Dining Above the Sea: Es Fanals in Port de Sóller

Es Fanals sits high above the bay of Port de Sóller and is almost like an evening program with a view: you come for the food but stay for the sunset. The venue is part of a larger hotel, yet the dining area feels private — large windows, subtle lighting, plates arranged with care. The clientele is mixed: locals, couples, families, and occasionally guests who come specifically from Palma. In the kitchen, a team works with regional fish, vegetables from local markets and preserved ingredients. Particularly notable is the combination of island classics with modern techniques: baked seafood alongside foams and frozen flavor elements, all without seeming excessive. Those who secure a window table have an unobstructed view of the Sierra de Tramuntana and the harbor; it’s perfect for golden hour. The atmosphere is relaxed, but the presentation reveals the level. Dress code: smart casual, not over the top. For special occasions Es Fanals works excellently — but it’s equally lovely for a quiet evening after a day at the beach or a hike along the coast.

Es Fanals sits high above the bay of Port de Sóller and is almost like an evening program with a view: you come for the food but stay for the sunset. The venue is part of a larger hotel, yet the dining area feels private — large windows, subtle lighting, plates arranged with care. The clientele is mixed: locals, couples, families, and occasionally guests who come specifically from Palma. In the kitchen, a team works with regional fish, vegetables from local markets and preserved ingredients. Particularly notable is the combination of island classics with modern techniques: baked seafood alongside foams and frozen flavor elements, all without seeming excessive. Those who secure a window table have an unobstructed view of the Sierra de Tramuntana and the harbor; it’s perfect for golden hour. The atmosphere is relaxed, but the presentation reveals the level. Dress code: smart casual, not over the top. For special occasions Es Fanals works excellently — but it’s equally lovely for a quiet evening after a day at the beach or a hike along the coast.

A few dishes stick with me after every visit: a raw prawn variation from Sóller served with a surprising fennel cream and a bright citrus note; the combination is fresh, salty and slightly sweet at once. Another often-recommended specialty is the “foie gras in two textures” — elegantly paired with regional figs and a hint of smoke that rounds the dish. Seafood lovers should try the langostino interpretation: tender meat, finely seasoned, sometimes accompanied by a brioche or shell element for dipping. For vegetarians there are creative options, such as roasted mushrooms with Mallorcan cheese and herbs that don’t feel like a substitute but have their own profile. The dessert, inspired by a local cheesecake, often brings surprising notes like saffron, citrus granité or floral waters — light, not overly sweet. A small personal tip: share a main course and order a wine flight instead of a bottle — you’ll discover more nuances without ending up too full. Oh — and ask about the small snack to start; they often open the story of the menu with a wink.

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and around sunset. The restaurant opens for dinner (usually from 19:00), Wednesday to Saturday in high season — it's quieter on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons if available. Note the seasonal winter closure: the restaurant pauses in the low season (roughly late November to late March), so plan accordingly. Parking is possible either at the hotel or in surrounding streets; in summer it can be tight, so arrive a bit earlier. For the perfect evening: reserve a table at dusk so you can watch the sunset first and then move to the warmly lit terrace. A light jacket is advisable at night; the wind picks up faster than you’d expect, even in high summer. The service team generally speaks English, German and Spanish — just ask for recommendations, they like to tell you about the origin of the products or the wine selection. Price-wise Es Fanals is upper-tier: a tasting menu is more of an experience than a quick dinner. For families there is a child-friendly option and staff are used to welcoming little guests. In short: take your time, order the wine flight and let your gaze wander over the harbor — it’s worth it.