15 Delicious Dishes to Try in Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Nestled off the coast of Spain, just south of Barcelona, is the beautiful island city of Palma de Mallorca. While enjoying your European cruise with Dinogo®, you’ll discover a wealth of activities. From appreciating the stunning architecture to wandering through Medieval streets, it's also a perfect place to grab a quick meal while your cruise ship is anchored.

Mallorcan cuisine draws inspiration from the peasants who adapted to life in isolation, as well as the various cultures that governed the island. This culinary tradition boasts a diverse range of ingredients and flavors found throughout the world, all in one place. Be sure to seek out and savor our top 15 recommended dishes in Palma de Mallorca during your visit.

1. Frit Mallorquí

Frit Mallorquí is an age-old dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It resembles a hash made with offal—liver, blood, and lungs—combined with local vegetables such as potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers. Each ingredient is diced and sautéed together with garlic, olive oil, cinnamon, chili peppers, black pepper, and bay leaves.

2. Arros Brut

Don’t be misled by the name. This variety of dirty rice is a hearty and flavorful mix of meats and vegetables that varies with the seasons. Typical ingredients include sobrasada (cured sausage), rabbit, wild mushrooms, nutmeg, and saffron. Unlike paella, this dish has a consistency more akin to the soup-like Caldoso style of cooking.

3. Caragols

Mallorcan snails are quite different from the French escargot you might be familiar with. Local preparations involve boiling the snails in water seasoned with fennel and mint, imparting a unique taste. Enjoy caragols dipped in aioli, the garlicky mayonnaise that is Spain’s beloved condiment for nearly every dish.

4. Panades

Whether you prefer sweet or savory treats, Palma’s bakeries offer something for every palate. Panades—freshly baked pastries filled with hot meat and vegetable mixtures—are a beloved delicacy during the Easter season. The flaky, buttery crust is the ideal wrapper for enjoying on the go while taking in views of the sea.

5. Cocarrois

You can easily recognize cocarrois by the unique pinches along the edges of this pastry. This Spanish take on an empanada is a vegetarian delight filled with vegetables, raisins, and pine nuts. The best part? They are baked instead of fried, allowing you to indulge in a second or third without guilt.

6. Ensaïmada

If you can only sample one Mallorcan dish, make sure it’s ensaïmada. This sugar-dusted pastry boasts a croissant-like texture and a unique flavor, influenced by the island’s humid climate and generous use of pork lard. It’s light, flaky, and—according to those who have tasted it—utterly addictive.

7. Llom Amb Col

Similar to other regions of Spain, Mallorcan cuisine emphasizes the use of fresh, local ingredients in straightforward combinations. This is certainly true for llom amb col, which translates to “loin with cabbage.” This dish features a blend of pork loin and sausage wrapped in cabbage leaves, then simmered in a tomato sauce enriched with pine nuts and raisins.

8. Pa’amb Oli

Toasted bread topped with crushed tomatoes and olive oil is a beloved tapa in Catalan cuisine and is also enjoyed in the Balearic Islands. This simple snack features local ingredients, including freshly picked tomatoes, high-quality olive oil, and a sprinkle of flaked sea salt. For a heartier treat, add slices of ham, anchovies, or cheese on top.

9. Fideuà

While Valencia is known for its paella, Palma de Mallorca boasts its own classic dish: fideuà. This traditional meal offers a flavor profile akin to paella but uses short noodles instead of rice. The noodles are cooked in just enough broth to remain firm while soaking up the seafood’s delicious flavor. Don’t forget to have some bread handy to savor every drop of the garlicky broth.

10. Pica Pica

Seafood plays a central role in Mallorcan cuisine, with menus across Palma featuring everything from fresh fish to prawns and squid. Pica Pica is a straightforward dish consisting of stewed squid in a tomato sauce flavored with garlic, paprika, and a bay leaf. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the squid's natural flavor to take center stage. If you’re a seafood lover, this dish is a must-try.

11. Rubiols

Easter—and the days leading up to it—is a significant celebration in both the city and the countryside. Part of the festivities includes crescent-shaped pastries known as rubiols. Thankfully, you can enjoy them throughout the year at bakeries across the city. Common fillings feature cottage cheese, jam, sweet pumpkin, and even chocolate.

12. Sobrassada

Sobrassada is a spreadable sausage that is primarily found in the Balearic Islands. Its unique flavor and vibrant red color come from the ample use of paprika and locally sourced red peppers mixed with pieces of pork. Spread it on coca—a traditional Mallorcan flatbread—or on toast for a delicious and classic lunch in Palma de Mallorca.

13. Sopas Mallorquinas

Even though Palma de Mallorca is an island, it can get quite chilly in the Tramuntana Mountains. When the temperatures drop, locals turn to a hearty bowl of sopas mallorquinas for warmth. The ingredients of this thick soup vary by season, but it typically includes cabbage, beans, onions, and pork, all seasoned with paprika.

14. Trempó

Made from an ancient grain, xeixa flour is the base for a beloved dough found throughout the island. Known locally as coca, when topped with finely chopped onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes, it’s called Coca de Trempó. If loaded with meats and seafood, it transforms into Coca Mallorquina. You’ll find it absolutely delicious.

15. Tumbet

Tumbet stands out as a prime example of Catalan influence on Balearic cuisine. Similar to French ratatouille, this simple dish features fried vegetables—such as eggplant, peppers, and potatoes—baked in tomato sauce for hours in the oven. It’s a delightful find for vegetarians, and vegan versions may also be available.

If your European cruise includes a stop in Palma de Mallorca, prepare for a culinary adventure. Allow your taste buds to explore a variety of flavors that reveal the richness of the island's historic culture.