Family-Owned Restaurants in Palma
Palma de Mallorca is known for its vibrant food scene, but if you want to experience authentic Mallorcan cuisine, family-owned restaurants are where you’ll find the heart and soul of the island’s culinary heritage. These generational restaurants focus on homemade recipes, fresh local ingredients, and warm hospitality, making them a must-visit for both locals and travelers.
A Taste of Tradition 🍽️
Whether you’re craving slow-cooked stews, fresh seafood, or traditional tapas, these family-run gems will give you a true taste of Mallorca.
Why Choose Family-Owned Restaurants? 👨🍳
✔ Authenticity – Passed-down recipes that stay true to Mallorcan roots.
✔ Locally Sourced Ingredients – Many use produce from their own farms or local markets.
✔ Warm Hospitality – You’ll feel like part of the family from the moment you walk in.
🍽️ Quick Guide: Family-Owned Restaurants in Palma
| Restaurant | Since | Location | Must-Try Dish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo | 1700s | Palma Old Town | Ensaimada & hot chocolate 🍩🍫 |
| Casa Maruka | 2000s | Palma Center | Slow-roasted suckling pig 🐖🔥 |
| Bar Cabrera | 1950s | Santa Catalina | Grilled cuttlefish 🦑 & croquettes |
| Celler Sa Premsa | 1958 | Palma Center | Arròs brut & sobrasada-stuffed pork loin 🍚🥩 |
| Mesón Ca’n Pedro | 1976 | Génova | Grilled lamb chops & caracoles 🐌🍖 |
🔗 Want to pair your meal with a great wine? Check out our guide to the Best Wineries in Mallorca!
Family-Owned Restaurants in Palma
Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo
📍 Location: Palma Old Town
⏳ Since: 1700s
Palma’s Oldest Café & Ensaimada Heaven
One of Mallorca’s oldest establishments, Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo is legendary for its ensaimadas, hot chocolate, and almond ice cream. This charming café is still family-run and retains its traditional wooden decor and nostalgic ambiance.
🍴 Must-Try:
✅ Ensaimada (Mallorca’s signature pastry)
✅ Thick Spanish hot chocolate
✅ Almond ice cream
💡 Meet the Owners: The same family has been running Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo for over 300 years—preserving its original recipes and old-world charm.
🔗 Related: Best Brunch Spots in Palma
Casa Maruka
📍 Location: Palma City Center
⏳ Since: 2000s
Home-Style Mallorcan Cuisine
Run by a family of chefs passionate about traditional Mallorcan comfort food, Casa Maruka is a hidden gem for those craving slow-cooked dishes, roasted meats, and rustic flavors.
🍴 Must-Try:
✅ Slow-roasted suckling pig
✅ Bacalao gratinado (grilled cod with aioli)
✅ Tumbet (Mallorcan ratatouille)
The Maruka Family – From Home Kitchen to City Favorite 👨🍳
Casa Maruka started as a small home kitchen project, run by a husband-and-wife team passionate about reviving Mallorcan comfort food. Over time, their dedication to homemade flavors and fresh local ingredients turned their restaurant into one of Palma’s best-kept secrets.
🔹 Why locals love them: The owners personally greet every guest and make sure each dish feels like a home-cooked meal.
🔹 Tip: Their daily set menu is one of the best value-for-money meals in Palma!
🔗 Related: Best Tapas Restaurants in Palma
Bar Cabrera
📍 Location: Santa Catalina
⏳ Since: 1950s
A Local Favorite for Tapas & Seafood
A true neighborhood classic, Bar Cabrera has been serving fresh seafood, tapas, and hearty stews for generations. The owner personally selects the best catch of the day from the local fish market.
🍴 Must-Try:
✅ Sepia a la plancha (grilled cuttlefish)
✅ Croquetas caseras (homemade croquettes)
✅ Pa amb oli (bread with olive oil, tomato & ham)
The Cabrera Family – Santa Catalina’s Tapas Legends 🦑
Bar Cabrera has been a local favorite for generations, originally opened in the 1950s by the grandfather of the current owner. Located in the heart of Santa Catalina, their philosophy is simple:
✔ Only the freshest seafood, sourced daily.
✔ Tapas made the traditional way, never rushed.
✔ A welcoming, family-like atmosphere where regulars are treated like friends.
🔹 What keeps them going? “Seeing people come back year after year, bringing their own families, is what makes all the hard work worth it,” says Carlos Cabrera, the grandson now running the restaurant.
🔹 Tip: Grab a seat outside for the bustling Santa Catalina experience.
🔗 Related: Best Wine Bars in Palma
Celler Sa Premsa
📍 Location: Palma City Center
⏳ Since: 1958
Traditional Mallorcan Dining
Stepping into Celler Sa Premsa feels like going back in time. This iconic family-owned restaurant serves classic Mallorcan dishes in a rustic setting, complete with wine barrels and wooden beams.
🍴 Must-Try:
✅ Arròs brut (Mallorcan saffron rice stew)
✅ Frito Mallorquín (pan-fried offal & potatoes – a local delicacy)
✅ Sobrasada-stuffed pork loin
The Llabrés Family – Guardians of Tradition at Celler Sa Premsa 👩🍳
For over three generations, the Llabrés family has been preserving Mallorcan culinary traditions at Celler Sa Premsa. The restaurant, which opened its doors in 1958, is famous for its authentic island cuisine, served in a historic setting filled with wine barrels, wooden beams, and the aroma of slow-cooked stews.
🔹 Family secret: Their Arròs Brut (saffron rice stew) is still made using the original family recipe passed down from the founder.
🔹 Tip: They have an excellent selection of local wines to pair with your meal!
🔗 Related: A Guide to Mallorcan Wines
Mesón Ca’n Pedro
📍 Location: Genova, Palma
⏳ Since: 1976
The Best Grilled Meats in Palma
A true meat lover’s paradise, Mesón Ca’n Pedro is a Palma institution for grilled meats, hearty Mallorcan dishes, and mountain views. Family-run for over 40 years, this place is a must for a rustic dining experience.
🍴 Must-Try:
✅ Chuletón de buey (massive T-bone steak)
✅ Caracoles (traditional Mallorcan snails)
✅ Grilled lamb chops with rosemary
🔹 Tip: Book in advance – locals love this spot, and it fills up fast!
🔗 Related: Where to Stay in Palma – Boutique Hotels
Supporting Family Businesses in Palma 💡
By dining at family-owned restaurants, you’re not just enjoying incredible food, you’re also:
✔ Supporting local farmers, fishermen, and wine producers.
✔ Helping preserve Mallorca’s culinary traditions.
✔ Enjoying a more personal and authentic dining experience.
📌 Have a favorite family-owned restaurant in Palma? Let us know, and we’ll feature it in our next update!
🔗 More Local Business Guides
✔ Palma’s Business Scene – A Guide to Local Entrepreneurship
✔ Independent Fashion Designers & Artisan Stores in Palma
Are You a Local Restaurant Owner? Let’s Collaborate!
Palma Weekly is dedicated to showcasing the best of Palma’s independent businesses, from family-owned restaurants to artisan shops and local brands.
Do you own a restaurant, café, or tapas bar in Palma that deserves to be featured? We’d love to hear your story!
✔ Share Your Story – We highlight the history & passion behind local businesses.
✔ Get More Visibility – Reach locals and travelers looking for authentic food experiences.
✔ Boost Your Online Presence – Featured businesses benefit from SEO-friendly exposure.
📩 Get in touch with us!
Email: hola@palmaweekly.com
Instagram: @palmaweekly
🔹 Tag us on Instagram with your favorite family-owned restaurants using #PalmaWeeklyEats for a chance to be featured!
Final Thoughts – Where Will You Eat Next?
If you’re craving seafood by the coast, slow-cooked Mallorcan stews, or grilled meats in a traditional setting, Palma’s family-owned restaurants offer some of the best food experiences on the island.
Next time you visit Palma, skip the tourist traps and enjoy a meal where locals have been dining for generations. Buen provecho! 🍷
📩 Want to share your experience at a local restaurant? Get in touch at hola@palmaweekly.com! 🚀
