The traditional cuisine of Menorca is a clear reflection of both its history and island status.  Fresh seafood is plentiful making it a predictable favourite on the island while dairy products reflect the British introduction of Friesian cattle to Menorca in the 18th Century.

The introduction of tourism has also made mainland Spanish and international food widely available on the island, so there is always something to tempt all taste buds. Tourists should particularly take advantage of Menorcan specialities and make a return visit for this sole reason.

Seafood Specialities:
Prawns, mussels, squid, mullet, sole and sea-bass are all abundant in Menorca. The island is also famed for caldereta de llagosta – a lobster stew once prepared simply by local fishermen on their boats.  It’s reported that King Juan Carlos of Spain visits every year to sample this culinary delight. It’s therefore no surprise the delicious dish has become a true Menorcan speciality.

Other tastes are catered for extremely well on the island and most restaurants offer a wide variety of chicken, beef and pork dishes as well as escalopes, steaks and kebabs together with pizza and pasta choices.

Mahon Cheese:
Cheese has been produced in Menorca for centuries but in 1985 it was given its own Denomination of Origin. Produced across the island, Mahon cheese is made to extremely strict standards and is even incredibly popular across Spain.  It is characterised by a square shape with an oily yellow rind and comes in a variety of types, depending on their maturity.  It can even be cured for up to two years!

Ice Cream and Desserts:
Menorcans are famous for having a very sweet tooth and produce an array of pastries and desserts to die for.  Those that are too in love with Mahon cheese and seafood specialities should make time to try one Menorcan dessert - almond macaroons, known as carquinyols. Menorcans also have their own ice cream – La Menorquina.  Famous for its smooth, creamy taste it is highly popular and now sold throughout Spain.

Gin Xoriguer:
There’s nothing like basking on a beach with a cool alcoholic drink so visitors should take advantage of Menorcan gin. Commercial production of gin in Menorca began in the 18th century.  Xoriguer is the last remaining distillery on the island where the gin is still sold in traditional earthenware bottles!  Interestingly, the gin is unlike the British kind and is not recommended with tonic.  Traditionally, it is drunk neat with herbes (a locally made liqueur) or with lemon squash to make pomade.

What about the kids?
The majority of restaurants in Menorca are child friendly and offer children’s menus featuring the most common favourites, including chicken nuggets, fish fingers, burgers, sausage, pizza and spaghetti.