Long gone are the days when the only vegetarian option in a restaurant was an omelette, or for vegans, a simple salad. Today almost all restaurants are obliged to provide a number of dishes catering for non-meat eaters in order to succeed in an increasingly competitive market. More recently there has been a dramatic increase in restaurants specialising in only vegetarian or vegan dishes and these have also become popular with meat eaters who are seeking an alternative healthy option.
On Mallorca, whilst being able to boast numerous fine dining establishments that cater for both carnivores and vegetarians, the Island is now home to around 30 vegetarian and/or vegan restaurants many of which use only the freshest and finest quality locally produced fruits and vegetables.
As one would expect, Palma the capital, hosts the largest number of ‘green’ eateries with prices and menus to suit all pockets. Purportedly the first vegan restaurant to appear on Mallorca is Bon Lloc, located at 7 Carre de Sant Feliu, in Palma, which opened its doors in 1978.
This cosy, friendly and popular restaurant offers excellent value for money and serves a wide variety of organic, vegetarian, vegan and raw food dishes. Open throughout the year for lunch from 1.00pm to 4.00pm Monday to Saturday and for dinner from 7.30pm to 10.30pm Tuesday to Saturday; it is recommended that you book beforehand as the restaurant is frequently full.
Plaer Natural at 3 Placa Quartera is another favourite Palma vegetarian restaurant which also caters for vegans and those demanding gluten free food. Lunch is served from 1.00pm to 4.00pm Monday to Friday with dinner on offer on Thursdays and Fridays between 7.30pm and 11.00pm. It is closed on Saturday and Sunday. Plaer Natural has earned a reputation not only for its diverse menu but also for serving quality local craft beers.
Ziva to Go is a chain of three vegan take away stores with seating for customers who prefer to eat within the premises. Rather than being restaurants in the true sense of the word the food is counter service and served in biodegradable plastic containers. They specialise in vegan raw food, pizza, European and a selection of hot and cold juices and smoothies.
Two of the premises are in Palma at 11 Placa de la Navegacion in the Santa Catalina district with the other being at Calle Protectora close to the centre. The third is located in Calle Valencia, Son Bugadelles in the Santa Ponsa area. All three are open from Monday to Saturday during office hours and are closed on Sundays. They have become extremely popular with locals and tourists alike.
If you find yourself on the south east of the Island close to Cala D’or then a visit to Treff is worthwhile. Located on the Avda de Felanitx at Cala Ferrera, Treff describes itself as a Bio Restaurant serving vegetarian, vegan, raw and gluten free dishes. The extensive menu consists of over 70 dishes all with either a Mediterranean, Spanish or European flavour.
The restaurant, which is open seven days a week from 11.00am to 11.00pm, is both cosy and charming and is highly rated and very popular. A children’s menu is also available and the premises has wheelchair access.
Close to the main square but tucked down a small side street in Alcudia Old Town is the small vegan café and delicatessen ‘Verdeteja’. Located at 13 Calle Lledoner, and with just four outside tables, this cosy little venue is a haven for vegans or those seeking a healthy bite or refreshing smoothie.
Freshly prepared vegan, lacto, organic and ovo dishes are available and it even has its own bakery. Open daily from 10.00am to 3.00pm except for Friday.
