Classic tapas bar near the Mercat de l'Olivar serving excellent quality patatas bravas, jamón, and seafood tapas at honest prices. A local institution beloved for generous portions.
El Pilon is a well-loved tapas bar near Palma's Mercat de l'Olivar on Mallorca, operating in the tradition of the classic Spanish bar-restaurant that serves the working population of the neighbourhood rather than chasing tourist traffic. It opens early in the morning and closes at 4PM, making it an exclusively daytime venue aligned with Palma's market and office rhythm. The menu is short and seasonal, anchored in the Spanish tapas repertoire: patatas bravas with the house aioli, grilled prawns with garlic, jamón serrano cut to order, and daily specials built around whatever is fresh at the market that morning. The kitchen is visible from the bar, which is a narrow, stand-up affair in the traditional style. The room at the back has tables for those who want to sit, though the bar itself is where most regulars position themselves. Prices are honest and portions are generous — this is the kind of bar where two people can eat and drink well for €30–€40. The crowd is mixed: market workers, office staff from nearby Palma businesses, and a handful of visitors who have wandered over from the market. It is not a glamorous venue but it is exactly the kind of authentic neighbourhood bar that makes Palma worth exploring beyond the cathedral quarter.
Signature dishes
- Patatas bravas with aioli — €6
- Grilled prawns with garlic — €12
Good to know
- Known for
- Classic tapas at market prices
- Hours
- Mon-Sat 8AM-4PM
Location
Carrer de l'Arxiduc Lluís Salvador 5, 07013 Palma, Mallorca
39.5741, 2.6424 View on map
Highlights
- Classic neighbourhood tapas bar near Mercat de l'Olivar, open from morning to afternoon
- Patatas bravas with house aioli — the standard against which Palma's other versions are judged
- Grilled prawns with garlic at market prices: generous portions, honest cost
- Stand-up bar in the traditional Spanish style, frequented by market workers and locals
- One of the best-value lunch stops in central Palma, with most dishes under €15
Tips for visiting
- Arrive between 12:30PM and 1:30PM for the peak lunch rush and the widest daily-special selection
- Standing at the bar is the authentic experience; seated tables at the back are quieter
- Order the grilled prawns as a main course — the portion is sufficient for one person
- The bar closes at 4PM with no evening service, so plan accordingly
- Combine with a visit to Mercat de l'Olivar next door for a full market-and-tapas morning
Accessibility
The bar entrance is at street level. The interior is compact with a narrow bar and closely set tables. Wheelchair access to the seated dining area is limited by the size of the space; the bar counter can be accessed without steps.
Frequently asked questions
What are El Pilon's opening hours?
The bar is open Monday through Saturday from around 8AM to 4PM. It does not serve dinner and is closed on Sundays.
Is it possible to get a table at El Pilon, or is it standing only?
Both. There is a traditional stand-up bar at the front and a small seated dining area at the back. Walk-ins only — no reservations taken.
How much does a meal cost at El Pilon?
Two people eating tapas and drinking wine typically spend €30–€40 in total. It is one of the more affordable lunch options in central Palma.
Where is El Pilon located?
The bar is on Carrer de l'Arxiduc Lluís Salvador in Palma, about a two-minute walk from the Mercat de l'Olivar and in the Santa Catalina area.