Barbaflorida Cafe

Brunch with views of the Serra

An old counter and a grid shelf housing some foods give the space a certain air of an old-fashioned grocery store, and the wooden tables and rattan lamps create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that invites you to extend brunch and lose sight of the clock.

Author: Aina Coll

Photographer: Jaume Oliver

Committed to our tempting mission of exploring the best brunch offerings on the island, on a sunny morning in March, we headed to Valldemossa. The legendary village of Serra de Tramuntana welcomed us with its spectacular beauty as we made our way to the Cartuja square. There, right on the corner, stands Barbaflorida Café, our destination.

After debating whether to choose to stay on the stone-tiled terrace – the day certainly lends itself to it – or to go inside and discover the establishment, we finally decide to request a table indoors because something tells us that the atmosphere of this bar leaves no one indifferent.

We settle by the window, which gifts us with beautiful views of the Serra and the always lively streets of Valldemossa, and soon the menu arrives. Llonguets - such as caprese with buffalo mozzarella and homemade almond pesto or a mestizo roast sandwich with a Mallorcan twist - granola with seasonal fruit, tantalizing pastries, and various snacking options, like a colorful beetroot hummus, catch our attention amidst an endless list of beverages, both cold and hot, where excellent coffee and organic tea dominate.

Among all the options - which clearly show a strong commitment to local and organic produce - we order two juices, one orange and one apple, a llonguet, and some toast. Ready to enjoy.

We ordered a llonguet with homemade mango chutney, Mahón cheese, tomato, and arugula, which proves to be succulent and original, sweet and salty at the same time, thanks to a combination of fresh flavors that complement and soften the density of the Mahón cheese.

The toast - as warned by Barbaflorida fans - is a must-have at this place, so we order a portion of bread slices with Iberian ham, which arrive accompanied by Mallorcan olives. A simple dish, we agree, but one that reminds us precisely that in mundane pleasures one can find a moment of happiness - and flavor - difficult to explain.

The influx of diners at noon in this Valldemossa establishment is plentiful yet relaxed. Perhaps it's due to the natural scenery surrounding us, or perhaps it's also aided by the décor – unique, yet unassuming – of the place, which conveys that feeling: an old counter and a grid shelf housing some foods give the space a certain air of an old-fashioned grocery store, and the wooden tables and rattan lamps create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that invites you to extend brunch and lose sight of the clock.

We leave Barbaflorida more than satisfied - both with the food and the service received - and, just before leaving, we browse among the products displayed on the shelf. Among coffees and infusions, we come across the teas from Dos Alquemistas, whom we had the pleasure of visiting at La Bodega de Biniaraix. It's always a pleasure to run into acquaintances.

Now, we leave the establishment, but a visit to Valldemossa entails a mandatory stop: Can Molina beckons us. Towards this mythical bakery with over a century of tradition, we head to return home with some potato pastries. Returning from this town empty-handed would be unforgivable, and besides, traditions are meant to be honored.