Palma de Mallorca, the sun-soaked capital of the Balearic Islands, is bursting with culinary energy, especially during the summer months. Here, centuries of Mediterranean tradition blend with modern creativity, creating a dining scene where every meal becomes a celebration of the island’s rich food heritage.
The city’s location, influenced by various cultures such as Spanish, Moorish, and Italian, has shaped a cuisine that respects tradition while also embracing bold, contemporary interpretations. Quaint restaurants with stone walls spill out onto ancient squares, waterfront terraces catch the evening breeze, and hidden courtyards turn into cosy dining retreats as the Mediterranean sun sets in warm hues.
Summer in Palma calls for a specific way of eating: relaxed, social, and deeply connected to the season’s freshest ingredients. Local waters provide daily catches of seafood, sun-ripened vegetables burst with flavour, and every dish embodies the essence of the island’s land. The warmth of the season demands meals that are both refreshing and satisfying—dishes that pair perfectly with chilled wine and the laid-back rhythm of island life.
Join us as we explore the dishes that define Palma’s summer dining experience—creations that capture the heart of Mediterranean cuisine while offering something uniquely special to our island capital.
Top 10 Mediterranean Dishes To Try – By Thalia Mallorca
The island’s food scene changes during the warmer months. Fresh seafood arrives daily, and local markets are filled with sun-ripened fruits and vegetables. Our menu at Thalia, one of Palma’s best Mediterranean restaurants, embraces this seasonal abundance, combining traditional Mallorcan dishes with modern Mediterranean cooking methods that respect both heritage and innovation. Each plate tells a story of the sea, the land, and the skilled hands that bring these summer Mediterranean meals to life.
1. Lobster Linguini
One of our summer highlights is the delicious Lobster Linguini. This dish features the finest lobster, known for its sweet and delicate meat, as the star ingredient. We create a rich sauce using fresh shrimp bisque, which we slowly reduce to capture the true essence of the Mediterranean flavours. The sauce perfectly coats al dente linguini pasta, ensuring every bite is a delightful combination of textures.
To enhance the dish further, we add torn fresh basil leaves that release their aromatic oils when scattered on top. Aged Parmesan cheese brings a nutty depth that complements the natural sweetness of the seafood. For a subtle kick, we include a hint of chilli that adds warmth without overpowering the delicate flavours. Finally, finely snipped chives provide a gentle onion note and a pop of vibrant green against the golden pasta.
This authentic Palma dish beautifully blends Italian tradition with Mediterranean ingredients at their peak during summer. When served at your table, you can expect steam rising from the bowl carrying the enticing scent of the sea and fresh herbs—a true celebration of simplicity executed with precision. Here, quality ingredients take centre stage, requiring only minimal intervention to elevate them into something extraordinary.
With each mouthful, you’ll experience perfect harmony between various elements—the tender lobster flesh, silky sauce, and expertly cooked pasta—creating an unforgettable dining experience that captures the essence of summer along our coastline.
2. Octopus Tacos
Our octopus tacos are a perfect blend of Mediterranean tradition and modern creativity. They capture the spirit of summer Mediterranean meals while also paying tribute to the authentic food culture of Palma.
We cook tender octopus slowly in our Josper charcoal oven, allowing the flames to gently kiss each piece and infuse it with a subtle smokiness that enhances the natural sweetness of the sea. The crispy corn tortilla holds this juicy protein along with vibrant guacamole, fresh pico de gallo, and delicate canónigo leaves—each ingredient adding its own unique flavour to the dish.
A squeeze of lime brightens every bite, while crème fraîche brings a cool richness that balances out the charred flavours. This is our way of reinterpreting traditional Mallorcan dishes for today’s taste buds—honouring the island’s coastal treasures while also embracing global influences that make each tasting experience unforgettable.
3. Josper-Smoked Eggplant
The Josper turns simple eggplant into something amazing. Our smoked eggplant is full of flavour, capturing the essence of Mediterranean cooking—where fire, time, and high-quality ingredients work together to create something special. The char from the Josper grill adds a subtle smokiness to each bite, perfectly complementing the tangy Roman tomato sauce.
We place creamy feta cheese on top of the tender, grilled eggplant, allowing the tangy richness to seep into every nook and cranny. A generous drizzle of golden olive oil brings everything together, its fruity notes enhancing the natural sweetness of the eggplant. The dish comes with crispy bread on the side, perfect for soaking up the delicious combination of tomato, cheese, and oil.
This preparation pays homage to the Mallorcan tradition of showcasing seasonal produce while adding our own modern twist through the unique cooking method of the Josper. Summer eggplants, at their peak ripeness, become the base for a dish that feels both rustic and elegant—light enough for warm evenings yet satisfying in its bold, layered flavours.
4. Beef Carpaccio Bruschetta
Our beef carpaccio bruschetta is a delightful combination of Italian elegance and Mediterranean freshness. It features thinly sliced high-quality beef carpaccio placed on crispy bread, topped with creamy mozzarella and aged parmesan that slightly melts from the heat of the toast. The surprising sweetness of marinated cherries balances out the richness, while vibrant Genovese pesto adds an herby depth to every mouthful. Fresh rocket contributes a peppery flavour, and we finish it off with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil that brings all the elements together.
This dish embodies the spirit of summer dining—light enough for warm evenings yet filling enough to satisfy cravings. It showcases how traditional Mediterranean ingredients can be transformed into something both familiar and extraordinary.
The combination of different textures and temperatures creates a sensory experience that lingers long after the last bite.
5. Artichoke Flowers with Iberian Ham
Artichokes are a beloved staple in Mediterranean cooking, and we’ve put our own twist on this versatile vegetable. Our method involves smoking tender artichokes on the Josper grill, which not only gives them a unique wood-fired flavour but also causes them to unfurl like delicate flowers. Each petal absorbs the smoky essence, providing a perfect base for the other flavours in the dish.
This dish strikes a harmonious balance between rich and bright elements. Balsamic cream adds a tangy sweetness, while garlic butter brings an indulgent comfort. Pomegranate seeds, resembling precious gems, burst with fresh acidity and cut through the richness of the other ingredients, while also adding visual appeal to the plate. To top it all off, we garnish the dish with thin slices of crispy Iberian ham. The saltiness and delicate texture of the ham perfectly complement the earthiness of the artichoke.
This dish showcases how seasonal ingredients can be elevated into something truly special when combined with high-quality components. It embodies the essence of summer Mediterranean meals—paying homage to both traditional recipes and innovative techniques.
6. Tapas – Social Small Plates Perfect for Sampling Variety
Summer evenings in Palma come alive through the ritual of tapas—those perfectly portioned plates designed for sharing, conversation, and lingering over a glass of wine as the Mediterranean sun sets. This tradition transforms dining into a social celebration, where each small plate becomes an invitation to explore the island’s culinary identity without committing to a single dish.
Our approach to tapas honours this Mallorcan tradition while embracing the season’s bounty. The beauty lies in variety: grilled octopus kissed with Josper smoke, tender artichoke flowers crowned with crispy Iberian ham, or the delicate sweetness of Bouchot mussels bathed in white wine and garlic butter. Each plate tells its own story through local ingredients—sun-ripened tomatoes, fresh-caught seafood from Palma’s markets, and aromatic herbs that thrive in our island climate.
The tapas experience allows you to taste the authentic flavours of the region in their purest form, where seasonal produce and carefully selected spices create dishes that feel both hearty and refreshingly light—precisely what summer dining demands.
7. Bouchot Mussels in White Wine
The Mediterranean coastline gifts us with treasures that define summer dining, and our Bouchot mussels capture the essence of the sea in every shell. These prized molluscs arrive fresh from pristine waters, steamed to perfection in aromatic white wine that mingles with garlic butter to create a sauce worth savouring with every spoonful. Fresh tarragon adds an elegant herbaceous note, while basil oil drizzled atop brings a verdant richness that speaks to the island’s abundant summer gardens. We serve this dish with crispy bread—essential for capturing every drop of the fragrant broth. The preparation honours centuries-old coastal traditions, where simplicity allows the quality of ingredients to shine, transforming humble mussels into an experience that embodies the warmth of Mediterranean summer evenings.
8. Veal Escalope
When the summer heat calls for something substantial yet refined, our veal escalope delivers comfort elevated to an art form. The tender veal is prepared with precision, creating a golden exterior that yields to succulent meat beneath. Two slow-cooked eggs rest atop, their rich yolks mingling with an indulgent truffle sauce that transforms each bite into pure luxury.
The combination of earthy truffle flavours with delicate veal reflects the Mediterranean tradition of allowing high-quality ingredients to shine without unnecessary decoration. Fresh chives add a subtle brightness that cuts through the richness, while our perfectly crispy French fries provide the ideal textural contrast. This dish represents the balance we cherish—satisfying enough for a leisurely summer lunch, yet sophisticated in its execution and presentation.
9. Sour Kimchi Grilled Octopus
This dish beautifully combines Mediterranean tradition with bold Asian flavours. We cook our octopus on the Josper grill, which gives it a tender inside and a nicely charred outside. The lemon kimchi sauce adds a surprising brightness—it’s tangy, slightly fermented, and has a mild heat that wakes up your taste buds without overpowering the natural sweetness of the octopus.
Underneath all this is a smooth cauliflower cream, which adds an earthy touch to the dish’s more vibrant flavours. This preparation shows how we respect Mallorcan seafood traditions while also embracing modern flavour combinations. The result is a summer Mediterranean meal that’s both familiar and exciting.
The dish captures the essence of coastal dining—fresh, bold, and unforgettable.
10. Thalia Cheesecake
No summer meal feels complete without a dessert that captures the season’s brightness, and our signature cheesecake embodies precisely that philosophy. We’ve crafted this dessert to balance richness with refreshing Mediterranean notes—lemon provides a citrus burst that awakens the palate, while white chocolate adds velvety sweetness without overwhelming the senses. The unexpected addition of fresh basil transforms this familiar dessert into something distinctly ours, bridging the gap between traditional indulgence and contemporary innovation.
The combination speaks to our approach: honouring classic techniques while embracing the aromatic herbs that thrive in Mallorcan gardens throughout summer. Each forkful delivers creamy decadence punctuated by herbal complexity, creating a finale that feels both satisfying and light—the perfect conclusion to an evening of authentic Palma dining.
Where to Experience These Dishes in Palma de Mallorca This Summer?
Our restaurant is one of the best places to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine in Palma de Mallorca this summer. At Thalia Mallorca, we’ve carefully selected each of these signature dishes—from the delicious Lobster Linguini to the creative Octopus Tacos—using the same commitment to quality and authenticity that defines our approach to hospitality.
We invite you to book a table and taste these flavours for yourself at one of Mallorca’s best Mediterranean restaurants, where the warmth of summer evenings combines with the artistry of Mediterranean cooking. Our menu showcases the island’s culinary essence while incorporating modern techniques, especially our use of the Josper grill that adds unique smoky flavours to dishes like eggplant and octopus.
For those exploring beyond our restaurant, Palma has many dining options for adventurous travellers. Look for places where locals gather during their evening strolls, where menus change based on fresh catches of the season, and where the aroma of charcoal and sea salt fills the air. The narrow streets of the old town have cosy restaurants where traditional recipes have been perfected over generations, while the waterfront promenades offer outdoor settings ideal for enjoying shared plates as the Mediterranean sun sets.
The secret to experiencing authentic summer dining in Palma is by embracing the island’s way of life—having late dinners, engaging in relaxed conversations, and finding joy in exceptional ingredients prepared with love.
Conclusion
Summer in Palma de Mallorca is the perfect time to explore the delicious food that embodies the Mediterranean lifestyle. Every dish has a story to tell—of sunny coastlines, age-old traditions brought back to life with modern techniques, and the island’s unwavering dedication to top-notch ingredients.
The beauty of an authentic Palma cuisine experience is not just in savouring individual dishes, but in grasping how they come together to form a complete sensory tale. From the subtle sweetness of lobster linguini to the strong, smoky flavours of Josper-grilled octopus, every plate we serve showcases our commitment to craftsmanship and our profound respect for Mediterranean culinary heritage.
Summer travel food tips start with being open-minded and willing to try new things. Allow yourself to be pleasantly surprised by unexpected flavour pairings—kimchi meeting octopus, truffle enhancing veal, lemon brightening white chocolate. These are the moments that turn a meal into a cherished memory.
We invite you to discover these top Mediterranean dishes to try in Palma de Mallorca this summer at your own pace, savouring each bite as the warm evening air carries the scent of basil and sea salt. Whether you’re drawn to the comfort of familiar classics or the intrigue of innovative preparations, our table awaits. Let this season be defined by the flavours you discover, the conversations you share, and the experiences that linger long after summer fades.
