The Best Paella Restaurants in Menorca
By Cristina Pellicciotti
Every year, many readers ask us for recommendations on where to eat a good paella in Menorca. We want to start with a brief introduction: paella is a traditional dish of Valencian origin made with vegetables and meat; the “marinera” version with fish and seafood, or the “mixta” version with meat and fish, are later evolutions and technically cannot be defined as true “Valencian paella.”
In the Balearic Islands, therefore, paella is not what we would call a “typical dish”: this does not mean that it is not prepared at home or in public establishments, but rather that—since it is not a local dish—it may not be on the menu of every restaurant or that its quality may not be particularly good. Preparing it requires the skill of an experienced cook, the right quality of rice, excellent fresh products, and a minimum technical cooking time.
Therefore, be wary of those who serve it to you in 5 minutes… After these preliminary considerations, let’s take a look at what we believe are the best restaurants to enjoy a good paella in Menorca: follow us!
Paella with a Sea View
Restaurante El Faro (Cala Torret)
Featuring an incomparable terrace and specializing in risottos and lobster caldereta. Completely renovated last year, we highly recommend it for both lunch and dinner. They offer a very interesting menu with the freshest seafood. https://elfarorestaurant.es/en/
Paella in Es Mercadal (center of the island)
Ristorante Molí d’es Racó
Es Molí des Racó is a traditional Minorcan cuisine restaurant that also serves excellent Paella. Located in Es Mercadal, where you’ll find fresh meat and seafood daily. It’s a charming restaurant set in an old mill, with a magnificent terrace for the summer season. Ideal for groups and family lunches.
Paella in Ciutadella
S’Amarador (Ciutadella)
Located in the Port area of Ciutadella, this restaurant is very popular especially in summer. Specializing in caldereta, fresh fish and seafood (all of excellent quality), and various rice dishes, always accompanied by products from the sea. They offer a great selection of wines, attentive and professional staff. Average price between €40 and €50 per person.
Cafè Balear (Ciutadella, Old Port)
A historic restaurant in Menorca known for fish and Paella.
Paella in Mahon and surroundings
Arjau (Mahon Port)
Mediterranean cuisine restaurant with local products and excellent Paella. Recommended.
Website: https://www.arjaumao.com/
El Rais (Mahon)
From the experience and passion of the owners of “Ses Forquilles” in Mahón, here is a well-located restaurant in Mahon Port where you can enjoy not only paella and numerous rice-based dishes, but also other high-quality offerings always with an innovative touch. It stands out for service, presentation, value for money (between €30 and €40 per person), and an excellent view of the harbor.
Address: Moll de Llevant 314, Mahon Port. Phone: 971 362 345. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Website: http://sesforquilles.com/elrais.html.
Es Molí de Foc (San Climent)
A typical “arroceria,” specializing in rice dishes (arroz in Spanish). The owner is originally from Alicante, a city near Valencia. In addition to paella, you will find other Spanish rice dishes such as arroces caldosos, negros, or a banda, as well as modern interpretations of Minorcan dishes, and their own brewed beer.
Address: Calle Sant Llorenç 65, Sant Climent (Mahon). Phone: 971 153 222. Closed Sunday evenings and Mondays. Website: www.esmolidefoc.es/.
Paella in Es Castell
Nou Siroco (Cales Fons)
Located in the beautiful harbor of Cales Fonts (Es Castell) less than 10 meters from the sea, this restaurant offers a wide selection of rice dishes (paellas, with lobster, with squid ink…), fresh fish, and seafood. Average price around €40-50 per person.
Address: Moll de Cales Fonts 39, Es Castell. Phone: 971 367 965. Open daily from 12 PM to 12 AM. Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/pg/nousirocomenorca/.
Bar España (Es Castell)
A historic venue in Es Castell with over 60 years of history (now under new management), Bar España is slightly off the tourist path but frequented year-round by locals. You’ll find a wide selection of traditional Spanish and Minorcan dishes, very professional staff, and excellent value for money (between €20 and €40 per person).
Address: Calle Victori 50, Es Castell. Phone: 971 363 299. Closed on Mondays. Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/restauranteespanamenorca/.
Paella in Sant Lluis
Ca’n Santi (Punta Prima)
Located on the waterfront of Punta Prima (Sant Lluís), this establishment with 40 years of tradition has recently been renovated. It offers its customers traditional cuisine, both Minorcan and Spanish. In addition to paella, you can enjoy a wide variety of rice and seafood dishes. Good value for money and very helpful staff.
Address: Passeig de s’Arenal 7, Punta Prima (Sant Lluís). Phone: 971 159 170. Open daily from 12 PM to 11 PM.
(For all the restaurants mentioned, we recommend making reservations during the summer season).
Oh, one last tip: if you’re at home in Italy and have an irresistible craving for paella, we suggest not getting too discouraged by remembering beloved Spain, but rather preparing it yourself with these two recipes from the blog “Cucina Spagnola A Casa Mia”: traditional Valencian paella and seafood and vegetable paella. Enjoy your meal!