Johny’s Dhaba Indian, Calle Santa Magi 6,  6 07013

This is a real find for authentic Indian food lovers. The simple décor, such as it is, includes unadorned wood tables and basic metal chairs, not unlike cafes in small country towns like Patna. The real star is the cooking, which is simply amazing: the closest to true Indian food I have eaten outside of India. Mains are about 14€ and the lassis are to die for. The draft beer is Cobra. GW.

GW.Hollys, Calle Pursiana 6, Sta Catalina 07013971264475

Tina is still cooking up a storm in her small, stylish and intimate restaurant. Such attentive and welcoming service: it is more like being invited to a friend’s house for dinner. The food menu ensures there is always something to enjoy and she cooks everything fresh to order. I tend to avoid the tourist trap of StaCatalina these days but this is definitely an exception. Go once and you will want to return. GW.

GM.Elias Urban Kitchen, Calle Sant Elies, 9, 07003635418821

Here’s another gem, close to Placa Patins. An inexpensive Menu del Dia, about 16€, in this small restaurant very popular with lawyers. Unpretentious, with simple dishes but all cooked to a high standard. It will never win a Michelin but does exactly what it should do and does it well; your hostess always offers a friendly welcome. Almost next door to Silas’s vintage recordstore. GW.

Jaime III, Passeig Mallorca 14.

If you are looking for Sunday lunch in Central Palma, I heartedly recommend the buffet in this stylish hotel for 23€ including unlimited cava but no other drinks. Good fresh food including soup, fish, meat, salads, sweets and cheeses and a relaxed atmosphere with excellent service. Booking inside or on the sunny terrace is essential. A delightful spot. GW. 

JC.Naisa Palma, c/Simo Ballester 6

A very central hotel just off the Passeig Mallorca, very popular with members. The restaurant is light, tastefully furnished and spacious. The small, well-curated and imaginative menu changes each day and offers tremendous value @ 18€ inclusive of drinks. Presentation of dishes is excellent: definitely not just plucked from the freezer. The attractive staff are extremely helpful so if you enjoy your lunch please tip them! GW.

Aspas Café at Fronda (Magtazen Verde), General Riera. (free parking).

A splendid, if expensive, garden centre with a half-decent restaurant attached. Their wide range of dishes includes vegetarian options. Very large portions – no starters- for 14.95€ including wine. Can be a tad hit-and-miss but generally above average for a menu del dia. You can read the daily menu on their website. Be warned! After a relaxing lunch the huge variety of colourful plants is even more tempting… GW. 

GW.Spot in Placa de la Verge Miracle, Santa Catalina.

Lovely decor, and food is tasty (although small portions). Menu del dia is 16€ without wine. SE.

Mercat des Peix, C/Pere d’Alcantara Penya, 17.

Tucked down a side road off Aragon very near to El Corte Ingles, this recent discovery deserves a solid recommendation and is perfect after shopping! Their a-la-carte is splendid but whilst the menu-del-dia initially showed imagination, a far cry from the usual offerings, lately it seems to be a tad hit-and-miss. Light and airy with tables spaced out reasonably and attentivestaff. Portions tend to be large and serious value at 16.80€ for lunch time menu. Wine or other drink included and I particularly appreciate the inclusion of coffee as an alternative to a postre. GW.

GW.Hotel Portixol, Carrer de la Sirena, 27, 07006Palma

This comfortable venue offers a set menu for 24€ excluding drinks. Offering well-prepared food but in fairly small portions, it enjoys an excellent shaded terrace by the sea. The staff are attentive and it’s a smart venue to take visitors. Parking can be an issue. GM