Palma's big market hall

Shopping, feasting and enjoying in the heart of Mallorca's capital Palma: For this, the Mercado del Ol ivar - Catalan Mercat de l'Olivar - is exactly the right place in the morning from Monday to Saturday. Stalls full of seasonal fruit and vegetables, meat, sausages, delicious ham, cheese, the large hall with daily fresh fish and seafood, all the hustle and bustle, the bustling atmosphere - it's just fun to stroll through this covered market with its two stately towers between the pedestrian street Carrer Sant Miquel and Plaça Espanya in Palma de Mallorca. It has been around for more than seven decades. In 2021, it celebrated its 70th anniversary.

The market for the senses

The offer is varied. It is the market of the senses, as its own advertising slogan is called: el mercat dels sentits. The colors, the smells, the seductive variety: they are impressive. From specialties from Mallorca such as Ramallet tomatoes, the famous apricots from Porreres or the paprika sausage Sobrassada to exotic spices from all over the world such as curries, chili, salt from the Himalayas or pepper from Tasmania. In addition bread and fine cakes, dried fruits of all kinds, olives, wine in large selection. Coffee is also for sale. Freshly roasted beans from all over the world are provided by the company Cafès Llofriu, a kind of legend in Palma. After all, this company has been around since 1866.

Inspiration also for Mallorca's star chefs

If you don't know what to cook, you'll get plenty of ideas at the Mercado del Olivar. Even the island's top and star chefs, and those who will become them, love to be inspired by the varied range of goods for new creations. You need a basket bag made of palm leaves, Mallorca's traditional earthenware or cushions made of the island's typical tongue fabric - you'll find what you're looking for at the market. Because there is much more than just food there. Even flowers are up for grabs. Keys are copied, shoes are soled. And if you need the latest magazines and newspapers, are looking for herbal tea or organic cosmetics, you will also find what you are looking for.

Feasting in Palma's indoor market

The market is increasingly becoming a gastronomic paradise. Because at many stalls you can now satisfy your hunger. Whether Mallorcan tapas, sushi or an opulent plate full of oysters with a glass of champagne: simply choose according to your mood. Particularly in the fish hall, the stalls are lined up one after the other. The Bar del Peix is one of the particularly long-established ones. They offer everything from frito mallorquín to the small squid chipirones to ensaladilla rusa. The bar is a particularly good place to sit. But there are also tables available for dining on site.

Culinary variety in pink

Other vendors specialize in salmon and shrimp. You wouldn't guess how differently they can be prepared ... And the best thing is that the market can be enjoyed not only on the first floor. It continues on the second floor. Just take the escalator and go up. You're already standing in front of a well-stocked supermarket. But that's not all.

A special kind of barbecue kitchen

Then there is also the Gastroteca Mauricio. After renovation work Mauricio Ginard spoils the guests again from autumn 2023, especially with grilled specialties, from meat to fish to vegetables. This is not by chance. On the island, he belongs to the "Chaîne des Rotisseurs" association, which is particularly dedicated to grilled cuisine. Ginard uses seasonal produce fresh from the market - after all, it's not far to go. And he particularly likes to receive groups. In addition to grilled delicacies, however, Ginard also makes refined variations on traditional Spanish dishes such as tortilla de patatas. "I prepare them in a special way," he says, grinning. "Namely, with a filling." Currently undergoing remodeling, but reopening in September 2023, Gastroteca.

Fish and seafood: from the market hall straight to the table

Formerly an institution also on the second floor of the Mercado Olivar, now a few meters from the market hall (Passatge Particular de Santa Catalina de Sena 4): the Anfos Restaurant. Manolo Ligero Rodríguez, owner of the restaurant, has come up with a special service for market visitors who first want to fortify themselves after their shopping spree. From Tuesday to Saturday from 1 p.m. he grills fish and seafood in his restaurant, which you have just bought before - so that you can immediately enjoy the delicacies from the sea with him. According to the motto: You buy gilthead, prawns, squid & Co. - we prepare it.