Menorca is full of good restaurants, so this is not meant to be a list of "the best" ones. They are simply the places we tend to go to, jotted down here in case you feel like trying them. Some will suit you and others won't — there is no accounting for taste.
A traditional, simple and unpretentious bar, the kind that keeps a genuine village feel. We usually stop here for breakfast when we go down to Ciutadella: a coffee, a freshly made ensaimada or one of their "llongets", the local Menorcan sandwiches. It opens early and is almost always full of locals.
It is a village bar, not a brunch spot or a place with long menus.
It sits right by the water, in the cove itself. Simple cooking — fish, salads, tapas — and you can eat in your swimsuit. We like it above all for the atmosphere, the views and how close it is.
It only opens in season (roughly May to September) and fills up on sunny days. Open from 9.30 to 17.30.
Also in the cove, a little higher up and with sea views. It has a decent Mediterranean menu and a wonderful sunset.
In summer it is worth booking if you want a table by the railing. We recommend going at sunset.
A small culinary refuge in the historic centre: honest cooking, local produce and good wine.
Booking is essential.
On the port of Ciutadella. Traditional Menorcan seafood cooking, with the lobster stew (caldereta de langosta) as its best-known dish. It is a local classic and tends to be busy.
The lobster stew is expensive; the rest of the menu is more affordable.
In the old town of Ciutadella. A relaxed atmosphere and dishes meant for sharing. A good choice for dinner and for starting an evening in the centre.
The old town comes alive at night; we tend to pick it for dinner rather than lunch.
More tavern than bar. There is no posing or tourist atmosphere here: cold beers, genuine tapas, noise, character and almost always full.
It is not for everyone.
In Menorca people eat late: lunch rarely before 14:00 and dinner around 21:00. If you arrive much earlier, the kitchen may not be open yet.
In July and August the most popular places fill up. If you are staying with us and would like, we can give you a hand with booking.
If you fancy trying Menorca's typical drink, go for a gin with lemonade (also known as "pomada"). It is made with Xoriguer gin, originally from Mahón, and lemonade, and it is the traditional drink at the island's festivals.