TaPalma 2025: Palma's alleys smell of tapas again - Morralla takes the title

TaPalma 2025: A week when Palma smells of little pleasures

This morning a light mist still hung over the Plaça de Cort when I made a detour to the Mercat de l’Olivar. The stalls were still half asleep, but the kitchens were already bustling: knives clinking, the soft sizzle of oil and chefs adjusting a final detail on their tapas. From today TaPalma will again spread small works of art the size of a plate through Palma's old town – more than 30 bars and restaurants are participating, offering almost 70 different tapas in total. That's exactly the kind of hustle and bustle that brings the alleys to life.

What to expect

Most tapas cost between 2 and 4 euros; some venues include a small drink package. In the evenings, from around 7 pm, the streets fill up: a babble of voices on Carrer de Sant Miquel, cutlery clinking, a handful of street musicians with guitar and castanets creating atmosphere. If you prefer it quieter, go in the early afternoon – between 3 and 5 pm your chances of getting a free seat are much better. And honestly: a sunny afternoon in the old town with the smell of freshly fried fish in the air has its charm.

Morralla triumphs again – the "Croa Lamar" explained

For the second time in a row the small but determined restaurant Morralla won the jury prize. The winning tapa is called "Croa Lamar" and is a surprising little masterpiece: tender calamari braised in beer rest on a buttery mini-croissant. The combination is unconventional, tasting of the sea and malty depth, with a hint of sweetness from the pastry – a memorable tapa you won't forget quickly. I couldn't resist trying it last night: salty sea notes, a slight bitterness from the beer, and the pastry as a reconciling base. Hand on heart: it hardly gets smarter than this.

Practical tips for your TaPalma route

A few tips for the tour: go in small groups; sharing is almost mandatory – that way you try more and conserve energy. Many tapas are only available in limited quantities, so better start early. A paper map of the old town helps, but a smartphone will do; the real finds often hide in the side streets. Also drink enough water between stops – some tapas are surprisingly hearty, and you need to balance the salt. If you want to be on the safe side: plan a first round for classics and a second for discoveries.

Why TaPalma is more than food

TaPalma isn't a sterile food show but a real street-festival feeling: neighbors, business people, tourists and a few regulars mix, and big ideas come from tiny kitchens. The mix is the attraction: traditional tapas, modern mini-experiments, small venues with three tables and a chef who personally serves his reinterpretation. And yes, sometimes a local TV crew stands half-hidden in the corner filming the excitement – very Mallorcan, this mix of calmness and pride.

My plan for the weekend – and your invitation

I'll go out again on Saturday: probably starting at Plaça Major, then towards the harbor, where the air smells of sea and grilled fish. If you'd like recommendations, write briefly – I'll gladly share my top three as soon as I've tasted more. So put your shoes on, open the app and off you go: good spirits, a little curiosity and friends with you – that's the best recipe for a successful tapas weekend. Buen provecho – or as we say: bon profit!