© Can Frau
Joan Can Frau Restaurant
Cosy market bar for informal tapas on the run
A small box, with a steel counter in a big market hall, expertly executing its delivery of
When visiting Palma’s popular Santa Catalina market, you’ll find Bar Joan Frau at stall
numbers 8 and 9.
With 5 decades of serving delicious Mallorcan cuisine since 1966, it’s easily earned its
reputation as a staple reference within the trendy market square. Each day, the second-
generation Frau family prepares traditional Mallorcan tapas using fresh island produce,
including spectacular, sweet and savoury pastries, Mallorcan llonguets; (Palma’s petite
bread rolls) and of course the simple but delicious Pamb Oli, along with paellas, Spanish
wines and super coffee. They also offer a daily dish along the lines of stuffed eggplants,
steamed vegetables or slow-cooked lamb shoulder.
Despite their clinical and commercial, simplistic set up, you’ll rub shoulders with a variety of
clientele here with everyone from peckish tourists to renowned chefs on their daily market
runs.
Their wonderful food is available to take away and their hours are from 07.00am until 16.00
Tuesday to Saturday.
Visitor comments
“Really the best and freshest tapas. I love the food and the people there. In the morning
until 8:00 it’s worth to have a Mediterranean brunch. Coming back soon.” – Trip Advisor
“A very popular bar located inside the Santa Catalina Mercado. Can get very crowded so you
must be ready to flag the servers down for service. Everything is delicious, serving very
rustic mallorcan dishes, frito mallorquin, callos, croquetas, etc. So much to choose from. If
you're lucky enough to snag a table, you'll be sitting literally behind the bar right in the
action, very fun.” – Trip Advisor
“Great place to eat. Had a tapas lunch with coffee standing at the bar watching delicious
plates of food going out. Excellent quality and amazing value, going again.” – Trip Advisor
