What are the tipping customs in restaurants and cafes on the island?

People living here tend to tip a little differently than visitors might expect. In most restaurants around Palma, Soller, or the beach towns like Cala Mondrago, leaving around 5 to 10 percent is common if service has been good. Tipping isn’t as obligatory as in some other countries; instead, it feels more like a thoughtful thank-you for attentive, friendly service. At casual spots, such as small cafes in Valldemossa or market bars in Alcudia, rounding up the bill or leaving a few coins is appreciated but never demanded.

In upscale restaurants, like those you find in Deia or along the Formentor coast, guests often tip closer to the higher end of that range if the service really stands out. Watch out for a service charge, which sometimes appears on bills, especially for large groups or events. When this happens, it’s generally accepted that additional tipping is optional depending on your satisfaction.

For quick stops—a coffee and ensaimada in a Palma café, for example—a modest tip just feels like a gesture of goodwill rather than an expectation. Tipping is less about obligation and more about recognizing care and quality, helping support local staff who often rely on these extras during a season that pulses with visitors. Overall, trusting your own sense of the experience is the best guide when deciding how much to leave.