Ben Trempat

Plaça Llorenç Bisbal is one of those squares in Palma's old town that stay off the tourist trail despite being a few minutes from the cathedral: trees, little traffic and neighbours coming down for a vermouth. On one corner sits Ben Trempat, a tapas bar with a shaded terrace and a cool, cosy dining room with an open kitchen. It's run by a woman owner with a small, friendly team who will happily talk you through the menu dish by dish.

The menu is short and changes often: Mallorcan cooking with a few outside influences, built on seasonal and, where possible, island produce. The house is known for its homemade croquetas, battered aubergine and gyozas; the torreznos (crispy pork belly) and marinated chicken have their fans, and when the more traditional side shows up, the lomo con col (pork loin wrapped in cabbage) is one of the most praised dishes. There's a fair amount of frying — in good oil, they insist — so balance it with a soup or salad. There are always vegetarian dishes, they adapt for gluten-free diners, and puddings get as much care as the savoury side.

For years it offered a set lunch; these days it works mainly with tapas and half portions for sharing. Some evenings there are vinyl sessions, DJs or tastings, and the bar takes part in Correvins, the wine crawl through the bars of the old town. Come for a long vermouth under the trees or a casual weekday lunch at neighbourhood prices; if you want big plates for a hearty dinner, it may leave you wanting.

Reviewed in November 2026