Spain
Produce: The foundation of Majorcan cooking. Tomatoes (especially the ramallet variety), bell peppers, aubergines, onions, and garlic are common. Broad beans and artichokes feature seasonally. Soller specifically emphasizes its abundant citrus fruits, used in both sweet and savory applications.
Proteins: Pork is prominent, often cured into various sausages like sobrassada. Lamb and rabbit also feature in traditional stews. Fresh fish (sea bass, hake, cod) and diverse seafood (prawns, squid, octopus) are staples, especially in coastal areas like Port de Soller. Staples: High-quality olive oil, produced locally in the Soller valley, is ubiquitous. Rustic bread, rice, and legumes (chickpeas, lentils) form the base of many dishes. Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf infuse dishes with aromatic notes. Spices: Paprika (both sweet 'dulce' and spicy 'picante') defines spice, especially in cured meats and stews. Saffron also adds flavor and color to rice dishes.
Soller's cuisine, while broadly Majorcan, emphasizes its unique local products. The famous Soller oranges and lemons are not just for juice; they feature in desserts, liqueurs (like Angel d'Or), and even subtle ways in savory dishes. The valley's olive oil is renowned for its quality.
Tipping: A small tip (5-10%) for good service is customary. Bread: Often served with meals, sometimes for a small charge. If not wanted, politely decline. Sharing: Tapas (small dishes) and "raciones" (larger portions for sharing) are common and encouraged. Dress Code: Generally casual for most restaurants. For finer dining, smart casual attire fits.
This is not a liquid soup but a hearty, traditional Majorcan stew. It features thinly sliced bread as a base, layered with a rich broth and many vegetables. Often includes small pieces of meat. Find it at traditional Majorcan restaurants called "cellers" or "cocinas."
A traditional Majorcan stew, not a liquid soup.
A traditional fried dish typically containing liver (pork or lamb), potatoes, peppers, onions, and often fennel. Variations exist with seafood. This rustic dish is found in local "celler" restaurants or tapas bars.
A rustic fried dish with meat and vegetables.
A delicious vegetarian dish made of layers of thinly sliced potatoes, aubergines, and red peppers, all fried and then baked in a rich tomato sauce. Often served as a side dish or a delightful vegetarian main course. Widely available.
A layered baked vegetable dish.
The most famous Majorcan pastry. This spiral-shaped, light, and fluffy sweet bread is often dusted with powdered sugar. It can be plain or filled with cream, pumpkin jam, or chocolate. Available in almost every bakery. A smaller Ensaimada makes an excellent, travel-friendly souvenir.
Gató d'Ametlla: A delicious flourless almond cake, often served with a scoop of almond ice cream. Coca de Patata: A soft, light potato bun, often enjoyed with hot chocolate.
A scenic drive outside Soller, this iconic seafood restaurant is built into the cliff face near Cala Deià. It offers fresh seafood with breathtaking sea views. Reservations are essential.
A Michelin-starred restaurant near Soller, known for its creative Majorcan cuisine and sophisticated tasting menus.
Offers elegant dining with stunning sea views and a focus on quality ingredients.
Popular for its delicious tapas and local dishes, with a lively atmosphere.
Location: Soller
A good choice for modern Majorcan cuisine, often featuring a fixed tasting menu that highlights seasonal ingredients.
Location: Soller
Excellent for economical breakfasts and snacks. Find fresh pastries, savory cocas, and simple bocadillos (sandwiches).
The municipal market has stalls selling fresh produce, cheeses, and some prepared foods, for a quick, affordable meal or picnic ingredients.
Many local bars offer inexpensive "bocadillos" and tapas, for a quick and authentic meal.
A lively outdoor market held weekly in Plaça Constitució (Soller town square).
Carry an allergy card written in Spanish that explains your dietary restrictions. This aids clarity and accuracy when ordering.
Apps like "HappyCow" aid in finding vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants.
Clearly convey your dietary needs with restaurant staff. For gluten-free: "Soy celíaco/a". For allergies: "alergia a...".
This iconic dish, rustic bread rubbed with garlic, olive oil, and tomato, pairs well with cheese, cured meats, or jamón. A versatile choice for any meal.
Many restaurants offer a "Menu del Día" for lunch, a fixed-price, multi-course meal that delivers good value and a taste of local cuisine.
Beyond dining, Soller offers opportunities for culinary immersion.
Some local businesses or rural hotels offer cooking classes focused on Majorcan cuisine. These often include a market visit to source ingredients, followed by hands-on preparation and enjoying the meal.
Guided walking tours focused on Soller's culinary heritage. These tours typically include tastings of local olive oil, oranges, and traditional pastries, combined with historical and cultural insights.
Many fincas (traditional estates) in the Soller valley welcome visitors for tours and tastings of their olive oil and citrus products.
Seek out traditional Majorcan restaurants (often called "cellers") slightly off the main tourist routes in Soller or its surrounding villages. These establishments offer authentic cuisine favored by locals.
Authentic cuisine and local favorites.
While traditional Majorcan cuisine dominates, Italian, Indian, and other international restaurants exist, especially in Port de Soller, catering to diverse tastes.
Diverse dining options available.
The Saturday Market in Plaça Constitució is a lively event with local produce, crafts, and food stalls.
It offers a genuine glimpse into community life.
A sensory experience, offering fresh local produce, cheeses, and olives.
To truly experience Soller’s local pulse, visit the Saturday Market in Plaça Constitució.
