It’s that time of year again when we instinctively draw lines under everything that has happened over the last 12 months. Or, when it comes to my work, what I have seen, tasted and experienced on Mallorca’s food scene in 2025. But rather than declaring winners and handing out imaginary trophies, I’d much rather tell you about the meals that stayed with me. The ones I still think about... The ones that made me smile days later... So, in no particular order, here are some of my most memorable restaurant experiences of the year.
One of the loveliest surprises came in the form of The Merchants Steak & Grill in Palma, where Afternoon Tea turned out to be far more than a polite nod to British tradition. Having lived in London for 17 years, I’ve sipped tea and debated scones in more than a few grand hotels and hidden spots, and this felt like a genuine throwback – with a twist. Classic tiers of sandwiches, cakes and scones were elevated with the playful, slightly quirky edge that the Five Senses Group does so well. Familiar, comforting, but never boring!
Brunch also had a strong showing this year, particularly at Gran Meliá Victoria, where collaboration with pâtissier Lluís Pérez turned a late morning meal into something quietly magical. According to Lluís, the menu was inspired by his childhood and traditional Mallorcan family tables. We may not share the same roots, but the emotions brought out by familiar comfort food were instantly relatable. Served on silver plates, with proper silver cutlery, in a grand hotel setting overlooking the bay, this experience felt nostalgic and indulgent in equal measure, like being invited into someone else’s memories.
Summer brought sunshine, sea views and a welcome dose of creative freshness to many places. Young chef Jade Fraser, moving to Calvia Beach House from Cap Rocat was one of several wonderful surprises. Her summer menu was full of confidence and playfulness, and her take on ceviche and burrata salad ended up being among my most-enjoyed dishes of the season. Light, precise and full of flavour – exactly what you want when the temperatures rise and lunches stretch into late afternoons.
Just down the road in Palmanova, Grupo Pajarita's Annabel brought something many tourist resorts quietly crave: a touch of understated class. Open all year round, it has become a firm favourite with both residents and visitors, proving that consistency, warmth and good taste go a very long way. Going there now, at Christmas time, feels nothing shorts of walking into a fairy tale.
Earlier in the year, the opening of Shima at Four Seasons hotel was another fantastic example of an event that caters for all senses. The setting alone is worth the journey, but the food matched the drama. Elegant, confident and beautifully executed, it’s the kind of place I’d visit monthly if it was at least a bit closer.
High up in the Tramuntana mountin, RITMA pop up restaurant by Marc Servera at Hotel Can Verdera continued surprising us with his quirky combinations of local ingredients, subtle Galician influences and views so perfect that they almost demand silence.
For those who associate Nikki Beach beach clubs purely with extravagant parties, it’s worth remembering that the food offering remains consistently excellent. Year after year, under the watchful eye of their Executive Chef Alex Gullberg, the menu evolves, improves and surprises, making it an exceptionally smart choice even when you’re not in party mode.
When people ask me where to eat great tapas in Palma, my go to recommendation is Bazaar Tapas restaurant & Bar. Bazaar ticks every box: outstanding food, a buzzing atmosphere and service that makes you want to celebrate life – which is exactly why I celebrated my birthday there back in November. Some places just get everything right and Bazaar is one of them!
Adrián Quetglas (Palma) — I had my seconf birthday meal here in November, enjoying a thoughtful tasting menu that showcased precision, creativity and refined flavour combinations. Despite losing its Michelin star this year (a decision I strongly disagree with, even if no one is asking my humble opinion on the matter!), the meal was elegant and engaging from start to finish. Quetglass’s restaurant continues to impress and deserves every bit of recognition it’s earned over the years!
Winter dining also shone at URBA by Santi Taura, where Jaume Comas and his team once again proved that technique, creativity and impeccable service are a winning formula. Their winter menu is a must try for any foodie living on or visiting the island.
Stepping away from the mainstream, two “ethnic” spots stood out this year: Balcanico, with its delicious ćevapčići (minced meat finger sized snacks) that for me brought taste of home to Mallorca, and Mangobiche, which offered a joyful introduction to Colombian flavours that felt both generous and soulful. I can’t wait to go back to both of these places and introduce them to my friends…
Crow’s Nest in Cala Mayor was probably the biggest surprise of the year. I went out of curiosity for South African cuisine, but without expecting much. I left thinking about their chicken liver dish for days – easily the richest, most indulgent version I’ve ever tasted! Their exotic burgers, including zebra and ostrich, are not just a gimmick but beautifully executed nod to South-African heritage brought with love to a Mediterranean island. They made me thing that, even if we have no time or money to travel far, we really are spoilt for choice of interational and exotic cuisines right here on our dorsteps.
As I write this, surrounded by cousins visiting from Poland and France, and overdosing unapologetically on nostalgic home comforts from my beloved Lika, I can’t help but feel grateful... If 2025 was this rich in flavour and feeling, I can’t wait to see what 2026 has in store for Mallorca’s ever-evolving gastronomic scene!