As we step off the plane at Palma de Mallorca airport, I can basically taste the tapas, frappes, and ice cream already. Mallorca is in my top five places to visit in the world, so when we get into our rental car we head up to the north of the island and make a bee-line back to our go to restaurants.

On our first night we headed through to Old Town Pollenca for a stroll around the historic maze. There are so many stunning eating locations, but we were in need for a large glass of Rosé, so we headed to our favourite restaurant, located just off the main square of the town, Restaurant Onze!

We were seated at an antique high-top table and were presented with a curated menu of all the classic tapas options, but all with their own twist. The wine list was extensive, but decided on a delicious, crisp glass of AIX Rosé which was necessary in the 36-degree heat! We then decided on what to order, and before we knew it, we were presented with incredible plates of Mallorcan delicacies. We decided to have:

Mallorcan Pamboli with Iberian Ham

·        Mallorcan Pamboli served with Iberian ham –this was delicious, traditional Mallorcan bread with crushed tomatoes and slices of salty, perfectly cured Iberian ham!

·        Chicken Croquettes with Saffron Aioli

·        Patatas Bravas with a spicy goat’s cheese tomato sauce.

·        Spicy pork bruschetta with brie and local honey.

Chicken Croquettes

The little wine bar had an amazing ambience, and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful.

As the temperature hit over 36 degrees daily, it was completely necessary that we headed down to the beach and went to one of the tempting ice cream parlours and to indulge in an icy delight. I had spotted a parlour called ‘Gellaty’ the day before, so with no hesitation we went straight there. I chose to have the Kinder Bueno flavour whilst my mum decided to go with crème caramel, both of which were both as delicious as one another and we could not choose a winning flavour!

Kinder Bueno Ice Cream

After spotting the tempting range of iced ‘slushie’ drinks previously, we decided to head back there the following day as a cooling treat. Now, when you read ‘slushie’ I imagine you’re thinking of the luminous red and blue drinks that bring back childhood memories of the fairground. However, the ones we divulged in were much more couth! Mum chose a refreshing lemon ice which had just the right amount of tang which made it the ultimate hot day necessity. I decided to go for an iced frappe, this was a coffee ‘slushie’ which was made with espresso, water and condensed milk and then churned until it turns thick and creamy. Both of which was extremely yummy, if only you could find them in the UK, I think I would have one installed in my kitchen if I could!

Ice Lemon 'slushie'

Now, for mum and I, one of the meals we always HAVE to have on a holiday, no matter where, is a hearty pizza. We like to consider ourselves some sort of pizza connoisseur. Two restaurants in particular stole our hearts this trip!

The first was Restaurant Ca n’Olesa which is in the main square in Old Town Pollenca. The outside drew us in immediately, little lit up olive trees and tea lights were magical, so it was no surprise that within five minutes we were sat sipping an ice cold Aperol Spritz. We settled on two ‘Neapolitan’ pizzas and some freshly baked bread and Aioli. We probably ordered with our stomachs rather than with our heads as we were presented with two ginormous pizzas made perfectly with fresh tomato sauce, molten mozzarella, wild mushrooms, and delicious salty ham… saying this, did we eat it all? Yes, yes we did!

The second restaurant we went to was La Penya Pollenca. Now this restaurant is tucked up on one of the little side streets and is very simplistic, but I think that this is sometimes the best way! I have been coming to this restaurant for over ten years and the same owners take pride in this little haven.  This time we settled on a ‘healthier’ option, still a pizza, but this time topped with Iberian ham, balsamic vinegar, and fresh rocket! This was equally delicious and an excellent people watching spot!

We stayed in a little ‘Agrotourism’ outside of Pollenca so we didn’t eat out too much, however, here are my top tips if you prefer to stay in:

-     Head to your local supermarket and pick up some of the freshest fish around. Mallorca is much better with local produce than the UK, so we picked up twelve juicy langoustines for only €5, which is a quarter of the price that you would pay in a restaurant and were incredible quality.

-    Aperol is much cheaper in Europe than it is in the UK! Pick up a bottle of the bright orange aperitif for €10, grab a bottle of prosecco and you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail for a slither of the price that you would pay if you enjoyed one whilst eating out! The oranges are SUPER juicy as well so make sure to pick one up to serve in the cocktail and add lots of ice!

-     AIOLI!!! I cannot make this clearer, stock up and buy lots of fresh bread! Honestly a staple food choice in the Balearic Islands and hands down, one of my favourite foods ever!

 Here are also a list of wonderful restaurants that I have tried and tested in the past:

-  Hotel Bahia – Puerto Pollenca – wonderful fresh seafood, light bites, and some of the best Paella in the area.

-  Hotel Illa d’Or – Puerto Pollenca – located at the very end of the Pine Walk this is a little slice of paradise! Head to the beach club for a light bite and the BEST club sandwich or book their iconic 1929 restaurant! Top tip:  book early and ask for an ocean front table.

-  Bar Alhambra – Pollenca – Open since 1907, this is one of the most loved tapas restaurants in the market town. Head there for a bite to eat on Sunday which is market day. Excellent food and a wonderful atmosphere.