TaPalma turns 20: Five days of tapas, experimentation and city vibes in Palma

Tapas, bustle and a dose of city atmosphere: TaPalma celebrates a milestone birthday

When the lamps in Santa Catalina glow their warm yellow and a sea breeze sweeps the streets, you quickly notice: the city is hungry. From November 5 to 9, 2025, Palma will once again become a stage for small plates and big conversations — TaPalma 2025: Five Evenings of Tapas, Cocktails and Strolling in Palma. Not a big fuss, more of a relaxed stroll: the clinking of glasses, the friendly rush of waiters and the scent of paprika and fried fish blend with the neighborhood chatter.

More than fifty venues, a city as a menu

This year more than fifty establishments are taking part. The route stretches from lively Santa Catalina through the winding lanes around Calle Jacobs to the waterfront Paseo Marítimo, as outlined in TaPalma is on: A weekend of tapas through Palma's Old Town. Last year around eight in the evening I saw queues at the counters, people moving door to door like in a culinary relay; some ordered classics like patatas bravas, others reached curiously for experimental bites — all small, all meant to be shared.

The winners: creativity in small format

The jury sessions already took place on November 3 at the Palau de Congressos — a serious venue, but with cheerful cuisine. At the top of the podium was Morralla with chef Kike Erazo: the “Croa-Lamar” secured the title TaPalma de Oro 2025. Silver went to Arume Sake Bar by Albert Marín with an unusual bacalao interpretation, bronze to S’Hort Casino Mallorca. In the special category for Mallorcan sobrassada (with PGI), Chez Camille prevailed with the “Donasada”.

Those who taste, win — and so does the city

TaPalma is less a trade fair and more a laboratory: venues test ideas, producers of Mallorcan products gain visibility, and Palma fills up in an otherwise quieter season. The festival is organized by a communications agency together with the restaurant association CAEB, supported by the city. Behind the somewhat bureaucratic list there is above all one thing: an invitation to locals and visitors to discover something new.

Practical tips for the evening

My tip: don’t just walk the main arteries. Opposite the Mercat de Santa Catalina at least two new discoveries are hiding this year that are worth a visit. Take a light jacket — a salty breeze often blows in from the sea in the evening — and allow time: good things sometimes need a short wait, a pleasant chat with the bartender or a brief pause on some steps to better digest the next tapa.

Why TaPalma is more than food

It isn’t just about taste, but about city atmosphere. Street musicians, the distant horn of a boat in the harbor, the clatter of tapas dishes on the counter — all of this makes November in Palma lively. For many businesses TaPalma is a chance to show their style and win regulars. For the city it means: vitality, visibility in the low season and a small economic boost.

In short: anyone craving relaxed feasting and real urban atmosphere should mark the weekend in their calendar. You might discover a tapa you want to cook yourself next year — or at least find a bar to return to the next time the lanterns glow their warm yellow.