A beloved Mahón institution since 1938, Ca n'Alfredo is where locals come for authentic Menorcan cuisine in a no-nonsense setting. Their caldereta de llagosta (lobster stew) is considered the island's best.
Ca n'Alfredo is a Menorcan institution that has been serving the island's most celebrated traditional cuisine from the same harborside address in Mahón since 1938. The restaurant sits on the Moll de Llevant, the long quay that frames the eastern side of Mahón's spectacular natural harbor — one of the largest in the Mediterranean. Caldereta de llagosta, the region's iconic lobster stew, is the dish that has made Ca n'Alfredo famous across Spain. The stew is prepared to order using live Menorcan lobster, simmered in a rich tomato and fish broth and served with rounds of crusty bread for soaking up the sauce. It is priced per market rate (expect upwards of €55 per person) and considered by many Menorcans to be the definitive version. Beyond the lobster, the kitchen delivers a full canon of traditional Menorcan cooking: arrós de la terra (land rice with pork), greixonera de peus de porc (pigs' trotter stew), and a Menorcan cheese board showcasing the island's famous Mahón-Menorca PDO cheese. The dining room is unpretentious and functional — marble-topped tables, tiled floors, a straightforward setting that lets the food speak clearly. Service is direct and professional, steeped in decades of practice. Locals outnumber tourists at the lunch service. Reservations are recommended for dinner and essential during summer.
Signature dishes
- Caldereta de llagosta (lobster stew) — €55
- Menorcan cheese board — €16
Good to know
- Known for
- Authentic caldereta de llagosta and traditional Menorcan recipes
- Hours
- Mon-Sat 1PM-3:30PM & 8PM-10:30PM
Location
Moll de Llevant 42, 07701 Maó, Menorca
39.8882, 4.2640 View on map
Highlights
- Mahón institution since 1938 — one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in the Balearic Islands
- Caldereta de llagosta: Menorca's iconic lobster stew, widely regarded as the island's finest version
- Authentic Menorcan recipes unchanged over generations, from arrós de la terra to greixonera
- Harborside setting on Mahón's Moll de Llevant with views over one of Europe's great natural harbors
- Menorcan cheese board featuring PDO Mahón-Menorca cheese at various stages of maturation
Tips for visiting
- Order the caldereta de llagosta with at least 48 hours' notice in busy periods — the kitchen may run out of live lobster
- Lunch is the traditional and more affordable meal; consider the set lunch menu if available
- The harbor terrace tables fill first — arrive early or reserve a specific outdoor table
- Combine a visit with a walk along the Moll de Llevant promenade before or after the meal
- Prices for lobster dishes fluctuate with the catch; confirm the current rate when booking
Accessibility
The restaurant is on the ground floor of the harborside building with a flat entrance from the quay. The dining room is step-free. The outdoor terrace is on the same level as the main dining area. The restaurant is accessible to wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
What is caldereta de llagosta?
It is a traditional Menorcan lobster stew cooked in a rich tomato and shellfish broth. Whole Menorcan lobster is used, and the dish is served with bread for dunking. It is priced by weight according to the day's market rate.
Should I reserve in advance at Ca n'Alfredo?
Yes, especially for dinner and at weekends. In summer (July–August) the restaurant fills quickly; a reservation a few days ahead is strongly advisable.
Does Ca n'Alfredo serve non-seafood dishes?
Yes. Traditional Menorcan pork and meat dishes, local cheese boards, and vegetable starters are all on the menu alongside the celebrated seafood.
When is the restaurant closed?
The restaurant is typically closed on Sundays. It may close for holidays in January or February; checking directly before an out-of-season visit is advisable.