TaPalma celebrates 20 years: Five days of tapas, experimentation and good cheer in Palma

Tapas, bustle and a touch of city spirit: TaPalma is back

If you stroll through Santa Catalina on Wednesday evening, you can already hear the clink of glasses and the friendly rush of the waiters: it doesn't take long before that special mix of paprika aroma, fried fish and conversation fills the air. From 5 to 9 November 2025, TaPalma will take place in Palma – and yes, it is the 20th anniversary. Not a big spectacle, more like many small plates and even more good cheer.

This year more than fifty venues are taking part. The route runs from the lively Santa Catalina through narrow Calle-Jacobs to the harbour promenade Paseo Marítimo. I was out last year around 8 pm, the lanterns were already glowing yellow, and people moved from bar to bar like in a relay. Some order the classic patatas bravas, others try experimental small dishes — all in mini size, all for sharing.

Who won — and where did the fun take place?

The competitions were decided shortly before the festival began, on 3 November, at the Palau de Congressos. A rather serious place, but the kitchen teams brought plenty of fun: Morralla under chef Kike Erazo cleaned up and won the title TaPalma de Oro 2025 with his creation "Croa-Lamar". The silver medal went to Arume Sake Bar (chef Albert Marín) for an unusual bacalao interpretation, and S’Hort Casino Mallorca took home the bronze.

In the special category around the Mallorcan sobrassada (with PGI), the restaurant Chez Camille won with the "Donasada". Übeck secured silver, and Morralla also landed on the podium in this class.

The jury panel, this year chaired by the head of the El Bandarra team, Igor Rodríguez, had plenty to taste — and mixed notes on their score sheets.

Why it matters

TaPalma is not a glossy trade fair but a practical forum: venues test ideas, Mallorcan product makers gain visibility, and the city fills up in the low season. Organisers are a communications agency and the restaurant association CAEB, with support from the Palma city administration. It sounds bureaucratic, but above all it is an invitation to try things out.

My tip: Don't just walk the main streets. Opposite the Mercat de Santa Catalina there are at least two new discoveries this year worth noting. And bring a light jacket — a fine sea breeze often blows in the evenings.

In short: if you have an appetite not only for food but for a lively city in November, you should mark TaPalma in your calendar. There is good food, an easygoing atmosphere and, if you're lucky, a tapa you’ll want to try cooking at home next year.