Mallorca’s capital, Palma, has a cosmopolitan restaurant scene, and you can find different cuisines from around the world. But if you want to eat real Spanish food in an atmospheric setting, I can recommend Cantina Panzà. You’ll find this cosy place on the Paseo de la Rambla – best known for its many flower stalls.

Two excellent chefs are business partners in Cantina Panzà: Madrid-born Fernando Pérez Arellano – whose fine-dining restaurant Zaranda is also in Palma and has held a Michelin star for many years – and his friend and former kitchen colleague, Javier Gardonio. Javier is in the kitchen at Cantina Panzà.

Cantina Panzà used to be within a 5-star boutique hotel in Palma. We enjoyed eating there but I think its current home has a more authentic ambience.

Look through the door of the premises and you may think is just a small tapas bar. There’s the obligatory counter and stools where you can have a drink and eat tapas. But around the corner of the bar, you’ll find tables in simply decorated dining spaces and an open kitchen. If you like to eat outdoors, take a table on the terrace in the middle of the Rambla.

The Food & Drink

We went for lunch with a couple of friends – one of whom is the food consultant and excellent private chef, Piers Dawson. We chose several dishes we could share (some of which are pictured below). It was interesting to note that most of the other diners on the day we visited appeared to be locals.

We enjoyed: vitello ‘Tomato’ (9€); lettuce hearts with anchovy vinaigrette (6€); croquettes (6€), waffle topped with San Simón cheese and basil with confit tomatoes and olives (7€); ‘Espinagada’ of pork loin and vegetables, disguised as empanadillas (8€); Andalusian fried squid with saffron and lemon aioli (12€); four different cocas (4€-5€), torreznos (their best seller and incredibly moreish), and oxtail cannelloni with a velouté of Jerusalem artichoke (17€).

In terms of drinks, we had cava at 5€ a glass, and the draft Cerveza 1906 at 2,80€ for a quarter of a litre.  

Eating at Cantina Panzà is a good-quality Spanish culinary experience, with friendly and efficient service, for a fair price. And those torreznos are a must.

Good to Know

Spain is famous for its menú del día and Cantina Panzà’s costs 19€ for three courses, bread and aioli, and water. It’s available from Monday to Friday.

The latest edition of the Guía Repsol recommends Cantina Panzà.

Cantina Panzà is open every day from 13:00h to 23:00h.

While you’re in this part of Palma, treat yourself to a purchase at two of my favourite foodie shops not far from Cantina Panzà:

Narez & Cuart – confectionary artists & Fornet de la Soca – an emblematic bakery

Jan Edwards @2024