This is where the King of Spain eats paella in Mallorca – royal visits his favourite Palma spot again

A familiar table in Portixol

The setting for this latest royal lunch? The effortlessly cool neighbourhood of Portixol – a once-sleepy fishing village turned one of Palma’s most desirable coastal hangouts.

Just a short stroll (or cycle) from the city centre, Portixol has become synonymous with laid-back luxury: think waterfront terraces, stylish locals, and long lunches that stretch into sunset drinks. It’s exactly the kind of place where you can blend in, even if you happen to be the King.

The restaurant in question is Mia by Guillermo Cabot. Starters include moutherwatering dishes like prawn carpaccio with salmon rose, squid with sobrasada and sea bass ceviche. Seafood is clearly their speciality, featuring a ‘catch of the day’ and of course the signature paellas.  No wonder the king is a fan.

Not his first visit – and certainly not his last

While this week’s appearance may have surprised diners, those in the know will tell you it’s far from unusual.

King Felipe is something of a regular at this particular restaurant, reportedly stopping by at least once a year whenever he’s on the island. And he doesn’t always come alone.

Previous visits have seen him dining here with his wife, Queen Letizia, as well as his mother, Queen Sofía, and his daughters – making it a go-to spot not just for casual lunches, but for relaxed family time too.

It’s this consistency that says more than any official endorsement ever could: when the king returns somewhere again and again, you know it’s worth knowing about.

Lunch with friends, Mallorca style

This latest visit had a more low-key feel, with Felipe joining a small group of close friends, including Mallorcan musician Jaume Anglada.

The vibe? Entirely off-duty.

The group settled in for a classic Mediterranean lunch, with freshly made paella taking centre stage, a dish that perfectly captures the spirit of eating in Mallorca: simple, sociable, and best enjoyed slowly.

No fuss, no fanfare… just good food and even better company.

A dish with centuries of history

While it might feel like the ultimate holiday indulgence, paella has far more humble origins.

The dish traces back to the fields of Valencia, where farm workers would cook rice over an open fire, adding whatever ingredients they had to hand: from rabbit and beans to snails and vegetables. The wide, shallow pan (also called a paella) allowed the rice to cook evenly, creating that signature golden crust at the bottom.

Over time, paella evolved into Spain’s most iconic dish, with seafood versions becoming especially popular along the coast, including in Mallorca. Today, it’s less about necessity and more about ritual; a dish designed to be shared, lingered over, and enjoyed slowly, just as the king did.

Why Portixol is the ultimate insider spot

Part of the appeal is the location itself.

Portixol sits right on the edge of Palma, hugging the coastline with uninterrupted sea views and a steady breeze that makes even the hottest days feel effortless. It’s where locals go when they want to escape the city without really leaving it and where visitors stumble upon that “how did I not know about this?” feeling.

There’s a rhythm to life here: morning swims, bike rides along the promenade, and long, lazy lunches that turn into early evening aperitivos.

It’s understated, stylish, and quietly exclusive, which perhaps explains why it continues to draw a royal crowd.

A royal seal of approval

There’s something refreshing about seeing a king embrace the simple pleasures. No private dining room. No elaborate setup. Just a table by the sea and a plate of paella done properly.

And while Mallorca has no shortage of glamorous hotspots, it’s this kind of authentic, unfussy experience that clearly keeps King Felipe VI coming back. Because sometimes, the best luxury isn’t about exclusivity… it’s about knowing exactly where to eat.