Cala Galdana is a Menorca classic for staying, sunbathing, having fun and, of course, eating well, with a varied gastronomic offer ranging from informal beachfront restaurants to more refined options to linger over a long lunch.
It was one of the first beaches where the landscape changed dramatically in just a few years. Until the late ’60s, Menorca lived mainly from agricultural and industrial activity, but already in the early 1970s, large hotel chains settled in what had previously been unspoilt areas and tourists began to arrive, who in a short time would become the main drivers of the island’s economic activity.
Cala Galdana is located in the south-central part of the island and its landscape is stunning. It quickly became a major tourist attraction and, today, it is one of the destinations that receives the most visitors. It also attracts many people who do not stay there but visit to discover and enjoy it. And what is one of the best ways to enjoy any place? Of course, by eating!
Where to eat in Cala Galdana
There is a wide range of dining options of all kinds: beach bars, casual cafés, restaurants, traditional eateries — something for every taste. Here are our recommendations.
- Restaurante El Mirador: it has both a covered and an open-air terrace in a prime location with views over the entire beach. The menu is extensive, but it’s best to opt for rice dishes, seafood and fish. It is a welcoming place, despite being very touristy, and offers very reasonable prices.
- Restaurante Cala Mitjana: not only is the food excellent (of course, all kinds of seafood), but the friendly service also stands out. It is slightly removed from the hustle and bustle, yet very close to the beach, in the natural setting of the Torrent d’Algendar.
- Mesón Murciano: yes, a Murcian-style restaurant in one of the most touristy areas of Menorca — and highly recommended. It has a lovely terrace, friendly and welcoming service and, beyond typical Menorcan dishes, some very tempting combinations such as sirloin with Mahón cheese.
- Es Barranc: located next to the river in Cala Galdana, on the main avenue of the resort, they serve very traditional Menorcan and Mediterranean cuisine. It is elegant yet cosy, and never disappoints.
- Delit Restaurante Pizzeria: very popular among tourists and locals alike, they offer not only delicious pizzas but also paellas and Mediterranean dishes. The setting is beautiful, with a terrace you won’t want to leave.
- Tobogán Cala Galdana: homemade tapas, fish, generous portions of Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine. It is very close to the beach and has a beach-bar vibe, as it is fully open, though slightly more formal and with a private pool. You must try the lobster rice.
- Chiringuito Toni: for many, the best beach bar in Cala Galdana. Its privileged location overlooking the entire bay certainly helps, but they also serve generous portions and offer friendly service.
If you are in Menorca and looking for somewhere to go out for lunch, don’t hesitate to put Cala Galdana on your list of options. Although it is very touristy and may seem crowded, don’t be misled — as we have shown here (and we’ve left many out), there are plenty of places to fill your belly and enjoy.