My kids love ‘family dinners.’ We don’t get the chance to sit down together every night, but when we we do, my six year old will happily lay the table in preparation. He loves that we are all eating together. I love this to, and even more so because most of the time my children enjoy eating healthy food.  Perfect for me as I don’t have to prepare a separate ‘kids’ and ‘adults’ meal! At home, what we eat and put into our bodies is in our control. I don’t know about you, but I can’t help but feel satisfied when the veggies are going down as fast as ice cream!

When dining out in Mallorca, I know it can be difficult to find healthy food for children. This is particularly challenging as there aren’t many places with healthy food options for children on the menu. More often than not, kids are given the seemingly unrivalled choice of fish or processed meat with chips. I have been trying not to take the easy route and have been seeking out places that offer more wholesome food choices for our younger diners. And, yes there are some that do exist!

Healthy food for children

Here are a few breakfast and lunch spots in Palma that have been tried, tested and approved by not only me but also my children:

Bon Lloc

I stumbled upon this restaurant when I arrived in Mallorca last May. It is definitely worth a try if you have adventurous little eaters! I knew it was going to be a goodie when I found it. It was peak season, the restaurant was full, and a queue spilled out of the door. We were unable to get a table so I ventured back a week later and have been a regular customer ever since. Situated on a side street off the Paseo del Borne, amongst art galleries and somewhat overpriced shops, Bon Lloc is a little vegan, gluten free gem and is very reasonably priced compared to it’s neighbours.

The concept menu is simple and it works – four courses with two choices for each course. A salad or pressed juice of the day to start, followed by your choice of soup, main course and dessert. The dishes are full of flavour and I can promise any meat lovers – you will not miss it this lunchtime! Plus, I haven’t been back and seen the same thing on the menu – it varies daily. The only problem is choosing what to have! Don’t worry if your little ones won’t manage all four courses (I struggle) because they can pick just one or two.

Staff are welcoming and accommodating and another bonus – the service is very quick. There’s no waiting around or time to get bored between courses; especially ideal when the kids are feeling hungry.

Fun Fact: This restaurant was opened before I was born – it was the first meat free restaurant in Mallorca in 1978! Now that’s pretty good going!

mymuybueno Deli

This is a relatively new eating spot and lies off another side street on the other side of the Paseo del Borne to Bon Lloc. Opposite the main post office and situated on a first floor corner, it has a clean, modern and welcolming feel to it. A cooking school and a deli on site, the family friendly set up has a couple of tables for eating on the terrace and family sized tables indoors. High chairs are also readily available.

Everything on the menu is naturally gluten, dairy and refined sugar free. No eggs are used either which also makes them vegan. I would definitely recommend this place for breakfast or brunch with the kids as it has plenty of healthy food for children. Smoothies and juices, home made daily bakes, breads and raw kids treats are available. When my family and I visited, my children had their usual breakfast choice – nut spread and mymuybueno jam on toast. If you can tempt your children to try something new, other toast toppings include mymuybueno baked beans and smashed avocado. A chia pot or porridge with their delicious healthy topping choices would be my ideal start to the day!

Coco’s Deli

Coco’s Deli, a lovely little find in Portals Nous is hidden along the high street and can be easily missed unless you’re looking out for it. A great spot for breakfast or lunch, all of their food ‘made with love’ which is no doubt true! The menu is varied with vegetarian, vegan and meat options available. It has an Aussie feel to it, with plenty of eggs, avocado, tomato, spinach and rocket and a tempting salad bar that changes daily. You will be served generous portions of delicious healthy goodness and gluten free bread is also available.

My kids and I stopped in for a freshly squeezed juice and banana cake to share. Whilst we waited for our take away wraps (the beetroot, hummus, feta, avocado and spinach is a scrumptious combination and perfect picnic beach food!), they slurped happily on their apple and orange juices. I’d have no trouble taking them back to dine in for a family breakfast or lunch again.

Top Tip: There is a  breakfast bar by the window but the main seating area is outside by the road. I would recommend taking colouring books and pens to keep bottoms in seats and occupied!

 

Thank You Justine, Seth and Jacob Murphy at mymuybueno for the gorgeous photo.

 

Written by Gemma Sherlock

About the author After many years of moving around, Gemma, her husband and 2 children settled in Mallorca. Before life on the road, Gemma used to get her language and writer’s fix in the classroom teaching English and Law to 11-16 year olds. She loves exploring novels and plays, words and meanings and writing in a variety of ways. Not realising that it was something that she would miss, Gemma is happy to have found a new outlet in Nourish. Why healthy food for children? Words, language and especially writing have always been a focus and priority for Gemma. She likes to express herself thoughtfully and with clarity whether writing or speaking and enjoys discussing and researching new ideas and topics, particularly when it comes to health and well-being. Likes: Circuit training, pilates, cooking from Ottolenghi books, pukka tea, hummus, reflexology, the audible app, Spanish lessons at MTA and thoughtfulness. Dislikes: Red meat, rudeness and negativity. Goals for 2018: Simplify life. Explore Mallorca. Improve speaking Spanish.