For over six decades, “Es Cruce” has been more than a roadside restaurant — it’s become a culinary pilgrimage for those seeking authentic Mallorcan flavors. Set along the Palma-Manacor road, this unassuming spot draws crowds of 1,500 daily, all eager to indulge in recipes passed down from owner Guillem Gari’s grandmother. From snails drenched in aioli to generous portions of grilled cuttlefish and smoky entrecôte, Es Cruce promises a feast that’s as unapologetically Mallorcan as it is satisfying.

Pros:

– the fascinating history of this very old restaurant began with just a few tables outdoors and family recipes. Es Cruce today is a great example of how a business on the island can scale over the years while remaining true to its culinary origins.

– located in the middle of nowhere, so there’s no need to dress up to go here;

– the portions are enormous – big enough to satisfy Gargantua;

– surprisingly low prices;

– a simple and bold country restaurant atmosphere, where the focus is purely on the food;

– simple table settings, but all the essentials are there;

– a strange sense of quiet – people at nearby tables barely talk to each other, as everyone is entirely focused on the contents of their plates and nothing else;

– it’s the perfect place to host a real feast for the whole family, including even distant cousins. The versatile menu includes dishes like goat cheese salad (€7.35), grilled cuttlefish (€11.95), and granizado de almendra mallorquina (€3.95) – traditional treats of Mallorcan cuisine. Everyone will be happy;

– the meaty caragols (snails, €8.15) must be skillfully extracted from their large shells, dipped in creamy aioli, and eaten one after another. This leads to a fantastical level of fullness – it’s impossible to finish a portion alone;

– the giant entrecôte (€16.95) is grilled to a smoky, thin crust. The meat melts in your mouth like a pastry;

– the grilled cuttlefish also melts in your mouth while smelling of fire and the sea;

– if you can’t finish your meal and want to take the leftovers home, the waitress will simply ask, “How many plastic containers do you need?” You’ll then pack everything yourself. This aspect of the service should be taken in stride. Snobs won’t last here for more than a minute.

Cons:

– you might need a personal driver, as driving after such a hearty meal is nearly impossible;

– there’s always a queue at the cash register to pay the bill. Although the cashiers work efficiently and quickly, they still have to attend to a huge number of people;

– I can’t quite get used to the extremely sweet taste of the granizado de almendra mallorquina (€3.95);

– the cheesecake Tarta de queso (€4.80) isn’t the best in the world.

Text by Lana Kesoyan