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Nominated as the best destination for cuisine in Spain, Menorca is an island which is perfect for foodies, brimming with flavour, culinary traditions and all the pleasures of the Mediterranean diet.
Menorca carries the scent of the sea, the depth of lobster stew, and the character of Mahón cheese. Each bite is a journey through history, where age-old recipes are lovingly passed down through generations. Blending fresh local ingredients with Mediterranean flavours, Menorca offers a culinary experience that delights not just the palate, but the soul. It’s this unique fusion that has cemented the island’s status as a benchmark for great cuisine in Spain.
After being named European Region of Gastronomy in 2022, Menorca continues to earn accolades and has now been nominated as the best destination for foodies in Spain in the 2025 National Geographic Travel Readers' Choice Awards.
For those who have experienced its cuisine, this recognition comes as no surprise. Fresh, Mediterranean, and rooted in local ingredients, Menorcan cuisine strikes the perfect balance between tradition and creativity. If you’re a food lover seeking a destination where cuisine is at the heart of the experience, Menorca is ready to welcome you with open arms.
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Flavours that tell stories
Menorcan cuisine is a true reflection of the island’s history, the richness of its land, and its deep connection to the sea. Blending Mediterranean traditions with British influences and local herbs, its dishes offer unmistakable flavours that speak of the island’s past and present. Some of Menorca’s must-try specialties include:
- Mahón-Menorca cheese: with a Protected Designation of Origin, this cow’s milk cheese is one of the island’s culinary icons. Its intense, slightly salty flavour comes from the sea breeze that enriches the pastures where the cattle graze.
- Lobster stew: a traditional seafood dish once prepared by local fishermen. Menorcan red lobster is the key ingredient, slowly simmered with tomato, onion, and spices for a rich, flavourful experience.
- Perol menorqín: a classic of Menorcan home cooking. This baked dish features layers of potatoes and fresh fish, topped with a delicious tomato and garlic sauce.
- Carquinyols: these small almond biscuits are a sweet delight, perfect for pairing with a cup of Menorcan coffee.
Unmissable dining experiences
Menorca isn’t just about flavours on a plate — it’s about experiencing its rich food culture in local markets, family-run wineries, and vibrant food festivals like Menorca en el Plato or the traditional Mostra de Cuina Menorquina.
Here are some must-do activities for foodies visiting the island:
- Visit the Mercat des Claustre in Maó.
- Visit a traditional cheese farm to learn about the process of making Mahon-Menorca cheese.
- Taste local wines at a Menorcan winery, made with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon or Sirah grapes at vineyards such as Binifadet.
- Savour the flavours of the sea on a culinary tour of the port of Ciutadella.
- Join a Menorcan cooking workshop and learn to prepare traditional recipes.
- Visit the fish market in Maó and watch the fishermen bring in the day’s fresh catch.
From Ciutadella to Mahon
Menorca is a destination to be savoured slowly, where every meal is an experience enriched by the backdrop of the sea and the Mediterranean breeze. For the perfect culinary journey, start in Ciutadella, just minutes from the Zafiro Menorca, explore the island’s heart with its traditional flavours, and finish in Maó.
This year Zafiro Menorca has also renovated its buffet restaurant to provide an even more welcoming space with a modern and spacious design. The main cafeteria has also been redesigned to ensure greater comfort, as well as the reception area, which now has a very fresh and bright look that reflects the spirit of the island.
If you’re looking for a destination where the cuisine has become an art and hospitality is guaranteed, there’s no need to doubt, Menorca is the perfect place.
