Whilst most Restaurants and Bars also serve traditional English dishes and there are a number specialising in Italian, Indian and Chinese food, you might like to sample the local specialities.
Many Restaurants provide an economical meal at lunchtimes, known as Menu del Dia as well as Menu de Noche in the evenings. These consist of 3 courses (with choices) and usually water and wine. Children are always welcome in Bars and Restaurants and most Restaurants have a Children’s Menu with English and Menorcan dishes.
Popular snacks are Bocadillos – fresh, crusty, filled bread rolls that are available in most Bars. As well as the familiar cheese or ham, there is a fresh hot omelette - Tortilla, and numerous other fillings including the island-made spreading sausage - Sobrasada. You may be asked if you want your roll ‘con tomate’, which is an alternative to butter, when a ripe tomato is squeezed over the inside of the roll before the filling. Butter is seldom served unless requested.
Tapas are also to be found in most Bars and there is usually a wide selection displayed on the top of the bar. They are served in small portions and can be eaten as an appetiser, or choose a selection of several to make up a meal.
These usually include dishes made of albondigas – meat balls, higado – liver and garlic, rinones al jerez – kidneys in sherry, calamares a la romana – fried squid rings in batter, carne con salsa – meat in a rich sauce and tortilla, served in a number of varieties.
Menorca’s most famous dish is the rich seafood stew called Caldereta de Langosta, made with delicious (but expensive) spiny lobster. There is a wide variety of locally reared meat dishes as well as chicken, fresh fish, shellfish and, of course, Paella. A popular cold soup is Gazpacho, usually served with chopped tomatoes, peppers etc.
Flan, the local version of Crème Caramel, is served everywhere for dessert, as is ‘pudding’ a Menorcan version sometimes enriched with fruit. Tarta de manzana – apple flan is also very popular and nearly every Bar and Restaurant has an ice-cream menu.
Don’t forget to try the Spanish Wines, Cava (sparkling wine), herbal and fruit liqueurs, Brandy and, of course, Sangria!
N.B. Tipping is customary in Restaurants and Bars |
