Station 7: Cafés in the southwest
For more than 100 years Mallorca has developed a very independent coffee house culture: Particularly in Palma, with the rise of the bourgeoisie and the construction of spacious city apartments behind magnificent Art Nouveau facades, cafés were also established as a social meeting place, for reading the newspaper and relaxing. This coffee house culture has been revived in recent years and numerous cafés now attract Mallorcans and the island’s international guests. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, pastries, einsaimadas, cakes, tarts, churros or sweets can be enjoyed in a traditional, modern or hip ambience. I would now like to introduce you to four cafés.
CAN JOAN DE S`AIGO | Café | Tel. +34 971 725 760
Located in the old centre between the Cathedral and Placa Major, Can Joan de s`Aigo has been an institution in Palma since 1700. The ambience is evidence of centuries of tradition: dark wood panelling, floors with Mallorcan tiles, gold-framed paintings, tables with marble tops and simple wooden or wicker chairs, old chandeliers. In this traditional, cosy ambience, the owners, Family Martorell serves locals and international guests. The famous hot chocolate, the best fresh ensaimadas filled with apricots or chocolate, almond cake, cocas, finest pastries and a homemade ice cream, all at very moderate prices. The locals are willing to travel long distances to visit Can Joan de s`Aigo. The concept of the Martotell family seems to work: While many traditional shops in Palma are closing, the Martorells have now opened two more cafes.
ROSEVELVET BAKERY | Café & Bakery | Tel. +34 871 70 69 46
Right in the heart of Palma lies the Rosevelvet Bakery. From the outside rather inconspicuous, is the furnishing of the small café in Scandinavian or vintage style?: old merchant shelves with the offers of the café, in addition old photos with Palma motives and display boards, on which one can read the coffee variants of the restaurant. At Rosevelvet Bakery, we rely on the centuries-old craft of baking with traditional recipes and fresh, natural ingredients. The delicious coffee – the beans are roasted in Barcelona at Right Side Coffee Roasters. The small breakfast menu also offers a tasty and healthy breakfast. Such as cakes: all homemade, varied sandwiches, brownies, tarts, cheese and carrot cakes are particularly tasty, pastries – sweet temptations, brought to the table by attentive service. The best start for a sightseeing tour in Palma or a break during a stroll through the city.
CAPPUCCINO PUERTO PORTALS | Café & Restaurant | Tel. +34 971 677 293
On the way from the airport to the hotel, many friends of the island already make a stopover at the Cappuccino Puerto Portals. Furnished in colonial style, the large, always well attended terrace and restaurant invite you to stay, to look at the yachts and watch the world pass by, to have fun and of course to eat and drink. A nimble (also good-looking) service offers a large, rich selection: Breakfast, small snacks, fresh salads, omelettes, sushi, coffee and cake and of course fresh juice drinks, delicious cocktails and exclusive champagne. All of this is of consistently high quality, but at a price. A wonderful place to start the day, spend the day and let the day end. A good concept that has been expanded! At present the Cappuccino – Group runs 20 restaurants, bars and cafés worldwide as well as the Hotel Mama in Palma. A visit is always worthwhile.
CAFÉ MOZART | Café | Tel. +34 971 69 45 36
The Klinglmair brothers, Christian and Reinhold, from Austria, took over the traditional Café Mozart at the beach roundabout in Santa Ponsa a few years ago and are delighted about their great success: Hardly a day goes by without the inviting sun terrace at the Plaza Santa Ponsa, with a view of the beach and sea, being filled to the last chair. The Klinglmair brothers spoil their local and international guests with delicious breakfasts, café, cakes, juices, fresh drinks, small snacks, fresh salads, and a small menu. On Wednesdays from 16.00h “Ladies First-Time” is announced: Each lady receives a glass of Prosecco; four ladies get “a bottle of Prosecco Fashion Victim Rosé” on the house”. On warm summer nights on the terrace, or when it gets cooler, you can end the evening inside the restaurant with a cocktail. With their attentive and amiable manner, the Klinglmairs have won over many regular guests.
