Where to eat arròs brut in Mallorca: restaurants we have tried

Finding good arròs brut in Mallorca is a perfect excuse to go out for lunch and explore the island. This guide brings together restaurants we have visited personally over the years, trying their rice dishes and enjoying the differences between each kitchen.

We enjoy rich, well-spiced broths, but everyone has their own preferences: some versions are more peppery or have more broth, while others include vegetables, snails or even cuttlefish and prawns. Here we share what we found at each restaurant and what we enjoyed most.

We also include information for families and suggestions for places to visit nearby. This selection is based on our own experiences, to help you find your favourite.

Arròs brut, literally “dirty rice”, is a traditional Mallorcan rice dish particularly popular in winter. It is served with plenty of spiced broth, whose cloudy appearance gives the dish its name. Common seasonings include saffron, cloves, cinnamon and pepper. Each cook has their own recipe, so the flavour varies from one restaurant to another.

Restaurante Sant Antoni (Ca’n Sant Antoni), sa Pobla

Known locally as Ca’n Sant Antoni, this restaurant in sa Pobla does things a little differently: on Sundays it offers a single set menu including arròs brut, other dishes, drinks, desserts and coffee. It is an option for settling in and enjoying a leisurely, full meal.

The arròs brut we tried

Here we found a sa Pobla-style arròs brut with a peppery kick, prawns and cuttlefish. That combination was what we enjoyed most: it gave the dish a distinctive flavour while retaining the character of traditional arròs brut.

Our experience was very good, both for the rice and for the quick service and friendly staff. The restaurant is large and has no private car park, but on the Sunday we visited we found parking nearby without difficulty.

Another detail worth mentioning is that during the week they prepare arròs de calderó using the recipe from the former Ca’n Miquel. This is a different rice dish from the one we tried, but a good reason to consider returning.

Practical information

• Town: sa Pobla.
• Bookings: +34 634 175 062.
• Trying the arròs brut: it is included in the Sunday set menu. Confirm the current menu when booking.
• Visiting with children: the Sunday menu includes a full meal; ask about options for younger children when booking.

What to visit nearby

You can combine lunch with a walk around ses Fonts Ufanes, on the Gabellí Petit estate in Campanet. Even when the springs are not flowing, the circular route through the holm oak woodland makes an easy family walk.

Another option is the Campanet Caves, close to the estate, if you would like to round off the day by exploring Mallorca’s underground scenery.

Restaurante Ca’l Dimoni, Algaida

Ca’l Dimoni is a long-standing favourite for Mallorcan cooking, beside the old Manacor road in Algaida. Its menu is shorter than those of some other restaurants in this guide, but the food is tasty and, in our experience, offers good value.

It has a rustic interior and a terrace: a traditional restaurant for enjoying the flavours of Mallorca.

The arròs brut we tried

The arròs brut is served in a greixonera de fang, a traditional earthenware pot that helps keep it warm as everyone helps themselves. Ingredients can vary with the season, so you may not find exactly the same combination each time.

We have enjoyed it more on some visits than others, but this is one of the places we return to for its prices and proximity to Palma.

Practical information

• Location: carretera vieja de Manacor, km 21, Algaida.
• Bookings: +34 971 665 035.
• Visiting with children: highchairs were available when we visited. One of the restaurant’s best-known touches is an appearance by the Dimoni, a traditional devil character who may come over to greet children and pose for photos. If you are particularly keen to see him, ask when he usually appears when booking.

What to visit nearby

You could complete your outing with a visit to Can Gordiola to discover the tradition of glassblowing. Admission to the museum and furnaces is charged, with no special resident rate. If you would like to see the craftspeople at work, demonstrations take place from Monday to Friday. Check opening times and admission prices on the official website before planning your visit.

Another option is the Santuari de Cura, on top of Puig de Randa, for a stroll and magnificent views over Mallorca.

Es Celler de Petra, Petra

In the centre of Petra, Es Celler de Petra serves Mallorcan food in an interior that retains the character of a traditional wine cellar, with large wine barrels on display. It is a distinctive setting for enjoying one of the island’s most representative dishes.

The arròs brut we tried

What we enjoyed most was the rich, flavoursome broth. On our visit it was not served in a traditional earthenware greixonera, a detail we like, although what matters most is the food itself.

This is an option for combining good arròs brut with a meal in a traditional celler and a walk around Petra.

Practical information

• Location: carrer de l’Hospital, 46, Petra.
• Bookings: +34 971 561 056. We recommend booking ahead.
• Parking: it is more practical to find a space in the surrounding streets and walk to the restaurant.
• Visiting with children: highchairs and a baby-changing table were available when we visited, but there was no children’s menu. The restaurant is on a street in the town centre and has no outdoor space where children can play freely.

What to visit nearby

Take the opportunity to walk around central Petra and visit the Fray Junípero Serra House Museum. If you would like to go inside, check opening times and admission arrangements beforehand.

Another suggestion is to drive up to the Ermita de Bonany for a walk and views over the Pla de Mallorca, the island’s central plain.

Restaurante Ca’n Antonio, Montuïri

Ca’n Antonio is beside the Palma–Manacor road, near Montuïri. It is easy to overlook when driving along the Ma-15; look for it next to the Per Piel leather clothing shop.

It is worth a stop if you enjoy Mallorcan cooking. On our visit we were welcomed with brown bread, olive oil, tomato and olives, a good way to start the meal.

The arròs brut we tried

One of our favourite versions in this guide, both for the flavour of the broth and the variety of ingredients. When we visited, it could be ordered with or without snails, a useful choice if your group has different tastes.

This is one of the restaurants we would highlight when the main purpose of the outing is to enjoy good arròs brut.

Practical information

• Location: carretera de Palma a Manacor (Ma-15), km 29, Montuïri.
• Bookings: +34 971 664 070. If you would like the rice with or without snails, mention this when booking.
• Parking: there is a large parking area.
• Visiting with children: the restaurant is spacious, and highchairs were available when we visited, but there was no children’s menu.

What to visit nearby

Complete your outing with a walk around Montuïri and a visit to the Museu Arqueològic de Son Fornés, checking opening times beforehand.

Another option on the way from Palma is Can Gordiola, where you can learn about glassblowing. Admission to the museum and furnaces is charged, and demonstrations take place from Monday to Friday. Check the official website before planning your visit.

Restaurante Ca’s Busso, Llucmajor

On the road along the Llucmajor coast, Ca’s Busso is well known among cyclists who ride in the area. Its interior is small, but it has a large terrace and a menu combining Mallorcan cooking, grilled meats and other dishes.

The arròs brut we tried

One of our favourites in this guide, for the flavour of its broth and the variety of ingredients, including snails. Portions were very generous, and the rice came in an earthenware pot that kept it warm throughout the meal.

There were also some less favourable aspects to our visit: with the restaurant full, we waited more than 50 minutes, although we were warned about the delay. It was not among the cheapest options we tried either. Even so, the rice left an excellent impression.

Practical information

• Location: carretera Ma-6014, km 24, Llucmajor.
• Bookings: +34 971 123 002. Book ahead and ask whether the rice needs to be ordered in advance.
• Parking: there is a large parking area.
• Visiting with children: highchairs were available when we visited, but there was no children’s menu. If you have young children, it may be useful to ask about serving times when booking.

What to visit nearby

Round off the outing with a visit to Cala Pi, to admire the cove from above or take the steps down to the beach if you feel like it and conditions are suitable.

Restaurante Sa Fonda de Lluc, Santuari de Lluc

Eating within the Santuari de Lluc is one of Sa Fonda’s main attractions. This restaurant combines Mallorcan food with a day in the Serra de Tramuntana. The dining room is spacious, with large columns giving the interior its character.

On our visit, prices were higher than at other restaurants in this guide, but the surroundings added a great deal to the experience.

The arròs brut we tried

We remember a very flavoursome broth with seasonal mushrooms. It was not served in the traditional earthenware greixonera, which we missed, although we enjoyed the rice.

It is particularly worth considering if you would like to combine lunch with a visit to Lluc and a walk nearby.

Practical information

• Location: plaça dels Pelegrins, s/n, within the Santuari de Lluc grounds.
• Bookings: +34 971 517 022. We recommend booking and confirming that arròs brut is available.
• Parking: the sanctuary has a paid car park. Check current charges and any available discounts before visiting.
• Visiting with children: highchairs were available when we visited, but there was no children’s menu. The sanctuary forecourt offers space for a walk with children, who should remain accompanied, with care taken around moving vehicles.

What to visit nearby

The walk to Es Camell is a good way to complete the day: a short route to an unusual rock formation resembling a camel, which often captures children’s imaginations.

You can also walk up the Monte del Rosario on the stone-paved path beside the sanctuary. The route has steps and some uphill sections, with lovely views over Lluc and the surrounding mountains.

Restaurante Can Tronca, Sant Joan

Can Tronca serves Mallorcan set menus rather than a conventional à la carte selection. Located in Sant Joan, it is an option for those who enjoy gathering around a table and trying several traditional dishes in one meal.

On our visit, the arròs brut formed part of a generous menu with starters, roast suckling pig with accompaniments and, to finish, fruit and almond ice cream with ensaïmada. The menu can change, so ask what is included when booking.

The arròs brut we tried

We particularly enjoyed its rich, thick broth with meat and esclata-sangs, the local saffron milk cap mushrooms. The version we tried had no vegetables and was not served in a traditional earthenware greixonera, but we remember it fondly.

The meal felt a little like a family celebration: we were asked to arrive at 2 pm, and dishes were served to the different tables in a coordinated way. The staff were attentive and the service well organised, without excessive waits between courses.

We recommend this experience to anyone who would like to enjoy arròs brut as part of a full Mallorcan meal.

Practical information

• Location: carrer del Mestre Mas, s/n, Sant Joan.
• Bookings: +34 686 561 503 / +34 971 526 097.
• How it works: Mallorcan set menus. When booking, confirm the dishes included, whether arròs brut is available and the arrival time.
• Visiting with children: highchairs, a children’s menu option and a small outdoor terrace were available when we visited. Ask about current options for children when booking.
• More information: Can Tronca official website.

What to visit nearby

Complete the outing with a walk around Sant Joan and a visit to the Santuari de la Mare de Déu de Consolació, on a small hill outside the village.

Another possibility is the Museu Arqueològic de Son Fornés in Montuïri. Check opening times beforehand to plan your day.

Restaurante Es Verger, Alaró

Es Verger combines Mallorcan cooking with a mountain setting, on the way up to Castell d’Alaró. Although it is known for its lamb, we have also included it in this guide for its arròs brut.

On our visit, the large wood-fired oven and rustic atmosphere caught our attention. This is a place for people who enjoy the scenery as much as the food. It is popular with tourists and cyclists, so booking ahead is essential.

The arròs brut we tried

The arròs brut was served in an earthenware pot, with earthenware dishes too. We liked this traditional touch, which also helps keep the food warm during the meal.

The overall experience has a special appeal: sitting down to eat in the mountains and combining lunch with a walk in the area.

Practical information

• Location: camí del Castell, s/n, Alaró.
• Bookings: +34 971 182 126. Confirm that arròs brut is available and ask for directions.
• Access: the road uphill is narrow and winding, so drive carefully.
• Parking: there was parking space when we visited, although large numbers of walkers can make it harder to find a spot.
• Visiting with children: bear the access journey in mind. If you decide to walk up from Alaró, the climb is substantial and may be demanding for younger children.

What to visit nearby

The obvious choice is the walk to Castell d’Alaró, which you can plan before lunch. From the restaurant there is still an uphill walk with sections of stone-paved path and steps. Plan according to the children’s ages, the time available and the weather. Allow around 70 minutes each way from the restaurant, based on our estimate.

For a quieter outing, take a stroll around central Alaró and the plaça de la Vila, where you will find the church and town hall.

Celler Ca’s Padrí Toni, Maria de la Salut

We discovered Ca’s Padrí Toni through recommendations from Turisme Petit followers and went along keen to try its arròs brut. The restaurant has two floors, and on our visit service was efficient and professional, even as the dining room filled up.

It also seemed to us to be one of the more affordable options among the restaurants we had tried for this guide.

The arròs brut we tried

What we enjoyed most was the broth, full of flavour and well spiced to our taste, with plenty of meat and esclata-sangs mushrooms. The version we tried had no vegetables, a detail that may help you choose according to your preferences.

It came with radish and lemon. Alongside the rice, we tried the frit mallorquí, a traditional Mallorcan fried dish, which was finely chopped and very tasty too.

Practical information

• Location: carrer de Villalonga, 9, Maria de la Salut.
• Bookings: +34 971 858 016 / +34 600 279 985. We recommend booking and confirming that arròs brut is available.
• Parking: we found parking in the surrounding streets when we visited.
• Visiting with children: we found a playground with a small football pitch near the restaurant, useful for spending some time before or after lunch.

What to visit nearby

Combine lunch with a walk around the centre of Maria de la Salut, visiting the church and taking your time to explore the village streets.

If you would like to extend the outing, another option is to drive up to the Ermita de Bonany, near Petra, to enjoy the surroundings and views over the Pla de Mallorca.

Celler Sa Vinya, Binissalem

We visited Celler Sa Vinya after receiving recommendations on our social media accounts. This Mallorcan restaurant in Binissalem is known for grilled meats as well as arròs brut.

On our visit, service was professional and we were seated at a round table, a detail we appreciated for sharing a meal and conversation.

The arròs brut we tried

The highlight was the rich flavour of the broth. The rice we tried had no vegetables, which some of us missed, although we enjoyed the dish.

It was served in a metal container. We find that earthenware keeps the heat better, so we suggest serving yourself small portions to enjoy the rice while it is hot.

Practical information

• Location: carrer del Conqueridor, 98, Binissalem.
• Bookings: +34 971 511 309 / +34 971 511 373.
• Trying the arròs brut: when we visited, it needed to be ordered in advance on weekdays, while at weekends it could be ordered on arrival. Confirm availability when booking.
• Parking: the restaurant has its own car park.
• Visiting with children: you can round off the outing with some time at the Rectoría park, beside Binissalem’s church, where there are swings and benches.

What to visit nearby

Binissalem’s town centre, with its square and the church of Santa Maria de Robines, is a pleasant place for a walk before or after lunch.

Another suggestion is Biniagual, a small hamlet of stone houses surrounded by countryside, a short drive away. Enjoy a quiet stroll while respecting the privacy of the homes and private spaces.

Restaurante Es Turó, Fornalutx

The terrace and views are among Es Turó’s main attractions in Fornalutx. It is a place to combine a Mallorcan meal with a visit to one of the prettiest villages in the Serra de Tramuntana.

On our visit, it was one of the more expensive options in this guide, but we enjoyed both the food and the surroundings.

The arròs brut we tried

We enjoyed the variety of ingredients, including meat and vegetables, and its slightly spicy flavour. Among the ingredients was a small chorizo sausage that gave the broth a distinctive touch.

It was served in a deep earthenware pot that retained the heat very well. We recommend helping yourself a little at a time to enjoy it hot throughout the meal.

Practical information

• Location: avinguda d’Arbona-Colom, 12, Fornalutx.
• Bookings: +34 971 630 808. We recommend booking, particularly if you would like a terrace table, and confirming that arròs brut is available.
• Visiting with children: we did not find a children’s play area on our visit. The restaurant is beside the road, something to bear in mind if younger children want to leave the table.

What to visit nearby

The best way to complete your outing is to walk around Fornalutx, exploring its stone streets, steps and corners around the plaça d’Espanya.

If you would like a longer walk, browse our suggestions for walks around Fornalutx and choose a route suited to the children’s ages and the time available.

Restaurante Stop, Petra

Alongside Es Celler de Petra, the town also has Restaurante Stop, another option for enjoying arròs brut. The restaurant has two floors and, when we visited, offered a fairly short menu of Mallorcan dishes.

We tried both the frit mallorquí and the rice and enjoyed them very much. The restaurant was busy, so we recommend booking ahead.

The arròs brut we tried

We particularly enjoyed the rich, full-flavoured broth with esclata-sangs mushrooms. It was served in a ceramic pot that kept it very warm, something we appreciated as we went back for more.

On our visit, the rice cost more than the average among those we had tried for this guide, but its flavour left a very good impression.

Practical information

• Location: carrer del Pare Perelló, 2, Petra.
• Bookings: +34 971 561 463. Book ahead and confirm that arròs brut is available.
• Parking: we found parking nearby without difficulty on our visit.
• Visiting with children: we did not find a children’s play area, and the restaurant is beside a street with traffic.

What to visit nearby

Take the opportunity to walk around central Petra and visit the Fray Junípero Serra House Museum. Check opening times and admission arrangements beforehand if you would like to go inside.

Another option is to drive up to the Ermita de Bonany to round off the day with a walk and views over the Pla de Mallorca.

Other restaurants where we have tried arròs brut

Beyond the restaurants described in detail, we have also tried arròs brut at other places in Mallorca. We list them here as additional options, although they do not yet have a full review in this guide.

• Celler Bar Randa, Randa: a long-standing Mallorcan favourite.
• Restaurante Es Cruce, Vilafranca de Bonany: one of the budget options we have tried.
• Restaurante Sala Rex, sa Pobla: traditional-style arròs brut, offered on Sundays for takeaway. Confirm availability before ordering.
• Restaurante Polideportiu de Sa Pobla: generous portions, served as a single-dish meal with a drink, with takeaway also available. Check the current options before visiting.
• Celler Sa Sini, Santa Maria.
• Celler Son Toreo, Sineu.

Finding your favourite arròs brut in Mallorca

After years of trying arròs brut around Mallorca, one thing is clear to us: every kitchen gives it its own character. More peppery, with vegetables, with snails or with cuttlefish and prawns: the enjoyment lies in discovering the differences and finding your favourite.

We have personally tried all the restaurants in this selection. Our opinions reflect our experiences on each visit. Before going, we recommend confirming that the rice is available and checking the booking arrangements.