What time do locals in Palma usually eat dinner, and are there any dining etiquette customs I should follow?

Notice the shutters drawn wide open on many Palma apartments well past sunset—a subtle hint that evenings start late here. Dining typically begins around 9 or 10 PM, especially in coastal towns like Port de Sóller or Alcúdia, reflecting the island’s relaxed pace. This later hour allows for lingering over dishes like pa amb oli accompanied by a glass of Binissalem wine or a refreshing Hierbas herbal liqueur. Even restaurants in the bustling La Lonja quarter maintain this rhythm, rarely filling their tables earlier than 8:30 PM.

When joining locals for dinner, it's customary to wait until everyone is served before starting, and sharing small plates is commonplace, so passing around sobrassada or tumbet is part of the experience. Traditional dishes are often enjoyed communally, but it's polite to use serving utensils rather than personal forks. Expressing your thanks with a simple 'gràcies' or tipping modestly, if at all, fits the island’s understated hospitality. Reservations can be advisable during festivals like Sant Sebastià in January or the Nit de Foc in June, when popular eateries fill quickly, particularly along the Ma-19 seafront in Palma or near the beaches of Cala Mondragó.