One of the best things about being on holiday (or even only a day off) is the freedom to do what you want when you want. But if that means preferring to eat a good meal at four, five, or even six o’clock (to make the most of the day’s beach/shopping/exploring time), you need to know about a great restaurant that’s open all day. Oh, and 365 days a year.

May I suggest Negre in Port d’Alcúdia? Restaurant, café, and cocktail bar, this stalwart on the waterfront first opened in 2016. Open all day and all year, it’s popular with both visitors and locals (those who appreciate quality and a restaurant that’s open during the winter when many eateries are shuttered up until the holiday season restarts).

After being closed for a couple of years (due to some structural problems in the building, which has apartments above the restaurant), owner Luca Banti reopened the renovated Negre in April 2024, revealing a striking new contemporary look.

Negre has a front terrace with tables under smart black parasols facing the harbour, a covered but open-fronted area, and the rear dining room, which has a cosy, cave-like feel. Whether eating or drinking, it’s a stylish place to spend some time watching the world go by. If you’re an Instagrammer, I bet you’ll take a photo of the passage leading to the bathrooms.

Breakfast in Port d’Alcúdia

If your hotel breakfast doesn’t appeal or you’re self-catering, you should consider breakfast at Negre, which opens at 9am. We’ve yet to try it but the menu looks tempting, with choices for all tastes, and I’m confident it’ll be good. From a full English to healthy dishes, eggs, toasts, pancakes, and pastries, it’s all on offer until 12.30pm.

À la Carte at Negre

When I first visited and saw the extensive menu, I had my doubts about the quality because of the large number of dishes on offer. I needn’t have worried. The kitchen is staffed and equipped to cope with it all, and the tasty and attractively presented cuisine is based on high-quality products.

The lunch-and-dinner menu offers starters, salads and greens, pasta and rice dishes, street food favourites, dishes from the grill, pizzas and gourmet pizzas, and Asian dishes – including well-made sushi. Vegetarians and those on a gluten-free diet have a good choice of dishes at Negre. There really is something for all tastes here.

New Executive Chef, Claudio Lemos

A couple of months ago the owner, Luca, brought a new executive chef – Claudio Lemos – on board to oversee the gastronomy at Negre and sister beach club establishments Nu Mallorca (Playa de Muro, and previously known as Numa) and Nanai Beach (ses Illetes). I haven’t tried either of these places yet but shall do so once the season starts.

Claudio is a well-known and respected chef in Mallorca. Even after only two months, he’s already making his mark at Negre, and during our latest lunch, we were able to try one of his delicious new dishes – starring Wagyu beef – before it goes onto a menu.

Drinks at Negre

There’s plenty of drinks choice at Negre, including wines (from Mallorca and the Peninsula, with a few from France and Italy), classic and virgin cocktails, soft drinks, juices, and beers (both bottled and draught). I like kombucha and Negre is one of the few places I’ve found it on the drinks menu. Wines are available by the glass from 4,30€.

The Food at Negre

Negre gets a bonus point from me for using Mallorcan EVOO. I was pleased to see a bottle of Solivellas on our table and wish that every restaurant supported the local olive oil economy. Here are some of the dishes I’ve enjoyed at Negre, with a photo of executive chef, Claudio Lemos.

Good to Know

Public car parking is available within a few minutes’ walk.

Food and drinks menus are shown (and up to date) on Negre’s website.

Some random sample prices: Crispy chicken Caesar salad – 16,50€; Andalusian-style squid with a hint of coconut and orange aioli with thom kha flavour – 16€; Chicken pad Thai – 18€; Smash burgers – 18,50€-22,50€; leg of lamb with rosemary and tamarind sauce, gratin potatoes and broccoli – 26,50€; that yummy crème brûlée – 7,50€.

DJ music adds to the ambience, with live DJ sets at weekends.

Jan Edwards ©2025