Balear is a great place for an introduction to Menorcan food – it’s a local favourite in the old west-coast capital, Ciutadella. Book a couple of weeks ahead to score one of the handfuls of tables right on the waterfront, where you’ll tuck into lechona (roast suckling pig), lobster rice, croquetas and lemon-doused mussels. The owners have their own fishing boat so the seafood is hand-picked and super-fresh – and if you’re on a budget, the set menu lunch is great value, too.

Seafood doesn't get much fresher than here, as the owners' boat docks nearby every day except Sunday. The relaxed atmosphere welcomes either a quick bite or a complete dining experience. The house specialty, arroz caldoso de langosta (lobster and rice stew), is very impressive, as is the carpaccio d'emperador (thin slices of swordfish marinated in lemon, salt, and olive oil), cigalas (crayfish), lobster with onion, and grilled navajas (razor clams).

This Mediterranean seafood restaurant started out as a modest tavern in the 1970s; over the last few decades, however, it has evolved into a culinary staple of the island that boasts an important distinction: The Rosa Santa Primera fishing vessel, which brings fresh catch on a daily basis exclusively for your enjoyment. As should be expected from a serious seafood restaurant, the menu is highly seasonal, but it features tapas appetizers along with a few meat dishes sourced from island livestock fed with uniquely salted grass. Depending on the catch of the day, you may be able to taste the bogavante lobster, known to be the largest edible crustacean in the Mediterranean, and which is often prepared as a Christmas meal.

After a slow wander through the winding streets of Ciutadella, a set of wide stone steps brought us into the marina where Café Balear’s boat, the Rosa Santa Primera has been bringing in a daily selection of freshly caught Mediterranean seafood for over 20 years. Directly on the water but tucked away in a narrow curve is the well-renowned fish restaurant that began life in the 70’s as a fisherman’s tavern and today, run by the son of the original owners, has diners lining up for hours for a spot on the waterside. Don’t just take our word for it, check out their reviews on Tripadvisor – Café Balear

Ubicado en el puerto, este es otro de los restaurantes de Ciutadella más conocidos tanto por su trayectoria profesional como por su producto y elaboraciones, que te aseguramos, se convertirán en algunas de tus preferidas. Especializados en productos del mar te recomendamos decantarte por su caldereta de langosta por 62 euros por persona, la langosta con patatas y huevos fritos por unos 50-60 euros por persona (va a peso) o cualquiera de sus arroces. Ten en cuenta que también tienen un menú degustación caldereta de langosta, que es un espectáculo también por 62 euros.

In Ciudadela, the “Rosa Santa Primera” is the boat that fishes every day in the Menorcan waters to catch the delicious red lobster with which the stew is later prepared. Friendliness and sympathy, together with an excellent product served with respect and affection, make Café Balear one of the most recognized restaurants of allCiudadela. And it must be said that the cuisine is one of the main attractions of a trip and thanks to the lobster stew we can enjoy the entire flavour of the Mediterraneanand specifically of Menorca in just one bite.

– Café Balear: no podéis visitar Menorca y sin degustar las propuestas del Café Balear, es el lugar perfecto para introducirse en la gastronomía típica de la isla, y además en una ubicación privilegiada. Su terraza estrecha y algo alborotada para mi gusto, pero perfecta fuera de temporada. Antaño fue la típica taberna de pescadores y ha ido evolucionando hasta ser el restaurante de bandera de la isla.Gambas de la costa de Menorca, ortiguillas, escupiñas y, por supuesto, langosta de Menorca, cocinada en sus múltiples versiones.

On its own boat and with a long history in Ciutadella, Café Balear is a restaurant where you always eat well. Product of Menorca, cooked with traditional recipes, with tables flush with the port and with large interior rooms. Those who want to eat lobster with blonde potatoes and fried eggs, know that the dish is one of the chefs' favorites, as well as the grated cockles and, like so many seasonal proposals, that the new generation who runs the restaurant, Josep Caules , he proposes.

Cafè Balear es, sin duda, uno de los mejores restaurantes de Menorca para comer buen marisco, en forma de platos por compartir. Almejas espectaculares con ajitos, mejillones sabrosísimos de Menorca, navajas de escándalo, pulpo muy tierno, sepia y calamar Top… Por no nombrar el pescado del día y la langosta con huevo frito, plato también tradicional de la isla. Todo ello en una terraza situada en el mismo muelle del puerto de Ciudadela y con el servicio más efectivo de la isla.

A list of the best restaurants in Ciutadella wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Café Balear. This eatery, located near the port, is another one loved by locals for its confident, generous seafood dishes, many of which are supplied by the restaurant’s own boat, the Rosa Santa Primavera. Whilst we’re loath to recommend another lobster caldereta, the version here is top notch, as is the whole John dory, grilled sympathetically, as a fish of this calibre deserves.

Situated by Ciutadella’s beautiful port, Café Balear is a well-loved institution on Menorca, drawing both locals and tourists with its exceptional seafood and warm ambiance. Operating since 1970, Café Balear has a longstanding reputation for quality, sourcing fresh catches daily from local fishermen to create its seafood-focused menu. The decor is simple and welcoming, with indoor and outdoor seating that offers scenic views of the harbor.

Another famous place to eat in Menorca is Café Balear located at the end of the harbour of Ciutadella. The restaurant itself has an inside elegant room and an outdoor lovely terrace in a divine setting overlooking the port. Some of its must-try delicacies include any of their fish and seafood dishes - caught with their own boat, their fried fresh local eggs with fries and lobster and their timeless classic grilled Ciutadella prawns.

It appears in all the guides and blogs that talk about the best restaurants in Menorca and we could not fail to mention it. Café Balear is a historic restaurant, located in the port of Ciutadella, which offers fish and seafood caught by them. One of its specialties is lobster, which you can enjoy either cooked in the classic caldereta (stew) or with onions, fried, grilled, etc… There is plenty to choose from!

Situado en el emblemático puerto de Ciutadella, Café Balear es uno de los restaurantes más reconocidos de la zona.Especializado en productos del mar, Café Balear ofrece una amplia variedad de platos de pescado y marisco local. Entre sus opciones más destacadas, te recomendamos probar su caldereta de langosta, o consultar el pescado del día que tienen. Por otro lado, también te puedes decantar por un arroz.

Recognised as one of Menorca’s best restaurants, Restaurant Café Balear (maps) has a wonderful setting (inside and out), and exceptional reviews. It’s also super popular, and we saw queues out the door on three separate occasions over the course of two hours on a Friday evening, so if you want a table for a certain time be sure to reserve. Restaurant S´Amarador is another popular alternative.

Located right in the port of Ciutadella, what makes this place so special is the freshness of the products with which each dish is prepared. The place has its own boat that goes out day after day in search of the best products of the sea to offer diners the highest quality of local Menorcan products. So if what you want is freshness in your food, this is the right place.

The food was delicious (they have gluten-free bread which is appreciated), one of the best rice dishes I have ever eaten, but one of the waiters who took our order served us in a 'quite hasty' manner. We told him on several occasions that we were looking at the letter and he kept coming to ask questions. That feeling was unpleasant, the rest of the staff was great.

The Balearic Café emerged in the 70s as a port tavern where you could have your first-morning coffee, before going sailing. During this time it has evolved and has become a reference restaurant in Menorca. Nowadays it offers delicious dishes made with fish and shellfish that have been captured, on the same day, by their own boat: the Santa Rosa Primera.

If you’re looking for some of the best tapas on the island, look no further. Under the shade of large white umbrellas in the port of Ciutadella, guests can enjoy dishes such as freshly caught monkfish, lobster and crayfish and other local delicacies. Take a seat, order a local vino and watch the world go by at this fantastic port-side restaurant.

Café Balear has a long history of serving seafarers who arrived in the Ciutadella harbour after long journeys. Now it mainly serves holidaymakers after their long journey to Menorca and greets them with friendly service and filling food. Cafe Balear is the place to go to relax and reenergise with a hearty meal in the sea air.

Another gem in Ciutadella, Café Balear is famous for its fresh seafood and vibrant atmosphere. The family-run restaurant has been serving locals and tourists alike for decades, making it a staple in Menorca's dining scene. Don't miss their signature dish, the arroz de la casa (house rice), which is a delightful seafood paella.

Food can be hit or miss, but Cafe Balear is one of the most popular restaurants in Old Town Ciutadella. If anything, it’s worth a visit for the lively atmosphere and people watching if you can get a table on the water in the evening. Its popularity keeps the restaurant packed in high season, best to reserve a table in advance.

When in Spain: Menorca upholds the Spanish tapas tradition as well. A restaurant that immediately springs to mind – also when it comes to excellent fish – is Cafe Balear in the port of Ciuitadella. Opened almost half a century ago as a small taverna, it has since become one of the island's indisputable hotspots.

Cafè Balear in Ciutadella de Menorca offers an enchanting dining experience right by the water. With its whitewashed façade and simple, elegant design, it reflects the Mediterranean lifestyle in both atmosphere and cuisine. The restaurant is known for its ultra-fresh seafood, sourced directly from its own boat.

Café Balear (Pla de Sant Joan, 15, Ciutadella): Food with a special emphasis on ingredients and little more than their own natural flavours. Fresh seafood, stews, seafood rice dishes and, of course, succulent pieces of fish are enough reason to visit this classic Minorcan establishment.

This is widely regarded as the best place on the island to try Menorcan specialty Caldereta de llagosta. The lobster for the dish is indeed caught daily off the restaurant’s own boat. On the menu you’re also likely to find local clams, prawns, classic tapas and paella.

Café Balear is one of the most famous restaurants on the island and is well known for the Lobster Soup. In the summer months, customers will queue all the way down the street for their famously fresh seafood caught on their own fishing boats each morning.

Start your day with a relaxing breakfast at the charming Café Balear, known for its local specialties. Afterward, embark on the Cala Galdana Snorkel Cruise to Macarella & Cala Trebalúger to explore the crystal-clear waters and hidden coves of Menorca.

Cafe Balear came highly recommended from many sources, so we were super ear to try it. Unfortunately, it was closed on our first day in Ciutadella, so we patiently had to wait till the next day.

In Ciutadella, Café Balear has managed to maintain its identity despite the tourist influx. Its lobster stew and daily selection of fresh fish and seafood remain a staple in the city.

Now Café Balear is one of the most popular restaurants in Menorca. Apparently, in the height of summer, it’s near impossible to get a table here and the queues are round the block!

El Café Balear es un clásico entre los restaurantes de Menorca. Originariamente una modesta taberna abierta en los 70, hoy es un fijo en la agenda de muchos visitantes de la isla.

Cafe Balear in Ciutadella would be a high-end case-in-point, which is popular with locals and tourists alike, although it does tend to become a little busy in the summer months.

Café Balear sits at the end of the harbour and is one of the best. Queues can stretch down the street during peak season and prices are London-esque but dishes are delicious.

Café Balear (10/10) – 40€: Con el Bar Tritón, los dos clásicos del puerto. La calidad del producto es muy alta y por eso tiene un precio. No admiten reservas en la terraza.

La de Café Balear, que cuenta con embarcación pesquera propia, tiene unas gambas a la plancha de excepción y prepara una langosta frita con huevos y patatas digna de reyes.