Pep from the Arco Iris restaurant near Muro
For over 53 years now, the rainbow (Arco Iris) has been shining on the wall of the restaurant of the same name, located on the main road between Can Picafort and Muro. You will find Pep—the restaurant’s owner and head chef—just as radiant.
We know him as someone who is always in high spirits, always laughing, and always up for a bit of banter with his guests—as well as a brilliant chef of authentic Mallorcan cuisine.
Pep, what kind of guests come to your restaurant, Arco Iris, near Muro?
We have many local regulars, although an increasing number of tourists are finding their way to our restaurant in search of local and traditional Mallorcan dishes.
And what dishes do the tourists tend to order?
They enjoy traditional dishes such as *Tumbet*, *Paletilla de Cordero* (lamb shoulder), *Carrillada de Bacalao con Sobrassada* (cod cheeks with *sobrassada*), and *Lechona* (suckling pig). Some guests love it when I explain how a dish is prepared, and they then try making it themselves once they get home. Many have even sent me photos of the dishes they successfully recreated in their own kitchens. That always brings me a lot of joy.
And what about you... which traditional dishes are your personal favorites?
My favorites are the pig's trotters, along with all kinds of *casquería* dishes (offal). "Though not everyone is quite ready to embrace those," Pep adds with a laugh.
In the past, tourists staying at nearby hotels would occasionally drop by, but they didn't really know what to make of Mallorcan cuisine. That has changed significantly in recent years.
Now, we get a lot of families and groups who have rented a *finca* (country house) in the vicinity of the restaurant. These guests are keen to get to know Mallorca and its traditions—and, of course, its cuisine.
I’m very glad to hear that.
Restaurant Arco Iris: Between Muro and Can Picafort
Arco Iris was originally founded by Pep’s grandparents and later taken over by his parents. When his father passed away, Pep was just 16 years old; he immediately stepped in to help his mother run the restaurant. He started out as a waiter, but eventually, he felt drawn to the kitchen. The menu features up to 20 different dishes—though your best bet is simply to ask Pep for his recommendations. He’ll immediately start rattling them off like a walking, talking menu! 😊
Arco Iris is an establishment featuring a spacious terrace and a large banquet hall perfect for hosting celebrations. Dance events are frequently held here, and musicians often perform out on the terrace. If you ask Pep about his hobbies, the answer comes spilling out of him instantly: “My greatest hobby is music... it’s more than just a hobby... it’s a drug!”
There’s one more thing we simply have to tell you: Pep isn’t just a fantastic chef and host—he’s also a wonderful singer. So now, it’s time for you to head over to Arco Iris and meet Pep for yourself.
