Justine Murphy, founder of the internationally-renown mymuybueno cookery school in Mallorca, shares her favourite island gems...

Ca Na Toneta

Located in an old beautiful house in Caimari village, it is a fair drive to get to, but well worthwhile. Owned and run by the Solivellas sisters, you are welcomed like one of the family. You come not just for the food, but in summer, the alfresco dining is incredible, there’s a rear patio which is where you must specify when booking via their website to sit, surrounded by whitewashed walls with a local artist's quirky paintings, this makes for a relaxing experience while grapes are cascading across the vines above you. There is a changing set menu, and you just trust that whatever is brought out to you, based on traditional Mallorcan recipes, will always be absolutely incredible. The love and skill that goes into each dish, using all local seasonal ingredients much, from their own garden too and Uncle Pepe’s olives and oil, is superb. There is also a very beautiful shop next door where you can purchase the beautiful plates and linen from the island all used throughout the meal.

Mirador La Victoria

This is a very ‘Spanish’ rustic, old and charming family run restaurant, above sea level and a walk through nature and up a fair few steps to reach the top. The black rice- with squid ink and cuttlefish is the only thing to order here. I’ve been every summer for the past ten years, and it is consistently good. Combined with the most incredible view looking out to the bay of Pollensa and amazing Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, this is a really gorgeous setting for a perfect lunch. Reservations via phone only.

Sea Club at Cap Rocat

This is one of my favourite places to take my family, and also my clients too. Cap Rocat hotel is a five star hotel ( with an amazing spa for non-residents too ) it is a converted former military fortress with there most beautiful and tranquil secluded location in the Bay of Palma. You are picked up by golf buggy and driven down to the waterfront, that moment as you turn the corner and the vast blue is in your eye line, is everything. Breathtaking. Lunchtime here is always relaxing. The service, the seating and style, and of course the food, whole grilled fish is very good and their lobster paella is exceptional. A leisurely afternoon spent eating, drinking crisp cold alborino and enjoying good company makes this one of my favourite places. You must book via the website well in advance.

El Camino

In the heart of Palma. No reservations, you must arrive early to take a seat at the long marble bar that runs across the entire restaurant. It;’s elegant and has a very Art Deco feel. I take all our guest chefs for my cookery school here because it quite simply serves the very best tapas and is a perfect introduction to Mallorca, using the best quality ingredients, and always quick and excellent service. Sitting at the bar you can see the whole open kitchen in front of you, and all preparation of many dishes, that you will be led by what you see to ask for. The courgette flower with goats cheese and honey is always brilliant, the grilled octopus is superb with it’s mojo rojo sauce, and classics like bread with tomatoes and ibérica Jamon are always to be ordered and enjoyed liberally with any one of their wines. This is a fabulous dinner spot, and they open from early evening, whereas many only open much later. Pictured. 

Ca's Patro March

Located on the side of the Cala Deià in Mallorca’s Tramuntana mountains, this is another rustic lunch spot but it is equally charming for lunchtime alfresco dining. Fresh fish and seafood is caught on the day, and cooked on their open fire grill. A whole turbot to share, as well as Soller prawns, and calamari are my absolute go to’s with a big bowl of aioli and of course crisp cold Albariño. You can arrive by boat, then climb the stone steps up to the restaurant, or you can also drive down to the parking that is closeby. Enjoying the beautiful village of Deià afterwards is highly recommended. They never answer their phone, the best way to book a table is by simply going there and reserving a few days to a week in advance in high season.

Justine is the entrepreneur behind mymuybueno - a multi-division international food business including an award-winning deli, cookery school and chef agency, based in Mallorca. In addition, she has launched her first cookery book sharing her delicious and healthy refined sugar-free recipes.

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