The island of Menorca is well known for its bucolic landscape, peaceful atmosphere and relaxed pace of life, making it a wonderful holiday destination for loved-up couples. And with a dining scene that is recognised as particularly outstanding, it makes for a great choice of restaurants that are guaranteed to help set the mood for romance. Here’s a selection of our favourites.
Enjoy exquisitely presented Mediterranean cuisine in the beautiful courtyard garden of the historic Hotel Can Faustino. The hotel itself is located in a beautifully restored 16th-century palacio in the heart of Ciutadella. Fuego’s menu has a heavy emphasis on seafood and meat dishes, with much of the produce used being sourced locally. Whilst not cheap, the prices are not exorbitant, the food is great and the stunning setting feels particularly romantic, whether you are lunching in the dappled sunshine or enjoying a candlelit dinner.
Part of the flamboyant and extravagantly decorated Sa Barrera Hotel in the resort of Cala En Porter, this pizzeria is open only in the evenings and offers an Italian-inspired menu of freshly made pasta and quality pizza. The food is excellent, if a little expensive, and the candlelit terrace with views over the picturesque cove is particularly romantic.
The hotel Jardí de Ses Bruixes, in the heart of Mahón, views food as a key player in the service it offers, and serves breakfasts, afternoon teas and dinners for guests and non-guests. Meals take place in the stunning Art Nouveau dining room or in the courtyard, which is dotted with orange trees and has cut-glass chandeliers cleverly suspended from discreet wires above. In the evening, romance is definitely in the air, and the already picturesque courtyard is filled with candles and lanterns. The menu emphasises local ingredients and fusion-style cooking, combining Mediterranean, Asian and Menorcan flavours.
Mon Restaurant is a personal project of Michelin-starred chef and native Menorcan Felip Lluifriu, and part of the boutique Fonda Hotel, just outside Ciutadella old town. The flavours and inspiration are drawn from the island and added to a mix of Catalan and French cuisine with innovative, even avant-garde cooking techniques. Unpretentious but creative, and first and foremost delicious, this is hands-down some of the best fine dining on the island. Choose between the à la carte or tasting menu, all served in flawlessly elegant surrounds. If you’re looking to impress your date, this place is not to be missed.
A French–Spanish fusion restaurant, Pan y Vino serves creative, seasonal dishes, taking inspiration from Menorcan cuisine, as well as that of the chef’s native France. Owners Patrick and Noelia are very hands-on and pride themselves on their artistically presented dishes and intimate ambience. The restaurant is set in a 200-year-old country house in a secluded location just outside the town of Sant Lluís. The perfect setting for a romantic meal, whatever the season: in the winter, the dining area inside the house is low-lit, warm and cosy, and in the summer, meals are served on the beautiful candlelit terrace.
Recognised by the Michelin Guide for its particularly flavoursome food, the contemporary Menorcan cooking at Smoix is prepared using seasonal, local produce with an emphasis on meat and fish dishes. Everything is beautifully fresh and the presentation immaculate – the langoustine ravioli and the cod loins come highly recommended. A pretty garden and courtyard also make it a popular destination for romantic dining by candlelight.
Steeped in history, Es Forn de Torre resides in a 300-year-old building with a spacious and charming terrace that sits beneath two whitewashed canopies. The romantic alfresco space is so striking it has helped the restaurant gain an exclusive status on the island. A dedicated team of professionals who pride themselves on their hospitality work hard to maintain a high level of service. We heartily recommend anything off the grill, including fish, meat and vegetables.
