Mallorca is all about salt, the sea, and summer, but its gastronomic soul also carries the deep notes of saffron, sofrito, and rice. Beyond the famous ensaimada, the north of the island hides a culinary treasure: rice restaurants that rival the very best in Valencia. Still, finding truly authentic paella can be a challenge among so many options.

That’s why we’ve created this guide. Here you won’t find tourist traps or frozen paellas. We have selected only restaurants with a solid reputation, ratings above 4.4 stars and, most importantly, validated by local residents. Get ready to discover the definitive rice route in the areas of Muro, Alcudia, Pollença and Capdepera.

The Mallorcan protocol: etiquette manual for eating rice

Enjoying a good rice dish in Mallorca goes far beyond simply sitting at the table. There are a number of customs that reflect local know-how and enhance the experience.

• The midday rule: Paella is a hearty dish, traditionally eaten for lunch. You’ll rarely see a Mallorcan ordering paella for dinner, as it’s quite heavy to digest. It’s the perfect meal to refuel halfway through the day—best enjoyed before a good siesta.
• The alioli myth: While delicious, alioli isn’t generally mixed into traditional paella. Normally, it’s enjoyed with a little bread and olives while waiting for the rice. In some varieties such as arroz a banda or black rice, a small spoonful may be added to enhance the flavour.
• The importance of booking ahead: In quality restaurants, rice is prepared fresh to order and takes at least 30-40 minutes. That’s why it’s customary to order your preferred type of rice when reserving your table. Not only does this guarantee your spot, it also drastically reduces your waiting time.

Warning signs: how to spot a “tourist paella” and avoid disappointment

Knowing where not to eat is just as important as knowing where you should. Trust your instincts, and these tips will help you avoid disappointment.

• The colour: If the rice is a fluorescent, almost neon yellow, it’s an unequivocal sign that artificial colouring (tartrazine) has been used. A good rice gets its orange or brownish hue from the sofrito, the stock, and natural saffron.
• The menu: Be wary of restaurants with huge menus and laminated photos of the dishes at the door. The best places usually have a more specialised menu and don’t need to show pictures to convince you.
• The “industrial paellador”: Look out for signs from frozen food brands on display. Quality paella is made with fresh ingredients.
• The waiting time: If your rice arrives in under 15 minutes, it’s most likely pre-cooked or reheated. The craft of making a good base and perfect cooking takes time.

The route by area: the best rice temples

Zone a: Playa de Muro

Here, the Mediterranean is just another ingredient. Perfect for guests of VIVA Blue & Spa and VIVA Eden Lago.

1. Figueret Restaurant

• The atmosphere: A space of relaxed elegance with attentive service. It is the perfect spot for a special meal without forgoing the sea breeze.
• Star dish: Their seafood paella is a classic that never disappoints, made with fresh ingredients and perfectly cooked rice.
• 📝 Insider file:
  • Price: €€-€€€
  • Booking: Highly recommended, especially at weekends.
  • Tip: Ask for a table on the side terrace to enjoy a quieter setting and feel the sea breeze.

2. Can Gavella

• The atmosphere: This is the iconic beach bar par excellence. Eating with your feet literally on the sand of Playa de Muro is an unforgettable experience.
• Star dish: Renowned for their paellas and fideuás, the mixed variety (seafood and meat) is among the most popular.
• 📝 Insider file:
  • Price: €€€ (The privileged location is reflected in the price).
  • Booking: Essential. In high season, you may need to book several weeks in advance.
  • Tip: Don’t leave without trying their famous Cava Sangría—refreshing and perfect to accompany rice by the sea.

Zone b: Alcudia and Port d'Alcudia

Perfect for an excursion from VIVA Sunrise.

3. Ca'n Matevet

• The atmosphere: Located in the Port of Alcúdia, this is a lively, modern place set in a renovated old fish market. It boasts industrial design and a chic feel.
• Star dish: They specialise in creamy rice dishes, especially the rockfish, with a deep and authentic flavour.
• 📝 Insider file:
  • Price: €€€
  • Tip: Ideal if you are looking for something more modern and less "typical" within the port.

4. Bodega d'es Port

• The atmosphere: A truly authentic tavern, with large wine barrels and an atmosphere steeped in history. It’s a place often frequented by locals.
• Star dish: Their paella ciega is a classic—flavourful and generous, ideal for the whole family.
• 📝 Insider file:
  • Price: €€ (Offers excellent value for money).
  • Tip: The interior of the venue has much more charm and authenticity than the outdoor terrace.

Zone c: Port de Pollença (coastal elegance)

A popular destination among cyclists and lovers of the north of the island.

5. Celler La Parra

• The atmosphere: A restaurant with history, founded in 1962. Its rustic décor and friendly approach transport you to Mallorca of yesteryear.
• Star dish: Their Arròs Brut is surprisingly delicious. They are also a benchmark for tasting a traditional mixed paella.
• 📝 Insider file:
  • Price: €€
  • Tip: They offer a very competitive and high-quality weekday lunch menu.

6. Restaurante Stay

• The atmosphere: Situated right on the pier, it offers unbeatable panoramic views of the bay of Pollença.
• Star dish: The soupy lobster rice is their most iconic dish. A real treat for a special occasion.
• 📝 Insider file:
  • Price: €€€€
  • Tip: When booking, ask for a table right by the glass railing to feel as if you’re floating above the sea.

Zone d: Llevant / Artà / Capdepera

An area full of charm, ideal for guests of Predi Son Jaumell and VIVA Cala Mesquida.

7. Restaurante Los Arcos (Cala Ratjada)

• The atmosphere: A lively, bustling family restaurant. Known for its cheerful setting and generous portions.
• Star dish: Their mixed paella or "Paella Ciega" (all peeled) are famous for being substantial and very satisfying.
• 📝 Insider file:
  • Price: €€
  • Tip: Go with an appetite. The portions are genuinely large—perfect for sharing.

8. Restaurante Sa Teulera (Artà)

• The atmosphere: An inland restaurant, set in a Mallorcan village brimming with charm. It’s the sort of place where local families gather for Sunday lunches.
• Star dish: Well-known for honest homemade cooking. Their mixed paella is a fail-safe choice, but if you want to try something unique, go for the slow-cooked cheek paella—rich and tender.
• 📝 Insider file:
  • Price: €€
  • Tip: If your visit falls on a Tuesday, take the opportunity to stroll through Artà’s weekly market before lunch.

Pairings: beyond sangria

To accompany a good rice dish, experts recommend avoiding sangria, as its sweetness can mask the subtle flavours of the food. The ideal choice is to opt for local wines (Km 0).

• White wines: The local Prensal Blanc grape yields fresh, light, and fruity wines that perfectly complement fish and seafood rice dishes.
• Rosé wines: Those from the D.O. Pla i Llevant are an excellent choice, prized for their freshness and versatility.

The “at home” option: relax without leaving the hotel

If, after a day at the beach, you don’t feel like taking the car, there’s no need to miss out on a good rice dish.

• VIVA themed buffets: On “Mallorcan Night,” our buffets feature a show cooking station where rice dishes are prepared to order, guaranteeing freshness and flavour for the whole family.

Rice dictionary for beginners

So you don’t get lost when browsing the menu, here are some key terms to know.

• Paella ciega (arròs del senyoret): This is the ideal option for simplicity. All the seafood ingredients come already peeled, ready to eat. Perfect for children, or for those who prefer to enjoy their meal without getting their hands dirty.
• Arròs brut: Literally "dirty rice", the king of the cooler months. This is a brothy, rich rice with intense flavour, cooked in a clay pot with meats (usually game like rabbit or chicken) and a blend of spices that gives it its characteristic dark colour.
• Socarrat: The fine, crunchy layer of toasted rice that forms at the bottom of the paella pan. For many, it's the most coveted and delicious part, a clear sign that the rice has been perfectly cooked.

Conclusion: the secret of a good choice

Eating well in Mallorca is easy if you know where to look. A good rice dish is more than just food—it’s a celebration, a ritual that connects you with the rhythm and flavour of the island.

Can you imagine the siesta that awaits you after a rice dish like this? Book your stay at Hotels VIVA and ensure you get the rest and enjoyment you deserve.