ROQUETA CELEBRATES 50 YEARS RESTAURANTS STILL IN BUSINESS SINCE 1973!

We wanted to highlight these stalwarts, specially to mark the fact that our ROQUETA MAGAZINE is 50 this year, so let’s celebrate this by enjoying a meal or three in some of these venerable establishments. We have been reasonably liberal in our selection, and I am sure there are omissions, so please feel free to let us know of any we have missed. The basic criteria here is that the restaurant must still carry the same name and be in the same ownership or family. Some have had a few hiccups along the past half century (haven’t we all!). Special congratulations to those who have not only updated their decor and facilities but also embraced a more modern and innovative approach to their menus. Let’s hope they will survive another 50 years and beyond. We have included a few which may not still be in the same family but which have a historical interest.

HERE THEY ARE:

MAHON AREA

C’an Nito La Marina is located at the bottom of the steps down through the winding road and handy for the new lift. It is a classic, said to be the oldest restaurant in the Port of Mahón. Mario and his daughter Sonia are the third and fourth generation at the helm of the business whose beginnings date back to 1885. Especially beloved of Menorquins of the “old school”! No fripperies to attract tourists, but a great selection of fresh fish and meat, cooked in a traditional way.

C’an Pota, Portal del Mar 11, is located at the top of the aforementioned steps, on the corner overlooking the fish market. Founded in 1881 is has great food, great service, excellent Menu del Dia. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it!

El Trueno a great pit stop if you are shopping in the main market. It’s in the corner by the fruit and veg, but also has outdoor tables overlooking the port. A real stalwart this. In 1892 grandfather Bernat , who also owned an inn in Plaça Reial, opened the place as a bar. In those days, merchants and peasants went there to sell produce, sealing the deal with a coffee. There, they started conversations, referred to as “fer el trò” which, some say is how the business got its name.

His son José and his grandsons, Pito and Bernat took over the business until 1995 when they retired. It then passed into the hands of José Bonet, a hospitality professional, who brought the business up to date and renamed it “Bar Sa Plaça”. From the beginning of 2018, it passed into the hands of the current owners who unanimously decided to recover the name by which many older people in Menorca still know the cafe, “el Trueno”.

Es Dineret (Bar Nou), Carrer Nou number 1 opened in 1854. It became the home of the Casino de los Menestrales, which moved to this location in 1889. The name apparently came from the owner Juan Deyá who was known as Dineret, a nickname given because he demanded the payment of a dime, or dineret, from his nocturnal clients. This was supposedly used to pay for the oil to light the room, allowing them to prolong the evening. Check out their “Seven rules of life”! Good advice!

Sa Lliga (traditionally linked to the Club Marítimo) on the Mahon waterfront has been keeping sailors fed and watered over many a year. It is a great place to watch the larger yachts and their comings and goings, whilst one Googles the eye-watering weekly charter fees! Tom who works in the bar is especially proud of his beautifully presented café con leches. There are some great breakfasts available but ask for your egg to be cooked if you don’t like it translucent.

Sa Granja, right in the town centre. Those who like an early breakfast (with or without a “ginet” or cognac) will find this served from around 0700, to sustain the workers in this traditional manner! It’s in Calle Rosario 51.

La Murada, Plaza Bastión 12, is considered by locals to be one of the oldest tapas places in the city. It owes its name to its ancient location inside the Bastion or Wall that the Arabs built to defend the city in the 14th century. The bar, from the early 1900s, was reinstalled in its current location at the end of the 40s. Little remains of the ancient walls which surrounded and protected the original much smaller city of Mahon, but the one remaining arch is quite spectacular.

Can Avelino (“Tapes”) is still in the same family, but with a very modern take on Tapas for sharing (actually “raciones”). Great value for money and some unusual and delicious offerings.

Casino Sant Climent. Celebrating its 85th year! On the main road opposite the square with the church. Something for everyone on offer here, with a covered terrace and plenty of indoor seating. A great meeting place, always popular. The much-improved village car park is a great asset too.

Ciutadella Area

Café Balear was officially the first restaurant in Ciutadella opening in the 1970’s, and still going strong. Originally a “seafarers tavern”, Juanita, the mother of the group’s current owner served delicious fish and seafood-based tapas for the fishermen before they went out to sea. The family have brought it up to a very high standard of fine dining, whilst still offering the freshest seafood in a wonderful waterfront environment, just by the bridge. Tables on the terrace cannot be booked in advance so expect to see queues all summer.

Restaurant Bar Tritón, waterfront. Closed Tuesday but open from 06:00 (or even 05:30 for the fishermen!) to midnight every other day of the week! A real stalwart since 1966! They offer a whole range of typical dishes. They survived the recent “purge” of the old waterfront restaurants with awnings attached to the historic walls, so of course it’s very popular!

Club Nautico de Ciutadella in the Yacht Club. Founded a century ago, the Club has been offering nautical opportunities to members and dining facilities also available to the general public for a very long time. It has undergone a major recent upgrade to keep abreast of current trends, and of course, offers spectacular views up and down the harbour. Now known as “Es Nautic”.

Sa Nacra, Cala Santandria, to the south of Ciutadella. Right on the rocks! Serving fine seafood to loyal customers over many years. Fabulous sunset views and you can watch the fish swimming below.

Es Caliu, on the road towards the Cap d’Artrutx lighthouse and Calan Bosch, has delighted customers over many years with their very wide range of meats and other foods cooked on a large open grill. Originally a 17th century farm building, it maintains a rustic setting in the countryside. Ideal too for large parties.

Bar Imperi, on the corner in Placa des Born opened its doors in 1941. It retains its elegant atmosphere, which is part of its charm. The bar specialises in tasty bocadillos containing Sobrasada y Miel, Cuixot con Queso de Maò Tortilla de patatas. It is one of our favourites for a place to read the local paper and enjoy a delicious ensaimada. There is terrace seating on two sides and also a patio at the rear. The acoustics created by the vaulted marés ceiling in the back room can make conversation quite interesting. Be prepared to enjoy the stories being told by the person sitting in the opposite corner while not being able to hear your friend sitting next to you.

CALAS FONTS (ES CASTELL)

Trébol needs little introduction! It opened in 1969 and became famous almost immediately through its starring role in the film “Spanish Fly”! It has maintained its original formula well, specialising in the freshest fish delivered to the door, and always can be relied upon for charming and efficient service. People from all over the world book literally months in advance for tables in the summer months!

San Luis

La Rueda, in the high street opened in 1956. Their tapas on the ground floor is highly sought after, especially their liver and kidney dishes! The menu is classic like the décor and very good value. It doesn’t change! Why would it?

Casa Fermin, in Punta Prima opened in 1952. The first “on the strip” and still going strong. Just to prove they move with the times; they are offering a trendy Asiatic menu this year alongside their regular dishes. Not only Sushi but also Wok creations and Tempura.

Fornells

La Palma in the “square” in the harbour is a “goto” spot for many visitors to Fornells, whether for a refreshing cold drink or a full meal. It’s also a comfortable Hostal with modern rooms and a swimming pool.

Es Cranc, Carrer de Ses Escoles. Whilst not on the waterfront, this emblematic seafood restaurant was one of the first to introduce the famous Lobster Caldereta to Fornells. This really put this sleepy fishing village on the map and now people travel from all over the world to sample it in the various locations where it’s now on offer. Not the cheapest dish, but a “must” at least once. Our foodie friends go for the prawns which they say are the best on the island.

Ferreries

Loar, in the centre of town offers a very different perspective if you choose to stay somewhere a little out-of-the-way. A charming town, with a lively weekly market. It started as a bar in 1960 and the second generation turned it into a hotel and restaurant in 1988. In 2006 it was totally refurbished and became a 3-star hotel. The restaurant seats 150 for hotel guests and the general visitor. They have a daily menu and a special menu and they are glutenfree specialists.

El Gallo, near the Truvi Garden Centre, on the Cala Galdana road. El Gallo is a very old rustic farmhouse located on an estate called “Son Martorellet”, a Menorcan estate more than 200 years old. It was opened by the current family in 1973 so special congratulations on their 50th birthday too. According to El Diari, the Rayas family, left behind their life in Granada to work in the Hotel Cala Galdana. This was half a century ago when Andalusia experienced one of the largest migrations of the modern era in Spain. They then took over the El Gallo, which at that time was ‘a snack bar with precarious infrastructure run by a man from Ciutadella and his English wife’. Famous for its “Mesón el Gallo” menu of natural products and grilled meats, especially the tenderloin made with authentic Mahón cheese.

Aliaor

There are two iconic bars of historic merit, Bon Jesus and Sa Teulera. The latter has recently undergone a major refurbishment and offers a large interior and also a terrace.

Alcaufar

Hotel Xuroy, on the beach was the very first “resort” hotel to offer a “beach hotel” experience in 1947! It’s been upgraded, expanded and modernised regularly over the years. This year, the younger generation of the same family have really got a grip on the terrace restaurant, and we’ve enjoyed some of the best meals here. It’s great to see such a “grande dame” now offering top food, plus they’ve completely rebuilt many of the rooms! Fresh fish is a speciality, plus many claim they make the finest paella known to man! It is a glorious spot and a great place to have a group meal with friends.

Es Migjorn Gran

Bar Peri has 1948 proudly emblazoned on its toldo. Es Migjorn Gran is a very special village, with a population of about 1,000, including many talented artists and musicians. This is where everyone congregates come rain or shine and there is great tapas. It is of course en route to Santo Tomas, so there is plenty of passing trade!

Santo Tomas

The beach bar or Chiringuito everyone knows, right by the roundabout is Es Bruc! Founded way back in 1950, you may well have to queue in the summer months at peak periods, and also to view the sunset. Try one of their huge salads or some steamed mussels, eaten off a paper tablecloth of course. The owners have this year opened a second Chiringuito on Santandria beach.

THE CORNER BAR, Addaia by Anne Jones

The Corner Bar in Addaia offers all of the above. Their menu makes the most of carefully selected, local ingredients with daily specials and ‘Catch of the Day’. Chef Jonas Garcia’s thoughtfully chosen menu offers an interesting selection for both meat and fish eaters, with imaginative and creative dishes which are all beautifully presented. My favourite main is slow cooked roasted lamb with apricot and peach chutney served with potatoes and seasonal vegetables. My husband loves the Solomillo with Menorca cheese, mushrooms and foie gras.

As well as larger plates, there is a range of tasty, freshly prepared tapas. Paella is available at lunchtime. Delicious, home-made desserts complete your meal – with cheesecake made from Mahon cheese being particularly recommended.

The owner, Natalie, and her staff offer a very warm welcome, as well as friendly and professional service and are eager to discuss menu choices with you. There is the option of eating inside