It seems that the gastronomic market fever (you know: that one where apart from acquiring good raw material, you can also eat, drink, acquire craftsmanship or participate in all kinds of cultural activities) took a while until reaching Mallorca. The first one was not opened until 2015, but they are clearly here to stay … We highlighted the 4 most succulent gastronomic markets in Mallorca, all of them located in Palma, waiting for their aromas and flavours to spread across the rest of the island as soon as possible.
San Juan Market
It is known for being the first gastronomic market of the Balearic Islands. It opened its doors in summer 2015, it is located inside an incredible modernist building of the cultural and commercial center called s’Escorxador. This building was constructed at the beginning of the 20th century. It is open from Monday to Sunday, 12:30 am to midnight; except Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, when it extends its closing time until 2 in the morning.
Among its stalls and food trucks you can find an interesting vermouth-artery whose suggestive name speaks for itself-, in addition to Thai or Japanese specialties, burgers, pasta & pizza … The market also has its own bar, as well as a kitchen which can be rented for all kinds of gastronomic activities. Further, the market also has a restaurant where you can enjoy live jazz music. Additionally, one can also enjoy the cultural activities of s’Escorxador, which includes movies or concerts, as well as the annual “Porc Negre” weekend, dedicated to this autochthonous swine race of Mallorca.
Mercat 1930
Mercat 1930 is the most recent, exclusive, hipster and avant-garde of the gastronomic markets in Palma de Mallorca. It has carefully selected interior design and is located in the middle of the famous Paseo Marítimo – next to the legendary Tito’s nightclub. It was inaugurated in the summer of 2017. It opens every week day at 12:00 am. Between Sunday and Wednesday it closes at 1:00 am in the early morning and it stays open until 2:30 am the rest of the days.
The gastronomic offer is incredibly varied: from the pintxos of Euskadi to Japanese Sushi going through oysters, fresh seafood or gourmet ice cream. They take great care of the dishes they cook; including vegan and healthy food as well as luxury cocktails. It also offers spaces which can be rented out to organize gastronomic events.
Mercat de l’Olivar
Mercat de l’Olivar is one of the municipal markets in the Mallorcan capital, in fact it is the largestand the most complete one in the city. Located in the historic center of Palma, it wasbuilt in 1951 and completely remodelled in 2003. It opens between 7am and 2.30pm from Monday to Thursdays and Saturdays, while on Fridays it remains partially open until 8pm.
It has two floors: in the lower one the traditional local flavour is maintained in dozens of stalls with all kinds of raw materials. In the upper floor there are many more food stalls and bars which have a great gastronomic offer. The market also hosts florist or hairdresser services and even a library / toy library. The perfect place for shopping, leisure and pleasure!
Those responsible for the market also offer an interesting guided tour of the facilities of the market in which you can discover the origin and elaboration of traditional Mallorcan recipes. Further, it also includes a tasting of the typical Mallorcan dishes.
Mercat de Santa Catalina
The most classic market – and until recently very conventional – located in one of the most cosmopolitan neighbourhoods of Palma de Mallorca: the one that gives it its name. Mercat de Santa Catalina offers the most local and fresh products, especially fish and seafood. It opens from Monday to Saturday between 7am and 5 pm. It also offers delivery service and to the yachts docked in the Bay of Palma.
It can be described as “gastronomic” thanks to the fact that in recent years it has been conveniently “modernized” with various stands where you can drink and snack fast and delicious food. In addition, cooking workshops are also offered and on the way out, you can even find a clothing market in order to get the full “market” experience.
