History
Since 1970
The Massilia restaurant was one of the first restaurants on Playa de Palma. It opened its doors in 1970, continuing a long family tradition that dates back almost a century. Pedro Pons, originally from the Mallorcan town of Selva, emigrated to Marseille in 1903, at just 13 years old, to work in his godfather’s restaurant. After learning the trade, he founded two restaurants in Marseille. His son Andrés moved to Mallorca in 1964, where he opened the “Consell” restaurant at the Puerta de San Antonio in Palma, and four years later saw the potential of a venue in Playa de Palma and created the Massilia café, despite many calling him “crazy” for this decision. The premises were expanded and renovated in 1980.
The second and third generations
In 1985, the restaurant passed into the hands of his son Pedro, who, together with his wife Paulina, carried out major renovations in 1992. They transformed the café bar into a restaurant, giving it a nautical style, incorporating the gastronomic concept it offers today, adding a cocktail menu, and placing tables on the seafront promenade.
In 2015, Pedro and Paulina undertook the most ambitious renovation, significantly expanding the premises and terrace areas, and creating a new design and Mediterranean restaurant atmosphere.
Today, the restaurant is led by the third generation—David and Nicolás—heirs to a strong Mediterranean culinary tradition and faithful to the essence of artisanal preparation with natural, fresh ingredients.