One of the largest, most eclectic and more popular tourist destinations on North Mallorca is Alcudia and Port d’Alcudia. Not only a favourite with families and those of a sportier disposition, the area also attracts eco tourists and birders. The Municipality of Alcudia covers an area of over 60² kilometres and encompasses nearly 14 kilometres of sandy beaches. It is home to one of the largest hotel complexes in Europe whilst still being able to offer those seeking a cosier and quieter retreat a good selection of quaint and intimate hotels and B&Bs.
With a ready market of eager diners on its doorstep, the area obviously contains a huge selection of restaurants, bars and cafes to suit all tastes and pockets. It is not the intention of the writer to direct readers to a specific type of establishment but more to recommend some of the better restaurants in the region, whilst covering the whole range of dishes and prices that are on offer.
Starting at the top end, Port d’Alcudia is home to one of Mallorca’s increasing number of Michelin starred restaurants, this being El Jardin, which is a very special restaurant indeed. Located on Carrer Tritones and set in a beautiful garden, the ground floor of this villa styled building houses a highly recommended Bistro, with the Michelin Restaurant located on the first floor within a calming, minimalistic dining area of white walls and large abstract paintings.
The chef and owner, Macarena de Castro bases her menu on the vision that diners are able to immerse themselves in the flavours of the sea, mountains and forests of Mallorca. Expect to pay around €120 per person. A regularly changing tasting menu is also available. Booking is essential.
Ca’n Punyetes at 1, Calle Barques, not far from the port, is a busy restaurant specialising in some excellent homemade tapas dishes many of which are based around fresh locally sourced fish and shell fish.
The restaurant is part of an old family house with plenty of outside seating and is a regular haunt for both tourists and locals. For those seeking a change from fish, try their oxtail or Iberian meats. Opening hours are 12.30 to 16.00 and 19.00 to 23.59, closed on Tuesdays.
Ardent carnivores would be well advised to take a trip to Rancho Chico at 7, Calle Mar del Plata, Port d’Alcudia, a reasonably priced and well-reviewed Mediterranean and European Steakhouse described by some as a “meat lovers’ paradise”. Entry to this restaurant is via a gate surrounded by a hedge which opens out onto a shaded courtyard surrounded by plants giving a tranquil but cosy environment. Renowned for its fillet steak Rancho Chico also serves lamb, pork and oxtail which is cooked upon an Argentinian style swinging grill. Closed on Mondays but otherwise open from 18.00 to 01.30 daily.
Housed in an old traditional Mallorcan residence at 14, Calle Sant Vincenc, in the old town of Alcudia is Restaurant C’an Costa which serves authentic Mallorcan dishes in a rustic but elegant atmosphere. This charming restaurant is an ideal place to sample genuine locally sourced Mallorcan produce with which they prepare Tumbet, Frito Mallorquin, Cod stuffed with sobrasada (a Mallorcan sausage) a multitude of paellas and fish dishes and meat plates of suckling pig, rabbit, pork loin and baked lamb shoulder.
Vegetarians and celiacs are also catered for and a children’s menu is available. During the summer season Ca’n Costa is open every day from 12.30 to 15.30 and from 18.30 to 23.30. The restaurant is closed for business from the 15th January to 15th March but open in the winter daily except Mondays.
Should you want a change from typical Mediterranean food but draw the line at basic British meat and two veg, why not try Kathmandu Indian Tandoori House at 52 Carretera d’Arta in Port d’Alcudia. Specialising in Indian, Asian and Nepalese with dishes to also suit vegetarians, vegans and those limited to gluten free options, this restaurant has something for everyone!
Highly rated by 95% of its customers who expressed an opinion, this reasonably priced and very friendly establishment with a relaxed atmosphere is open seven days a week from 13.00 to 23.59. It has indoor and outdoor seating available, a full bar, free Wi-Fi, is child friendly and has easy wheelchair access. Take away service is also offered.
Probably the best Italian restaurant in Port d’Alcudia is the cosy Sa Roqueta Wine and Food, located at 10, Calle Marisco. This small friendly restaurant is run by a husband and wife team and is always busy. It has become famous for its excellent service and value.
The Italian and Mediterranean dishes on offer are accompanied by an excellent wine list. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are also available on the menu. Many visitors rave about the food at Sa Roqueta and claim it as being the best they ate during their stay in the region. Praise indeed! Due to the size and popularity of the restaurant, booking is recommended.
If fish floats your boat and you would like to dine in comfort with wonderful views over the yacht marina in Port d’Alcudia then look no further than Restaurant Miramar at 2, Passeig Maritim. Whilst the menu is predominantly filled with a wide choice of fresh locally sourced seafood, meat is also an option and there are at least six paella plates to choose from.
Many of the dishes are prepared in the traditional Mallorcan fashion and the service is attentive but relaxed. Prices are a little above middle of the range but the quality of fish is extremely good and worth spending that little bit extra on. Open for lunches and dinner every day of the week from 12.00 until 23.59.
If you fancy a visit to an English Pub try the Boat and Anchor at 11a Calle Coral, just off the main street and up from the beach in Port d’Alcudia. This very good value sports bar serves an excellent English breakfast and is also open for lunch and dinner with vegetarian and vegan options available.
There is a wide selection of beers, spirits and wines as one would expect and you are always assured of a friendly welcome. Open Monday to Fridays from 10.00 until 15.00 then from 18.00 until 23.30 and from 10.00 to 23.30 on Saturdays and Sundays. There is indoor and outdoor seating, the bar is wheelchair accessible and live sports are shown on three screens. Free Wi-Fi and child friendly with high chairs available so dad can entertain the kids whilst watching the football!
Great for large groups, families or just a romantic (but lively) dinner for two, Smiths Café-Bar-Restaurant situated just 100 yards from the beach at 3, Calle Buguemvil-lea, Port d’Alcudia, close to its border with Playa de Muro ticks all the boxes for those looking for an extensive child friendly menu where you can enjoy everything from nachos or a sandwich to a fillet steak.
Pizzas, pastas, fish and chicken dishes, ribs, chops, burgers and all day breakfasts are served here with a dessert menu including ice creams and pancakes! There is also an excellent drinks menu serving tasty cocktails, beers and wines or yummy milkshakes. Opened originally in 1987 Smiths has become very popular with holiday makers and is open seven days a week for brunch, lunch and dinner (food is served all day) or just drinks, from 10.30 until 01.00. Live evening entertainment every Monday, Friday and Saturday.
Two charming Bistros, both located in the heart of the old town in Alcudia are Bistro 1909 at 6, Calle Major and Bistro Plaza at 5, Plaza de Constitucion, near the town hall. Both serve very good, reasonably priced lunches and dinners, mainly consisting of Spanish dishes including Tapas. There is usually a number of daily specials including ‘catch of the day’.
Bistro Plaza is larger than its sister Bistro 1909 and is a great place to people watch. Both restaurants have outside seating and always receive good reviews.
