Don Giacomo: the art of pizza in a space with centuries of history

In the heart of Ciutadella there are corners that combine the memory of time with the vitality of present life. One of these is the Don Giacomo restaurant, known for its passion for artisanal pizza and for the exceptional environment that welcomes it: the old refectory of the Franciscan convent.

A space where, in the 18th century, Fra Roger —the monk cook considered one of the first to popularize Menorcan cuisine and author of the oldest cookbook in the Balearic Islands— prepared the dishes that fed the community. Today, between those same walls full of history, the oven and the carefully fermented dough write a new chapter in this culinary tradition.

Don Giacomo's proposal focuses on artisanal pizzas, prepared with slow fermentation dough that achieves a light and crispy texture. The ingredients, carefully chosen, are the reflection of a philosophy that bets on quality products and, whenever possible, of local origin. The result is pizzas with soul, which maintain the Italian spirit but dialogue with the Mediterranean flavors typical of Menorca.

One of the distinctive features is the use of fresh ingredients that vary according to the season: ingredients that evoke the surrounding landscapes and with the presence of products from the island. All together, the result is unique pizzas that surprise the most demanding palates without losing the simplicity that characterizes this universal dish.

The dining room, located in the old refectory, is an experience in itself. The vaults and stone shields and the serenity of the place recall the time when those tables served the Franciscan community. It is easy to imagine Fra Roger entering and leaving the kitchen with recipes that, centuries later, are still part of the Menorcan gastronomic identity thanks to his book Art de la cuina. This legacy gives the restaurant a dimension that transcends pure catering: eating there is participating in a shared history, where the past and the present go hand in hand.

The menu, despite emphasizing pizzas, also offers starters and dishes that complete the experience. Fresh salads, pasta dishes prepared with simplicity, meats from the island, Premium burgers, and some sweet temptation to round off a good meal. Wine also plays an important role: you can find national and international references, but there is no shortage of local wines that perfectly accompany each bite.

The service is close and attentive, maintaining that familiar air that makes Don Giacomo a welcoming place for both residents and visitors who want to experience Ciutadella beyond the postcards. It is a restaurant that knows how to combine Mediterranean warmth with a deep respect for tradition, and this is noticeable both on the table and in the atmosphere.

Visiting Don Giacomo is, in short, a double experience: that of the authentic taste of a pizza made the right way and that of the privilege of sharing a table in a space full of memory. Within the walls of the Franciscan convent, where Fra Roger once cooked to nourish the spirit and body, today a food is served that continues to celebrate life and culture. An essential appointment for any lover of good gastronomy who comes to Ciutadella.