MOLI DES RACO, ES MERCADAL. 971 37 53 92
Established in 1982, and located in the centre of the island, the restaurant is very easy to find, as it is located beside a huge windmill on the main road between Mahon and Ciutadella. It opens all year round and, certainly at lunchtime when we visited, it was busy with Menorcans all enjoying the menu del dia. It was plentiful, simple, charming and a gorgeous food experience. It does not come with a huge supply of English speaking waiters, but the menu is translated and the waiters who do speak English seek you out. Or practice your Spanish.
They use local produce from the surrounding farms and cook with a very light touch. For those who want to explore and find an authentic non-touristy restaurant then this comes with a high recommendation.
Open 12.30 – 4.00pm for lunch, 7 – 11pm for dinner.
Email: molidesraco@hotmail.com
www.restaurantmolidesraco.com
CLUB NAUTIC BINISAFUA 971 35 77 41
The restaurant has had a recent facelift, but still retains a rustic charm. Set amongst a line of aqua-blue-doored boat yards, the decked terrace has splendid views over the mediterranean. It is quite well known by regular visitors to the island so lunchtime can get busy, but they do take bookings.
The menu is quite extensive, but with four us eating, we decided to make a selection of fish dishes and share them as tapas. We had calamares a la andaluza, gambas, boquerones fritos., sardinada chiringuito and patatas bravas. All were delivered in good time (not too speedy), hot and delicious. We had a jug of sangria since it was a warm spring day.
You can dive off the rocks here and there are great stone steps built into the rock to clamber out.
Open every day for lunch, except Wednesday. Friday and Saturday they serve dinner, so time it right and see the sun setting as a bonus.
BUCHANEROS BINIBECA
This beach bar and restaurant, situated at the end of the beautiful Binibeca beach, has been around since anyone can remember. It is charming and unchanged with its Caribbean style sunshades and three legged stools. Warning: be careful! The stools can topple. Also, make sure you don’t bang your head on the straw parasols
The food is simple, cooked and served from a whitewashed fisherman’s cottage, with the lamb and dorada consistently good. Order a bottle of blush rose, relax for the afternoon and watch the luxury boats drift in. The older children will find plenty to entertain themselves: pedalo hire, diving into the sea, swimming.
It is pretty busy in the high season so we advise that you go for an early or late lunch. It only serves lunch.
Note: No credit cards, which kind of sums up the place!
TERRACE BAR AND RESTAURANT AT THE XUROY HOTEL ALCAUFAR 971 15 16 20
Of all the restaurants to enjoy a lunch, this is my personal favourite! Located five minutes outside of Sant Lluis, the hotel is set in a really beautiful inlet, with bobbing boats safely moored, and it is difficult to think that 20,000 British troops once marched up here in the eighteenth century. Tables on the terrace can be taken in full sunlight or in the shade. As with many of these lovely lunch venues, the food is humble, delicious and simply presented. Don’t be put off by the rather tacky photos of the dishes on the wall.
The star of the show is the paella, a great theatrical experience and top notch too. Sardines, gambas, and the tortilla are all very good, and my daughter, when younger, always ordered the spag bol.
The lovely little beach with shallow water is a real treat for the little ones. You can even do a little rock pooling. But for the braver (and older), the jumps from the cliffs into the deep clear water are something to look forward to. Check with one of the staff first and ask for directions to the safe jumping areas.
Located 5 minutes outside Sant Lluis.
ES BRUC NORD ARENAL SON SAURA URB. SON PARC TEL: 971 35 93 98
Es Bruc Nord on Son Parc Beach is not yet as popular as its southern original at Santa Tomas but fast becoming a favourite lunch spot on the north coast. It has a lovely location right on the beach, and is fairly casual. The burgers are good, but the menu is a little limited. But having said that, it’s a great place to relax.
Es Bruc also has its first-class bar and restaurant established at Menorca’s golf course at Son Parc; it is open all day with a comfortable interior and beautiful views over the course from its wide terraces. The golf course and beach at Son Parc have both always been attractive locations. The beach has natural dunes and safe bathing, and now access has been improved, in part by the actions of the local pressure group.
Visit www.golfsonparc.com/restaurante for more information on the resort and its Association.