats has grown into a significant operation, now overseeing over 60 cat colonies and 2,000 cats with the help of around 30 volunteers. These volunteers handle everything from feeding and trapping to fostering and fundraising, with no paid staff involved.
With a monthly food bill in excess of 3,000 euros, the organization faces financial difficulties, especially after a major funder withdrew support. They have secured some future funding from the local council, but until March 2025, they are struggling to cover costs.
Not known to sit on their laurels, these fabulous ladies are looking to raise funds by hosting an 80’s night on September 28th, with music, food, and auctions. Tickets for the Club Tropicana Night are 50 euros each and include food and drink, with all profits going directly to the charity. Tickets can be bought at https://www.tickettailor.com/.events/clubtropicana/1319216
If you are interested in supporting them, why not join their Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=cat%20protection%20po...;
Or join in their online auction and bid for some of the fabulous prizes:
https://www.facebook.com/events/469477375496095 ;
Or donate directly at: https://www.catprotectionpollensa.com/wish-to-donate
Or if you are in Pollença and would like to help on a voluntary basis, please email them at info@catprotection.com
Enjoy a night out at Pirates and get a 10% discount with us!
A hugely popular show in Magaluf is back for another season and we are delighted to offer members of this group a 10% discount code MJML10 for
YOU get a 10% discount on all of the shows (special dates excluded) and WE get a commission, which helps us keep the lights on a Majorca Mallorca Towers.
So, please when you book use this code.
MJML10
You can book online here www.piratesadventure.com
Let us know in the group if you use the code, and what you thought of the shows!
Rent a Car
Here at Majorca Mallorca HQ, we are only too aware of the Car Hire pitfalls and some of the less pleasant stuff going on with car hire companies, which is why we only deal with reputable companies and even better, we have negotiated a discount with them to help with your holiday spend.
We have only heard, and read very good reviews of Vanrell Car Rental, and so in the service of our group we spoke to the good people there and asked if we could have a DISCOUNT CODE for our subscribers and members!
They thought about it and then agreed to offer everyone who uses our code a nice 5% discount when you use this code 4383S when you book on their website www.rentalcarvanrell.com
Vanrell offers these which are important to our group:
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Unlimited mileage
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You collect your car directly at the airport, no shuttles and no waiting!
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They have English speaking people in their customer services
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No credit card fees / they accept cash.
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With the Vanrell Comfort option no deposit on a card is required.
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They can also provide child seats in the vehicles
Another of the nice things about this company is that they are genuinely local. The business began in the 60's when Sr. Jaume Vanrell Bergas decided to stop working as a farmer in Llubí and bought a plot of land on the sea front in the Port d’Alcúdia. His family thought he was mad because at that time the land near the sea was not valued like it is today and so didn’t support his idea. However he was quite sure in what he was doing, while he had been cultivating his land, he watched the planes pass overhead and thought how life was changing and without a doubt, now was the time to take a risk and to take a chance. Rent A Car Vanrell was born.
With the turn of the century, Toni Vanrell took the reins of the family business and the company continues to grow in size and locations.
Exclusive Online Discounts for Son Amar
The House of Son Amar is just fifteen minutes north of Palma and is the home for two of Mallorca's finest shows: "Exhibit", and "Ojalá".
Both shows feature a fantastic cast of professional performance artists who are at the top of their game, from singers and dancers to world class acrobats.
Ojalá is focused on the kids and families, whereas Exhibit is aimed more at the adult market. Both shows are excellent and we went along recently to get our annual Son Amar fix.
The first thing you receive upon arrival at the House of Son Amar, the historic landmark, is a genuinely warm welcome. Everything oozes pure class and Mallorcan culture. We booked for a pre show dinner in their 16th-century courtyard where we were entertained by some of the performers. There is a fabulously themed adventure playground where the little people can let off steam while you enjoy your food, or cocktail. Then there is the Hall of Fountains with a spectacular fountain show reminiscent of the famous Las Vegas Bellagio, before the doors open to the Grand Theatre.
Entertainment starts from the moment you are escorted to your seat and interaction begins with some of the evening’s flamboyant characters. Seating options and packages are available for all tastes and budgets, from Category III with their theatre-style seating up to the exclusive VIP experience.
If you want to have a really special night out whilst you are visiting Mallorca then take yourself to see one of these great spectaculars.
We have an EXCLUSIVE discount for our Mallorca Majorca members and subscribers. Book through our special link and you will receive a 10% discount AND you won't be charged a booking fee either! We get a commission when you book using our link which will pay the postage for the next newsletter!
Don't forget to enter the PROMO CODE MM10