If we think about Menorca, first things we probably remember are spectacular beaches and coves with turquoise waters and fine sand, the great Mediterranean climate, perfect for enjoying the sea almost all year round and the relaxed lifestyle of this small Mediterranean paradise where time seems to go much more slowly.

But Menorca is much more, it is the result of a cultural heritage left by the different peoples who have inhabited the island, from the Romans through the Arabs to the French and British more recently. This cultural richness has left its mark on the island and on its gastronomy as well. 

Traditional Menorca cuisine is the perfect combination between rural and seafood cuisine resulting in varied typical dishes of fish and seafood, meat and vegetables grown inland in Menorca. 

Discover the authentic Menorca through its most traditional flavours: 

1. Lobster Stew

Without a doubt, one of the best known dishes of Menorcan cuisine. It is a broth made with fresh and high quality products. Despite the simplicity of the recipe, lobster with a vegetable stir-fry served with a few slices of toasted garlic bread will conquer the most demanding palates.

Where to taste the best “caldereta” on the island?

Although there are countless places to taste the lobster stew (Caldereta), Es Cranc in Fornells is one of the best known restaurants where you can try this delicious dish, as it has its own nursery so the quality and freshness of its lobsters with which they prepare their stews is assured.

2. Oliaigua

The Oliaigua is a recipe of humble origin prepared by the farmers in times of shortage based on water, oil and some aromatic herbs that used to be taken for breakfast. Over the years, vegetables have been added, making it a tasty soup with water, oil, tomatoes, green bell pepper and garlic, served in a bowl with a base of toasted brown bread. 

Where to taste a good oliaigua?

The restaurant Es Racó des Palau in the historic center of Ciutadella offers homemade Menorcan cuisine where you can taste the most traditional dishes of the island made with local and seasonal products.

3. Arroz de la tierra

Literally translated as ‘rice of the land’, this traditional dish originated in the 17th century during the Arab occupation of the island, although today it is made with pork products. Do not let its name confuse you, because this dish does not contain rice, but is made from wheat broken in a stone mortar. The final cooking is done in the oven with a clay pot. 

Where to taste the Arroz de la tierra?

In the restaurant Ca N’Aguedet, located in Es Mercadal you can taste all the traditions of the local Menorcan cuisine. This family restaurant has been recovering the traditional cuisine of Menorca for more than 30 years, using products from the island to prepare its recipes.

4. Cured Sausages

Menorca is a paradise for lovers of charcuterie, as its sausages are a gastronomic institution. 

Sobrassada is the best known sausage, made with meat and xulla – pork sausage – and mixed with salt and sweet pepper, it is leaner than sobrassada from Mallorca. There are different types of sobrassadas such as tender, cured or poltrú. Other native varieties of sausages are the Cuixot, a dark-colored cold meat made from pork and seasoned with a variety of spices, including fennel, black pepper, aniseed and cinnamon. Botifarró negre (black) and blanc (white) are other delicatessen. The black one is similar, the cuixot but thinner, and the white one is prepared with the cheeks, the snout of the pig and pieces of bacon seasoned also with varied spices. Carnixulla is Menorca’s oldest sausage, made from lean meat and seasoned, spiced pork bacon.

You can buy authentic Menorcan sausages in the shop Autèntic located in Mahon.

5. Perol menorquín

This classic Menorcan recipe mixes sliced potatoes and tomatoes covered with breadcrumbs, garlic and parsley. It is served au gratin and both meat and fish can be added. 

Where to eat a good perol menorquin?

The restaurant S’Engolidor in Migjorn Gran offers authentic Menorcan and Mediterranean cuisine in a relaxed environment. Located in the old farmhouse, it has been converted into a small inn-restaurant.

6. Baked Stingray 

The stingray is a very appreciated fish on the island, so there is a great variety of dishes that have this fish as their main ingredient. You will be able to taste this delicious fish cooked with a base of potato, onion and tomato. Covered with a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, sweet paprika and chopped parsley is baked in the traditional clay pot.

Where to eat the best fish in Menorca?

The restaurant La Josefina, located in the Club Marítimo de Mahón, is an unbeatable place both for its views of the port and for its cuisine. Operated by fishermans, fish and seafood are captured by the restaurant’s own boats. 

7. Mahon Cheese

The production of cheese in Menorca dates back to prehistoric times, so it has become the benchmark of its cuisine, with Designation of Origin Mahon-Menorca. It is made from cow’s milk and with a salty taste due to the sea salt of the herbs with which the cows are fed. For curing, the outside of the cheese is spread with butter and paprika to let it mature, hence its characteristic orange rind. Its texture and flavor will depend on the degree of maturation, the soft one being the youngest cheese and the oldest one has much more intense flavor. 

Where to taste the traditional cheese of Mahon?

Although you can try it in most of the restaurants and bars of the island, we recommend you to visit some of the farms that offer visits where besides tasting this delicious delicacy you will be able to know its process of manufacture like Finca Subaida in Alaior.

8. Sweet Pastries

Its origin is in the neighboring island of Mallorca but the ensaimada has become one of the best known sweets of the Menorca cuisine as well. The Pastissets are another of the delights we recommend you try. Made with butter, water, sugar and flour covered with powdered sugar, they are shaped like a flower with 5 or 6 petals. With a British and French influence and similar to the pastissets, the Duquesitas are the typical cookies of Menorca. Carquinyols are sweet and crunchy pastries made from almonds, very typical of Es Mercadal and of Arab origin. Other of the typical sweets are the Crespells, pastas filled with different products such as potatoes, almonds, cottage cheese, “suquet” (egg white with sugar), jam or even a salted version with “sobrassada”.

9. Wines of Menorca

The production of wine in Menorca dates back to the 13th century during the Muslim occupation. In 2002 it obtained the denomination of origin Vi de la terra Illa de Menorca, recognized by the quality of its wines. They are characterized by a bright cherry color highlighting the aromas of red fruits and spices and the most representative varieties being Merlot and Cavernet Sauvignon. 

If you want to learn more about the wines of Menorca, do not miss the visits organized by some wineries on the island as the cellar Hort Sant Patrici in Ferreries.

10. Other drinks you can’t miss out

Probably the oldest gin in the Mediterranean, unique and historical, Gin Xoriguer is produced by hand based on a recipe from the early 1700’s using copper stills over 250 years old. This typical Menorcan gin is used to prepare the Pomada, a mixture of Gin Xoriguer and lemonade to be drunk very cold, even a slush that you can’t miss out. 

Discover the most authentic Menorca with Xoriguer Distillery and visit its facilities to discover the elaboration of this historic gin that combines tradition, culture, craftsmanship.