Sometimes we find a cafe, sometimes we find a destination, and sometimes we find a home. La Comuna definitely falls into the latter with it's welcoming staff, traditional Spanish decor and incredible coffee. The cafe sits quietly on a bustling corner of the north side of Girona, and taking a comfortable seat in the large glass window I'm able to watch the world roll by. But a quick look around and realise there's something more happening here. To the right of the bar is a Ryzon shop, with memorabilia and a bike from Jan Frodendo - who it turns out owns the cafe with his wife Emma. At the back there is a small curated courtyard, and downstairs beneath ancient stone arches a yoga studio. Am I dreaming, or did I just find my new home?
★★★★★ Coffee
★★★★★ Cake
★★★★☆ Bike Friendly
★★★★★ Service
★★★★★ Location
On the East coast of Mallorca, neatly positioned on the main through road between Alcudia and Can Picafort is this wonderful bakery come coffee shop. L'Epicerie is something familiar from the UK and french countryside alike, but very much unusual for this densely populated tourist-spot in Spain. It's a family business, built with care and experience, to bring natural organic produce, speciality coffee & baked goods to summer holiday makers.
Coffee & Cake
If you can pull yourself away from the huge variety of fresh fruit, vegetables, wine, cheese and sausages... There is also a bounty of delicious cakes to choose from. Over the last 10 months we have had everything from brownies, orange sponge, coconut chocolate cheesecake and chocolate eclairs - right through to the classic pan au chocolate. You will definitely be spoiled for choice, and you will not be left feeling hungry!
Bike Friendly?
L'Epicerie is focused on organic foods (wine and the bakery) rather than cyclists, so you won't find bike pumps, spares, or an onsite mechanic... BUT this family business is open for everyone, and if I had a penny for every cyclist that threw their bike on the rack out the front I'd have an awful lot of pennies! You're guaranteed to get a warm smile and a high five for turning up on two wheels. This year the chaps have added lots of extra seating out the front, so you and your mates can be comfortable sitting in the sun before you hit the road. Marvellous.
Service
As good as it comes! Nothing seems too much, or too difficult for the guys at L'Epicerie who have been running this business since 2019. They clearly know the job well, enjoy it, and work excellently together as a team - which results in positive vibes and brilliant service. You order & collect at the bar, queues disappear quickly, and we've never waited more than a few minutes to be served. Another very worthy shout is to the fact that theyir and their English, German and Spanish is just as good as their French!
Location
Sat on Carretera de Arta half way from Alcudia to Can Picafort, this caffe is in a really great position. There is a very large Eroski supermarket next door, the beach a few hundred meters across the road, and the start line for the 312 within a km northbound.
Summary for L' Epicerie, Alcudia
If you visit L'Epicerie, I guarantee you will visit at least once a day for the rest of your holiday. It's the only place on the entire island with such a broad selection of organic foods, along with great coffee and pastries. Wrapping it up in a small family business with a welcoming atmosphere and warm service is just the best.
When we first came to Mallorca we spent 3 months refurbishing the Clubhouse without so much as a sink to wash a cup - and this wonderful little cafe became our daily coffee stop, and home away from home. If you are from a small country community and need a local touch, this is the place for you.
Quick note on the review process
We find the cafe's on our cycling adventures or we're directed to them by friends. From there we rock up on the bike, order coffee, soak up the vibe and speak with the staff. Once we've been there 4/5 times we'll write the review.
