Mallorca’s 12 Michelin Stars have been awarded. Over the last two decades Mallorca has accomplished a culinary transformation. A complete overhaul from the tourist fare of old to one of the world’s most appetising destinations and not just for its World Heritage landscapes, pristine beaches, local culture and world class luxury hotels but also for it’s outstanding food scene.
A wave has been building of Mallorquin restaurants showcasing locally-sourced ingredients of fish, lamb and pork, fruits and vegetables, nuts, oils, local wines and with the island’s rich historical food culture, it is now producing outstanding cuisine recognised by the gastronomy ‘bible’ the Michelin Guide.
This year Mallorca restaurants were awarded 12 Michelin Stars and 2 Bib Gourmand.
We have learned to absorb international influences in recent years and nowhere is that more evident in Mallorca where the links with Central and South America have brought new and exciting flavours from Mexico and Peru, for example, that can be blended with fantastic local Mallorcan ingredients.
But the key factor that has driven so many more to seek out the best places to eat, especially those rewarded with a Michelin Star or Stars, is that eating out is no longer so formal, especially at lunchtime. You no longer need to spend a fortune to sample Michelin starred cuisine. It is possible to sample a 5 course lunch menu of a Michelin Star Chef in Mallorca for €55!
Of the 13 Michelin Stars awarded, here are this year’s winners:
Benet and Jaume Vicens at Bens d’Avall, Sóller, celebrating over 50 years of cooking which has passed from father to son. The location is just spectacular on the the Sóller to Deiá road. Focusing on homegrown produce they have their own cliff terrace vegetable patch.
Dins by Santi Taura in Palma. Originally from Lloseta where he owned a restaurant for many years before heading to the city, cooking in luxury hotel El LLorenç Parc de la Mar, his unique skills have at last been recognised. Of the award Taura said: “We don’t invent anything, we only cook things that are documented in our gastronomic history, such as Fornet de la Soca, but in a restaurant.”
Marc Fosh, the first British chef to have ever won a Michelin Star in Spain. Marc opened Marc Fosh Restaurant 15 years ago and in 2017 won his Michelin Star and has maintained it ever since.
Marc Fosh Restaurant is located in the 17th century Hotel Convent de la Missió in the heart of Palma. Marc also has a restaurant called Sa Pleta, in the sister Hotel Pleta de Mar in the north east of the island.
Adrián Quetglas Palma. Born in Buenos Aires to a Mallorcan father, his professional journey has taken him from Paris to Moscow training with great chefs such as Marc Fosh ( above ) and he now calls Mallorca his home. He likes to cook traditional family meals with a twist such as escaldons, tumbet, frito mallorquín and empanadas.
Es Fum is located in the 5 Star St Regis Mardavall, south west of Palma. Miguel Navarro, the head chef since 2017, fuses the freshest produce of Mallorca with the best Mediterranean flavours in every dish.
Maca de Castro Restaurant in Port de Alcudia is run by female chef Maca. Her cooking dispenses its passion for Mallorcan food. Born in Mallorca and from a family with close ties to the world of gastronomy, she has developed an affinity for local ingredients.
Voro headed up by Álvaro Salazar was awarded Two Michelin stars again this year. Voro is located in the Cap Vermell Grand Hotel in Canyamel in the north east of the island with its cuisine embedded in the Mediterranean.
Chef Fernando Arellano of Zaranda Restaurant relocated to Palma in 2021 and now has his restaurant in 5 * Es Princep Hotel, Nuevo Zaranda where he has been awarded a Michelin star in this new setting for a second year.
It has been a dream come true for Fusion chef Javier Hoebeek to be awarded his first Michelin Star for Fusion 19 in Playa de Muro in the north of Mallorca. Serving all local products, his inspirations come from the places he has lived, Japan, Latin America and Mallorca. He has trained in Azurmendi, Celler de Can Roca and Zaranda in Mallorca.
Two new winners for 2023 are Andreu Genestra for this new signature Restaurant in 5 Star Hotel Zoetry in Llucmajor and Sa Clastra for Jordi Cantó at Castell Son Claret in Es Capdellà.
Talented young Mallorca chef, Jordi Cantó, together with his team, has been in the kitchen at Castell Son Claret since the hotel’s opening in 2013. Jordi stepped up in 2021 to introduce his Sa Clastra dining experience honouring the culinary heritage of Mallorca and in just two years has been awarded a Michelin Star.
Andreu Genestra Mediterranean Restaurant situated in 5 Star Zoëtry Hotel. has been awarded a new Michelin Star ( the restaurant relocated from Capdepera last year ).
In addition to the Michelin stars, there were two Bib Gourmand awarded, often a precursor to a future Michelin Star.
Miceli, by Marga Coll. A family-run restaurant in the village of Selva with lots of personality set in a charming stone house in which Marga was born. Taking its name from the filaments (mycelia) that mushrooms use to extract nutrients from the soil, the food and the location are special, with a terrace, partially covered by a glass porch, enjoying superb views. Traditional Mallorcan cuisine with a modern twist.
Can Boqueta, by Kiko Martorell has long been a favourite for residents and visitors alike in Sóller. Occupying a typical Mallorcan town house with rustic decor and a lovely patio for warm evenings, owner-chef Kiko offers an innovative take on Mallorcan cuisine enjoyed on two tasting menus – a simpler offering at lunchtime and a more elaborate option in the evening.
We say a huge thank you to the Chefs and their teams for Mallorca’s 13 Michelin Stars.
