When you think of Menorca, probably the first thing that springs to mind is its spectacular beaches and coves with turquoise waters and fine sand, its wonderful Mediterranean climate, perfect for enjoying the sea almost all year round, the Camí de Cavalls (a wonderful trail around the island), and its relaxed lifestyle that makes us enjoy the small things in this little Mediterranean paradise where time seems to go by much more slowly.
Menorca, however, is much more than that. It has a cultural legacy left behind by the many peoples who inhabited it, the Romans, the Arabs, the French and the British. This cultural wealth has left its mark on the island as well as on its gastronomy.
Rich, varied, fish- and meat-based, Menorcan cuisine will win you over as soon as you take your first bite. All thanks to its ancient culinary tradition that combines classic Mediterranean flavours with those of the Spanish hinterland.
But what should you eat in Menorca? Read this guide to discover the typical dishes of the island of Menorca that you should try if you are thinking of going on holiday there.
10 typical Menorcan dishes
Typical Menorcan cuisine has ancient origins and is the product of many cultures. It is a simple yet varied cuisine that will satisfy even the most picky of palates. Of course, fish and shellfish play a key role in the island’s gastronomy, but its meat dishes are delicious too.
Discover the most authentic side of Menorca through its traditional dishes.
1. Typical Menorca dishes: Caldereta de Langosta
Without a doubt, the Caldereta de Langosta is one of the best-known dishes of Menorcan cuisine. The name comes from caldereta, the terracotta bowl the dish is still cooked in even today. It’s a lobster soup, preferably using lobsters that are female and not too young. In fact, the older the lobster, the better the broth. Along with the lobster, the dish also includes cherry tomatoes, onions, green chili, parsley sprigs and slices of bread.
Caldereta is not a dish to be eaten immediately: it tastes best 5 hours after it is made, and ideally should be cooked one day in advance. Although it can be enjoyed all over the island, the best place to eat it is said to be the fishing village of Fornells, where several restaurants boast it as their speciality.
Where to try caldereta de langosta in Menorca: among the many options in Fornells, I indicate the restaurant Sa Llagosta (Carrer de Gabriel Gelabert, 12, 07748 Fornells) facing the sea, by the well-known Chef David De Coca.
2. Typical Menorca dishes: Ensaimada
Another typical Menorcan dish, ensaimada, has been part of the gastronomy of the Balearic Islands for centuries. It is an iconic dessert, and the most famous. Ensaimada is so beloved that it has its own Protected Geographical Indication, “Ensaïmada de Mallorca“.
Ensamaida is said to have Arab origins, and its characteristic shape, resembling a rolled turban, only serves to strengthen the argument. It is as easy to prepare as it is tasty.
Its main ingredients are flour, water, sugar, eggs, and lard, and is baked until it forms its characteristic shape. Sometimes they have icing sugar sprinkled on top and sometimes they have a filling. The traditional filling is cabell d’àngel, a sort of pumpkin jam, but it can also be filled with delicious custard. We have the feeling that once you’ve tasted it, you may well become addicted.
Where to try ensaimada in Menorca: if you want to try the best Ensaimada in Menorca then we recommend Can Pons (shop and workshop in Es Mercadal, Carrer del General Albertí, 6),winners of the Best Ensaimada award at the 2020 world championship.
3. Typical Menorca dishes: Oliaigua
A must-try Menorcan speciality is oliaigua, a humble recipe that farmers would use when enduring hardship. Mainly made of up water, oil, and some aromatic herbs, it was a typical breakfast. Over time, it has become the first course in many meals, adding vegetables to make a tasty soup of water, oil, tomatoes, green pepper, and garlic, served in a bowl with layer of toast on the bottom.
It’s always eaten at room temperature or warmed up a little bit. The recipe has so many variations that Menorcan restaurants often have their own version, adding different ingredients depending on the season.
Where to try oliaigua in Menorca: among all the restaurants visited, I suggest you try El Faro de Cala Torret (Carrer de ses Cranques, s/n, Binibequer Nou, 07711).
4. Typical Menorca dishes: Mahon cheese
Another highlight belonging to the typical gastronomy of Menorca is queso de Mahon. Declared a PDO since 1985, this cheese is made with unpasteurised cow’s milk, generally Frisian breed, to which a small percentage of sheep’s milk is sometimes added.
Where to try Mahon cheese in Menorca: if you want to buy it and visit a farm in Menorca at the same time, I recommend La Subaida in Alaior (Carretera Alaior a Arenal de’n Castell s/n, 07740).
5. Typical Menorca dishes: Menorcan stuffed aubergine
A Menorcan speciality baked stuffed aubergine is a very common dish on the island, so popular that you will often find it in bars and restaurants. Local aubergines are used, which are smaller and more tender than regular ones.
To cook them, the aubergines are emptied and their pulp is removed to be used alone or mixed with other ingredients. They are then baked in the oven with chopped garlic, parsley and a sprinkling of breadcrumbs. Summertime is the best time to enjoy this delicious dish, as aubergine is in season.
Where to try stuffed eggplant in Menorca: at the La Guapa restaurant, in Fornells (Carrer Major, 29, 07748), you can try the typical cuisine of Menorca in a pleasant place with excellent service. Apart the eggplant, you can’t leave without trying the lobster.
6. Typical Menorca dishes: Sobrasada
Sobrasada is the most popular and most eaten sausage in Menorca. It’s made with selected pork meats, both lean cuts and bacon. The meat is stuffed and seasoned with salt, pepper and paprika, which gives it its characteristic red colour.
Spread onto a slice of bread, it is a delicious delicacy at any time of the day, although it can also be found in many traditional island recipes, such as the local rice.
Where to try the sobrasada in Menorca: at Es Tast de na Silvia (Carrer de Santa Clara, 14, 07760 Ciutadella de Menorca, Balearic Islands), a welcoming restaurant in the historic centre of Ciutadella, Slow Food certified.
7. Typical Menorca dishes: Arroz de la Tierra
Arroz de la Tierra is a risotto made with semolina and wheat. It’s a typical rural dish, made by soaking the rice all night.The following day, it’s placed in a terracotta bowl and left to cook with finely chopped bacon, sobrasada, butifarrón and sausages. Then potatoes are added. It’s a real treat.
Where to try arroz de la tierra in Menorca: at Mon Restaurante y Fonda, one of the best restaurants on the island, located in a renovated traditional house on the Paseo San Nicolás de Ciutadella.
8. Typical Menorca dishes: Fideuà
If you prefer pasta to rice, then Fideuá will win you over. Originating as an alternative dish to Paella, in order to cook it we use a type of short and thin pasta, similar to angel hair, which is mixed with chicken, shrimp, mussels or clams, fish broth, tomato, saffron and parsley.
Where to try Fideuá in Menorca: at Restaurant Sa Nacra (Carrer de Sa Nacra, Santandría – Sa Caleta, Ciutadella de Menorca) in Ciutadella, specialising in noodles and paella. The location with a terrace overlooking the sea is spectacular.
9. Typical Menorca dishes: Stuffed squid
Where to try stuffed squid in Menorca: at the Es Bruc beach bar, a stone’s throw from the sea. There are two: one on Santandria beach and one on San Adeodato beach, in the locality of Sant Tomàs.
10. Typical Menorca dishes: Pastissets
Pastissets are shortbread cookies in the shape of a flower with rounded tips. They can be plain, sprinkled with icing sugar or filled with fig jam. In the olden days, these cookies were made at Christmas time and during other holidays. Today, they can be found all year round in any bakery.
Where to try pastissets in Menorca: in Es Mercadal you can try them fromCas Sucrer, right in the centre.
Menorcan gastronomy is extremely rich and varied, and will satisfy everyone’s tastes. We recommend that you spend part of your holidays on the island enjoying these typical dishes and products: you will not regret it, and you will discover a very pleasant and tasty side of Menorca!
