The Best Mexican Restaurants in Palma de Mallorca

Certainly one of the more colourful taquerías you’ll find on the island, La Cantina de Frida has the fun and lively atmosphere of a Mexican fiesta. As well as an homage to the eponymous painter Frida Kahlo, interiors are a riot of colour and scattered with Mexican paraphernalia such as piñatas, calaveras, and sombreros. Together with the traditional pre-Hispanic flavours, the buzzy cantina vibe is also given a hand with an excellent choice of top range of mezcals and tequilas.

Set on the fringes of the hip Santa Catalina neighbourhood, Aquanauta is a favourite pick for many a local. And with its buzzy Pacific surf vibe, friendly staff, and outrageously tasty menu, it’s no surprise. Food leans towards the handheld variety, with a selection of tacos, tostadas, and quesadillas that will leave you stuffed but wanting more. Their margaritas are also top-drawer, though beware, they pack a real punch!

Named after the Aztec god associated to both lightning and death, Xólotl (pronounced cho-lo-til) is a relatively small but stylish restaurant run by a Mexican family – with two of them stationed in the kitchen. So it’s no surprise the food here is as authentic as it comes, offering an impressive 30 dishes that range from the likes of tamales and ceviche tostadas to spicy chocolate mole and quesadillas with real Oaxacan cheese. There’s also a lovely little terrace out back that opens on warmer days.

The more-upmarket Mexican-themed eatery of Toloache offers an excellent menu of traditional favourites often presented with a fine-dining flourish. The swish contemporary interiors hardly scream traditional Mexican; however, the food is genuinely outstanding with some of the best pulled-pork tacos this side of the Atlantic. Everyone also raves about the frozen margaritas, plus there’s an impressive choice of Mezcals to sample.

While there are some ‘interesting’ translations of the Mayan word pelaná into English, more important is that this restaurant is pure Yucateco – referring to the most eastern end of Mexico. And although unmistakably Mexican, much of the food draws inspiration from this corner of the country, with the region’s speciality cochinita pibil as the must-try dish on their extensive and delicious menu. You’ll also find a great selection of Mexican beers on offer, as well as the michelada – beer with a fiery mixture of lime, salt, and various spicy sauces.

While the name might mean ‘grasshopper’, you’re not likely to find any of those Mexican delicacies on the menu of this colourful taquería. What you can expect is some great Mexican street food in the form of corn tacos, alambres, and totopos homemade by the Mexican owner. A two-for-one happy hour gets things going, as do the decent selection of tequilas and mezcals on offer.

For a cheap and cheerful hit of Mexicana, Tiki Tako offer a straightforward menu of tasty tacos, nachos, burritos, and enchiladas in a fun and friendly environment. While it’s far from fancy, it is open into the night and great spot to grab a filling late-night bite or tequila nightcap. They’re also one of the only Mexican restaurants to do a delivery service if you can’t face leaving la casa.