Most delicious: Mercado Gastronómico San Juan

**** In the wake of the pandemic the Mercado Gastronómico closed for good. ****

Mercado Gastronómico simply translates into food market. But that’s not at all what comes to my mind when I enter San Juan in Palma’s former slaughterhouse S’Escorxador.

Instead, the mercado is rather a unique best-of-everything from the island. Imagine a hall in lavish Art nouveau style, two stories high, a cast iron construction with a long line of food booths to both sides. There are about 20 different small eateries inviting you to mouth-watering tapas and pintxos, to hamburgers, oysters and all kinds ofseafood, tortillas, to a fancy variety of llonguets (the typical Mallorcan bun) and many more freshly made tasty things. Even Daruma, one of Palma’s most popular Japanese restaurants, has a stand here. Of course, there’s a wide choice of drinks, too: wines, vermouths, gins, and beers from the island and beyond.

For me it’s always a challenge to decide, foodwise. But once you’re done simply take your plate and glass to one of the high wooden tables in the center of the spacious hallway (it’s called the plaça) and enjoy. Sometimes there’s a special event, or live music – just check San Juan’s website. It’s the perfect place to meet with a group of friends, to hang out after work, or to come by for a night cap.

S’Escorxador is a little ways beyond the avenidas but still within walking distance from Plaça d’Espanya. The prize-winning Modernisme complex was built in 1905 and turned into a cultural center in the 1980’s after a complete refurbishment. CineCiutat, my favorite movie theater in Palma, was founded here after the Renoir Palma closed down. Since San Juan opened up in June 2015 S’Escorxador attracts a growing crowd of foodies and cineasts alike. The neighborhood seems to be on the move, too, with new bars and cafés popping up, looking pretty much estilo Palma. So stay tuned!