El Rais

Perched along the romantic promenade of Mahón’s picturesque port, Restaurante El Rais is a long-standing favourite that continues to reinvent itself with elevated local flavours. Far from fading with time, El Rais has become one of the brightest culinary stars in Menorca—earning its place as a must-visit for discerning diners seeking bold combinations, creative technique, great service and a true sense of place.

The menu is a thoughtful balance of innovation and tradition, and during our visit, two dishes in particular stood out as unforgettable: the Menorcan prawn carpaccio, delicate and brilliantly fresh, and the sliced tuna belly over brioche, elevated by house-smoked butter. Both were masterfully prepared and bursting with flavor—showstoppers that left us planning our return before the meal had even ended.

El Rais is renowned for its rice dishes, and for good reason. Each version showcases a mastery of texture and slowly developed flavor, with ingredients that speak to both local tradition and seasonal creativity. Among the offerings:

• The Senyoret: El Rais’ version of the classic, this smoky, richly infused rice topped with shell-less seafood is finished with dollops of house aioli. "Senyoret" (from Valencian/Catalan) roughly translates to "little gentleman"  and when used in the context of paella or rice dishes, it refers to a style of seafood rice where all the seafood is peeled, shelled, and ready to eat—no mess, no work. The idea is that a "gentleman" wouldn’t want to dirty his hands, so the dish is served conveniently prepared.
• Arroz negro: black rice enriched with squid ink and a deeply savory broth.
• Lobster rice: indulgent and celebratory.
• Iberian pork and asparagus rice: earthy and satisfying.
• Aged beef rice and the rice of the day, each offering something unique.

We opted for the grilled senyoret and were thoroughly impressed—it delivered everything a great rice dish should: rich depth from the sofrito, a satisfying crust on the bottom, and well-balanced, seafood-forward flavour. The smoky char of the sofrito from the bottom of the pan emanates with intent.

Service at El Rais elevated the entire experience. Our server, Oriol, was knowledgeable, personable, and genuinely attentive. He guided us through the menu with enthusiasm, offering excellent wine pairings and thoughtful insights. The house white wine complemented our seafood selections beautifully, and for dessert, his recommendations did not disappoint: a delicate apple tart with vanilla ice cream and an imaginative take on a Snickers bar—a decadent peanut coulant with chocolate sorbet—each paired perfectly with dessert wines.

While the food is refined, generous and beautifully plated, the atmosphere remains approachable, lively, and warm. Locals and visitors mingle over long meals, and as the sun dips below the horizon, the view of the port becomes nothing short of magical. Whether you're stopping by for a leisurely lunch or planning a special dinner, El Rais offers one of Mahón’s most complete dining experiences.

Highly recommended for food lovers, romantics, and those of us that relish in the background sound of Dire Straits. Portions are precise, and each bite is designed to be savored, so order that extra dish and you’ll be happy you did!