TheFork has included eight restaurants from the Balearics in its influential top 100 list of Spain's most popular dining venues, highlighting the region's rising culinary stature. The annual ranking, dominated this year by Baalbec Restaurant Lounge in Alicante, showcases a broad regional spread, incorporating 13 autonomous communities and 20 provinces.
This latest edition, TheFork's eighth, reflects Spain's regional culinary diversity, with Catalonia leading with 34 restaurants, followed by the Community of Madrid (20), Valencia (16), the Balearics (8), and Andalusia (7). For the first time, Extremadura earns a position with a restaurant from Cáceres joining the line-up. The top 10 favourites feature venues from Alicante, Barcelona, and Madrid, including Casa Bangla, Zaytun, Omeraki, and Marcelle Madrid.
Balearics representation and local highlights
Of the eight Balearics restaurants featured, seven are found on Mallorca, while Menorca is represented by one. The highest ranked is Japo Santa Catalina (12th). Also included are Harajuku Gastro Sushi (21st), Daikiya (30th), Hungry Gastro Food Bar (41st), and Kaizen (46th), all situated in Palma; Chicos del Mar (57th) in Peguera and Es Pati de Montuiri (68th) in Montuiri. On Menorca, Llucasaldent Gran (64th) in Alaior stands out.
Expanding gastronomic diversity
TheFork top 100 now features an unprecedented 27 different styles of cuisine. Mediterranean food leads with 20% of listed restaurants, followed by contemporary and Spanish cuisine. Japanese, Asian, Indian, and Argentine influences have grown compared with previous editions, highlighting an increased interest in international and exotic flavours across Spain.
Recognition from Michelin and industry guides
Among the selection, 34 restaurants boast Michelin Guide status. Two, both in Barcelona—La Cocina de los Hermanos Torres (28th) and Lasarte by Martín Berasategui (66th)—hold three Michelin stars. A further 13 establishments, including Prodigi (9th), La Finca de Susi Díaz (13th), El Xato (16th) and RiFF (23rd), possess one star. This edition welcomes four Bib Gourmand entries, such as Bar Verat (42nd), Permenta Rosa (52nd), El Secreto de Chimiche (77th) and A Viaxe (84th). Additionally, 15 venues appear as recommendations, notably Omeraki (4th), Âme Barcelona (8th), Arten Barra Abierta (14th), and La Llorería (24th).