Santa Catalina by Day

Well - there is plenty to see (and eat!). Cafes are on every corner, so pick your spot for a leisurely morning café con leche, or a tasty brunch and watch Palma go by. Once you have your caffeine fix you are ready to explore…

In this cozy, old fisherman’s district of Palma de Mallorca you will find an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants offering a wide array of goods and food from all over the world. Thrown in with traditional, tasty tapas bars you will find some of the best Thai food in Mallorca as well as a smattering of great Italian, Indian and even an Israeli restaurant.

The Market opens from 08.00 until 13.00 Monday to Saturday and is a great place to pick up fresh vegetables and fruit, meat and fish or simply soak up the atmosphere. On Saturday lunchtime the place is often full to the rafters with people enjoying lunchtime canas and delicious tapas in the various market bars.

If you are need of a wholesome pick me up mid-morning, try the health hub that is Ziva, (eat in or take away) which offers organic, locally sourced products. Their freshly squeezed juices, shakes & smoothies are the perfect remedy after a big Palma night out or just a nutritious way to start the day. They also sell a variety of food supplements and kitchen gadgets.

Shoppers should head to Calle San Magin, here amongst the host of bars and restaurants, you'll find some beautiful home décor stores and vintage clothes boutiques. When lunchtime rolls round and you are in the perfect place to enjoy a menu del dia from one of the plethora of restaurants.

For a perfect Mallorquin menu del dia step into MonoListo. Santiago and his team serve lunch and dinner and whenever we eat at this traditional Spanish eatery it never fails to impress. Décor is simple and not fancy but the food is fabulous and all the tapas ‘entradas’ are delicious. The menu del dia is a steal and the service impeccable. It’s excellent value for money and perfect for a leisurely lunch.

If you need a spice injection then try new kid on the block Bindi, Lunch 13.30 – 16.00 and Dinner 19.30 – 23.00. At lunchtime they offer an absolutely delicious set Thali lunch serving which includes a starter, 3 curries, rice, bread, yoghurt and dessert for 14 euros. The food has great flavours and it's difficult to find authentic Indian food in such a nice laid back atmosphere.

For Italian with a twist then The Room. Marco offers a fresh and original lunch menu that changes every day, but is consistently good. If you love dessert, then this is the place for you. It's a bargain at 13 euros - let yourself loose on the extravagant desserts!

Another local favourite is the family-run A Casa Mia. It has a short menu of ever-tasty Italian-style dishes and the fish is always incredible. The service is great; relaxed and friendly. The lunch menu is always fresh and tasty and you should try a cheeky lunchtime cocktail; the barman is magic! Booking ahead is advised.

After lunch the sacred siesta-time sees Santa Catalina at it’s quietest, and the neighbourhood has a period of calm and tranquility when most places close. So it's time for a rest before you head back down here for cocktail hour!

Read more about Palma de Mallorca

Written by Marsha Mars
Flow Fitness Mallorca