Bep Al·lès/Ciutadella - As the sun sets over the western coast of Ciutadella and the terraces of Cala en Blanes and Los Delfines come alive, the aroma of olive wood embers becomes the area’s most enticing gastronomic attraction. Far removed from the stereotypes of the predominantly British family sun-and-beach tourism that characterizes the resort, this corner of Ciutadella has established itself in recent years as a true sanctuary for lovers of grilled meats. Here, the tradition of charcoal cooking remains alive through grills lit every evening, carefully selected cuts of Friesian or Red Menorcan beef, premium Spanish meats, and a culinary philosophy based on quality produce, fire, and time.

Three establishments have become absolute references in this gastronomic culture: L’Àncora, Es Replec, and Yuca. Three different personalities, yet one shared philosophy: transforming a simple barbecue into an essential experience for any travelling foodie seeking to discover the most authentic flavours of Menorca.

L’Àncora: An Institution Where Fire Speaks

To speak of L’Àncora is to speak of one of the great gastronomic institutions of Cala en Blanes. In fact, it was the resort’s first restaurant and, with more than five decades of history and a loyal clientele that returns year after year, this family-run establishment owned by the Galán family has evolved without losing its essence. Its star attraction in the evenings is the olive wood barbecue grill, one of the most renowned in the area, capable of giving its locally sourced Menorcan beef, pork, chicken, and lamb that elegant smoky touch that only native wood can provide.

The atmosphere is family-friendly and tourist-oriented, genuinely Mediterranean and far removed from fleeting trends. Here, luxury is found in the quality of the produce, generous portions, attentive service, and well-executed simplicity. Ribs, entrecôte steaks, and mixed grilled meats arrive at the table cooked with precision, respecting the original flavour of the ingredients. All this is complemented by a menu featuring rice dishes, fish, and traditional Menorcan recipes that reinforce its local identity. A timeless classic that continues to set the gastronomic pace of summer in Cala en Blanes.

Es Replec: The Contemporary Temple of Great Meats

If there is one name that has elevated the concept of grilled meat in Los Delfines, it is Es Replec. The restaurant has become a true gastronomic destination for lovers of premium cuts thanks to a proposal that combines the area’s relaxed spirit with a selection of top-quality products.

Its spectacular olive wood grill is the centre of attention. Selected Menorcan beef, premium meats from northern Spain, ribs, dry-aged entrecôtes, and gourmet burgers all pass through its flames, helping to create a loyal following. Execution is precise, service is efficient, and the atmosphere maintains the vibrant summer energy that defines not only the evenings but also the lunchtime scene of Cala en Blanes.

Beyond the meat, the menu features Mediterranean dishes, carefully selected wines, and a varied offering capable of satisfying diverse groups without losing sight of its main focus: fire. Es Replec represents the most contemporary face of local gastronomy, proving that charcoal cooking can be both sophisticated and relaxed.

Its daily menu and special weekend menu, which include grilled meat and fish dishes, are also worth highlighting.

Café Restaurant Yuca: Tradition, Authenticity, and the Aroma of Wood Fire

Las Yucas is one of those establishments that forms part of the emotional memory of many holidays in Menorca. Located in the heart of Los Delfines, the restaurant has maintained its own distinct personality based on Mediterranean cuisine, traditional Menorcan recipes, and excellent grilled meats.

Olive wood once again takes centre stage, adding aromatic depth to cuts of meat that reach the table with that characteristic slow-fire flavour so difficult to replicate. The restaurant combines the spirit of a Mediterranean tavern with honest cooking that prioritises local produce and consistency.

The experience is completed by a lively terrace throughout the summer evenings, friendly service, and a menu that allows guests to alternate between grilled specialities, fish, tapas, and traditional island recipes. These are prepared both on the large outdoor barbecue and in the Josper oven, where fish and seafood dishes are cooked with remarkable expertise.

For gastronomic travellers, Las Yucas is an essential stop for understanding how Menorca has turned fire-based cooking into part of its culinary heritage.

Its daily menu is also noteworthy, offering both fish and meat dishes grilled over olive wood embers.

Technical Information

L'Àncora Restaurant

• Location: Avenida Simón de Olivar, 26, Cala en Blanes
• Telephone: +34 971 88 46 41
• Website: https://lancoracalanblanes.com/
• Opening Hours: Daily from 11:00 am to 11:30 pm
• Average Price: €20-35 per person
• Speciality: Menorcan meats and mixed grills cooked over olive wood embers.

Es Replec

• Location: Av. Los Delfines, 9, Los Delfines – Cala en Blanes
• Telephone: +34 971 38 98 31
• Website: https://esreplec.com/
• Opening Hours: 1:00 pm to 11:00 pm (closed Wednesdays)
• Average Price: €35–40 per person
• Speciality: Premium grilled meats, signature burgers, and Mediterranean cuisine.

Café Restaurante Yuca

• Location: Av. Los Delfines, 2, Los Delfines
• Telephone: +34 971 38 81 22
• Opening Hours: 1:00 pm to 11:00 pm
• Average Price: €35–40 per person
• Speciality: Menorcan cuisine, tapas, and grilled meat and fish cooked over wood embers.