Eating out in Palma de Mallorca is an absolute joy with plenty of charming tapas bars to choose from, however there’s no hotter place on the island than El Camino from restaurateur Eddie Hart.
Having conquered London with the game-changing Barrafina tapas bars (including the Michelin-starred Soho original), as well as Fino and Quo Vadis, Eddie moved away from his brothers for the sunnier climes of Mallorca and partnered with singer-songwriter Samuel Gough to launch El Camino.
Located in the heart of Palma’s vibrant old town, on a narrow side street just off the elegant tree-lined Passeig del Born, El Camino feels like a secret address among those in the know. It’s also in good company with the design-led Brondo Architect Hotel, tucked away on the Carrer de Can Brondo.
El Camino is a stunning restaurant, designed by Elsa Oliveras Studio, with intricate mosaic floors, shiny white metro tiles and romantic touches like hand-painted wall murals, smoked mirrors and little stars adorning the ceiling.
Like Barrafina, it’s all about counter dining at the long marble-topped oak bar, where you can watch the chefs at work, perched on a comfy burgundy leather bar stool. There’s also a cosy bar area at the back of the restaurant to kick off your night with a glass of wine and some olives and padrón peppers while waiting to be seated (which may take a little while since it’s walk-ins only).
El Camino offers Mediterranean tapas with a focus on local Mallorcan ingredients sourced by Chef David Taborda. The wine list also features well-priced wines from the island and mainland Spain.
The well-edited menu is designed for sharing and is divided into para picar, tapas, rice, fish, meat and vegetables, along with daily specials.
We started with the most fantastic Jamon croquettes – crunchy, plump and oozing with velvety bechamel and flecks of high quality ham.
Classic tortilla was incredibly moreish and substantial – crispy and golden on the outside with layers of thinly-sliced potato and onion and a runny, deep orange-hued centre. It also comes with a choice of prawns or chorizo and is a must-order dish.
We were also wowed by the magnificent Squid ink rice, served in a copper cooking dish. The black rice was nicely firm and herby, topped with tender fresh squid and served with a punchy garlic aioli.
Basque cod was also a real treat and expertly cooked a la plancha. The juicy, flaky cod fillet had perfectly scorched skin and sat atop a vibrant, well-seasoned red pepper stew. It’s so delicious that you might want to put aside the sharing idea and order one each!
Although El Camino stands strong with its own identity and concept, it’s hard not to compare it to Barrafina, as there are so many similarities and the standard is equally high. It’s the kind of place that you always hope to find on holiday and can’t wait to tell everyone about it when you get home.
The walk-in policy means you might have to arrive early and be prepared to wait, however you will be well looked after and there is a delightful private dining room that can be booked for larger groups.
Have you been to El Camino? Where is your favourite place to eat tapas in Palma de Mallorca?
Photos by Chérie City (interior image from El Camino)
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