Mallorca | cheriecity.co.uk

Great Places to Eat Out in Palma de Mallorca

September 23, 2022 by cheriecity

There’s nowhere quite like Mallorca and I can’t help being drawn back to the island year after year. It might be something to do with Palma’s incredible food scene where there’s always a cool new restaurant by a renowned chef or a cosy coffee shop with the best pastries in town. That’s before we even talk about the new wave of Neapolitan pizzerias, Scandinavian bakeries and healthy vegan spots.

Here are some of my top recent discoveries to add to your Palma dining list…

Xalest at Concepció by Nobis

Concepció by Nobis opened just last year in a 16th century former soap factory in the heart of Palma’s Old Town. It’s the first boutique design hotel outside of Scandinavia for the renowned hospitality group, juxtaposing a minimalist Nordic aesthetic with Mallorcan architecture. Having already stayed at Nobis hotels Miss Clara and Hotel J in Stockholm, I couldn’t wait to visit for dinner and also have a good look around.

Ground floor restaurant Xalest, headed up by award-winning chef Xema Álvarez, offers creative tapas, pintxos and sharable signature dishes. It’s cosier than you might expect from a hotel restaurant with a sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance – perfect for a chilled out lunch or dinner.

We ordered the most indulgent oxtail sandwich, traditional tortilla, spicy patatas bravas with fresh herbs and luxurious croquettes with Iberian ham and red prawn. We were also wowed by the rich, slow-cooked veal cheeks with truffled mashed potato and crispy leek – so decadent and satisfying.

The menu is surprisingly varied and many of the dishes also come in half-size portions, so you can try a bit of everything. Also, don’t hesitate to explore the open-plan lounge and adjoining wine bar, as well as the stunning outdoor pool, where you can dine in the evenings.

Naan Street Food

There’s always a new restaurant opening in Santa Catalina, but Naan Street Food remains one of my all-time favourites. It’s a cosy spot with a cute surf shack vibe, offering tasty street food bites from around the world. They like to put their own spin on typical dishes, but everything is always done well with a home-made feel.

It’s essential to start with the fluffy, shareable naan topped with crushed almonds and fresh coriander, cooling yoghurt sauce and moreish corn hummus. We also loved the sticky, umami-rich crispy chicken yakitori with kimchee and truffle mayo.

I can never resist ordering the indulgent lobster roll with sauteed half lobster on brioche, avocado, kimchee, tahini and crunchy sweet potato fries.

The crispy seabass sandwich with pickles and fries was another hit, although I’d be tempted to try the fish tacos or the signature butter chicken next time.

Santa Chiara Pizzeria

Palma’s pizza game keeps getting stronger with the recently-opened Santa Chiara Pizzeria. Located in the northern Bon Aires quarter, just around the corner from the brilliant Pizzeria 500 Grados, this contemporary Neapolitan pizzeria is the real deal and already a local favourite. It also stands out from the rest with slick white metro tiles, rustic wooden tables and splashes of neon, plus a stylish outdoor terrace.

Santa Chiara offers a mix of classic and more creative pizzas, as well as a few pasta dishes, all made with authentic Italian ingredients.

We visited for lunch and ordered a simple Santa Marinara pizza with San Marzano tomato, garlic, oregano and olive oil and the signature Santa Chiara with San Marzano tomato, burrata stracciatella, walnut and basil pesto. They were both absolutely heavenly with bubbly, blistered dough, juicy tomato sauce and creamy stracciatella.

Prices are very reasonable, starting at just 7.50 Euros, and it’s also open every day for lunch and dinner, so it’s a good one to add to your list.

Fika Farina

Fika Farina is officially the first Swedish sourdough bakery in Palma, founded by Mattias Mårtensson and Jimmy Groth. This little gem on Calle Sindicato fires up traditional Scandi treats all day long and is open for your pastry fixes from morning to night, every single day.

Fika Farina takes authenticity to the next level, sourcing its butter and flour from small Swedish producers, including Lilla Harrie Valskvarn (Sweden’s oldest flour mill).

The counter is filled with glorious kanelbullar, cream-filled semla, mazarin, montaña de coco, dark rye bread and gourmet sandwiches. We visited for breakfast and loved the sticky, aromatic cinnamon and cardamom buns – it’s hard to pick a favourite!

Rosevelvet Bakery

Rosevelvet Bakery is a cosy all-day bakery and cafe, tucked away on Carrer de la Missió. Owner Rosa was inspired by the brunch scene on a trip to New York and became one of the first to bring pastrami sandwiches, American cookies and frosted layer cakes to the island.

It’s the perfect spot to refuel over a hearty breakfast burrito, kimchee grilled cheese, Turkish eggs or avo toast. There’s also a counter filled with tempting cheesecake, red velvet layer cake, banoffee and banana bread – impossible to resist!

We visited for breakfast and enjoyed a flaky, iced cinnamon bun and a buttery Swedish morning roll covered in fine spiced sugar with an excellent flat white coffee and loose-leaf English breakfast tea. I can’t wait to return and check out their new Santa Catalina bakery and cafe.

Arabay Coffee

Arabay Coffee may look like your typical third-wave coffee shop, but it has been roasting coffee since 1952 and now has stores across Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Madrid. At its impressive, three-floor flagship store in Palma’s Placa Major, you can relax over an expertly-made coffee, shop for professional barista equipment and take a masterclass in espresso or latte art at its training academy.

Arabay only uses 100% Arabica beans and its coffee is organic, environmentally-friendly and Fairtrade. You can find all sorts of speciality coffee from chemex to cold brew, as well as tempted iced summer drinks.

Go for a potent, rich-roasted iced latte, or if you’re in the mood for some barista theatre, try the iced chai latte which is finished with blow-torched cinnamon.

Have you been to any of these restaurants and cafes in Palma? Where are your favourite places to eat out on the island?

Photos by Chérie City

Featured, Mallorca, Restaurants

Dinner at El Camino in Palma de Mallorca

July 15, 2021 by cheriecity

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)

Featured, Hotels, Mallorca

Bikini Island and Mountain Hotel in Mallorca

July 11, 2019 by cheriecity

My past two summer holidays have been spent on the beautiful Balearic island of Mallorca and this year I tried to switch up destinations, but then Bikini Island & Mountain Hotel Port de Soller came along!

As a lover of design hotels, I often plan my trips around inspiring accommodation and I was keen to see what this resort inspired by San Francisco’s sixties hippie movement was all about.

Opened just last summer, Bikini Island & Mountain Hotel Port de Soller is the creative vision of four hospitality experts, including the two masterminds behind Germany’s pioneering 25hours hotels There are a few familiar touches that guests of the urban hotel group will recognise.

Arrival

We spent three night in Palma, staying at our old favourite Innside Palma Center, and took a scenic 45-minute bus ride over to Port de Soller to stay at Bikini for the remaining two nights (remind me to book for longer next time).

A quick taxi ride up the hill and we were checking in to Bikini heaven. Many of the friendly staff have come over from Germany from the summer season and we found the reception staff particularly efficient and welcoming.

The Room

Our Bayside Room on the second floor was bigger than I’d expected with a ‘college dorm meets surf shack’ style with turquoise walls, pine shelving and a pink peace sign on the ceiling.

Room features include a large flatscreen TV, king-size bed with cheeky ‘make love, not war’ cushions, Nespresso machine, minibar and a colourful beach bag and cotton beach towels to use during your stay. Fast wifi and powerful air-conditioning made everything tick along nicely.

Though the bathroom was petite, it had an exotic spa feel with a powerful walk-in shower, full size ILoveEcoEssentials bathroom products, fluffy towels and cotton waffle bathrobes.

Best of all was the private balcony with a day bed and hand-woven cream cushions that you’d expect to see in Tulum. Incense and tea light candles were thoughtfully provided free of charge to make the balcony all twinkling and fragrant at night.

The Pool

The jewel of the hotel is the fabulous swimming pool with a floral peace sign, which is suprisingly deep and surrounded by sunbeds shaded by raffia parasols and a few cabanas. Bikini is adults-only and the vibe is purposely chilled, so there aren’t any screaming childen or stag parties to contend with, just those cheeky sunbed hoggers (to the hotel’s credit, they have signs up discouraging it).

For the ultimate wellness break, there’s also morning yoga classes, a rooftop gym, sauna and steam room and Santaverde Spa with aloe vera treatments to cool down any sunburn.

Pikkini Bar

Among the pretty gardens punctuated with vivid bougainvillea is the Pikkini Bar, where you can refuel with burgers, salads and smoothies. We loved the enormous Club sandwich and the Loaded sweet potato fries with avocado and jalapenos – more than enough for two to share.

The colourful Donkey Bar, created by Joerg Meyer of Hamburg’s Le Lion Bar, is another cool retreat serving cocktails and snacks from late-afternoon into the night.

Dinner at NENI

A big deciding factor in staying at Bikini was the hotel restaurant, NENI Mallorca, part of a boutique chain by Tel Aviv-born chef Haya Molcho and her sons (I love their restaurants in Berlin, Cologne and Hamburg). This made it very appealing to eat at the hotel morning and night and truly relax.

The restaurant is absolutely beautiful, covered in bottle green tiles with hanging plants in colourful pots and comfy garden-style seating. Of course, the outdoor terrace is the place to be, with spectacular views over the port and mountains, and we were fortune to have the same lovely front row table for two each time we dined there (make sure you book in advance).

NENI is all about Balagan-style social eating and everything is made to share around the table. Go for the Best of NENI (39 Euros per person) and let the chef prepare a dazzling feast for you, or go for a few mezze and mains like we did.

Highlights from our two dinners there were crispy Moroccan cigars, tender Marinated lamb steak with Mallorcan oranges and char-grilled broccoli, my usual favourite Jerusalem plate with spiced chicken, hummus, roasted red peppers and Har Bracha tahini with pita bread and the most fantastic grilled Gambas with tomato seeds, spinach and garlic.

We also loved the refreshing NENI iced tea and Limonana served in one-litre pitchers, New York-style cheesecake and the labneh with olives and pita bread served at the start of the meal.

Breakfast

Breakfast was equally impressive with a self-service buffet laden with Mallorcan and Middle Eastern treats. Alongside the typical breakfast items were Shakshuka, Spanish tortilla, traditional coca bread, fresh hummus, tahini and guacamole, high quality jamon Iberico and fresh yoghurt with granola.

Other highlights were little squares of sticky pistachio cake, the most luscious freshly-squeezed Soller orange juice, home-baked breads and loose leaf teas.

Location

To really get the most out of your stay at Bikini, you can hire Steven’s bicycles for free or take a spin in a cute Mercedes Benz convertible to explore the pretty town of Soller and charming, artistic villages Valldemossa and Deià. Port de Soller, with its promenade full of restaurants, cafes and shops, is just 5-minutes walk downhill and you can hike in the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bikini Island & Mountain Hotel Port de Soller is a great addition to this beautiful part of the island and its boho-luxe vibe is matched with unparalleled facilities and warm staff. Life is Better in Bikini, as they say!

Planning a trip to Mallorca? Check out my guide on Where to Visit, Eat and Shop in Palma de Mallorca and Soller.

For more information and booking, visit: www.bikini-hotels.com

All photos by Chérie City

Mallorca, Restaurants

The Best Places to Visit in Palma de Mallorca

July 12, 2018 by cheriecity

Last summer, I visited Palma de Mallorca for the first time and fell in love with this cosmpolitan city. It’s the summer destination that has it all – beautiful beaches, great shopping, easy access to more remote parts of the island and plenty of charm.

In the past year, a number of design hotels and hip restaurants have opened and I was excited to check a few more places off my list. Here are a few good spots to visit if you’re in Mallorca this summer…

EAT

Rosevelvet Bakery

Head to the hip Carrer de la Missió and you’ll find a little corner of New York at indie coffee shop, Rosevelvet Bakery. It’s a friendly place to chill out and enjoy a speciality coffee (made using beans from Berlin’s The Barn) with a slice of home-made cheesecake. Or, go for a more substantial avocado and poached eggs on toast, chicken teriyaki sandwiches or grilled burger.

We were thrilled to find perfect Iced matcha lattes made with fresh Mallorcan milk just before heading back to the airport. We will definitely make Rosevelvet Bakery our first port of call next time to try the food menu.

C’an Joan de s’Aigo

For a truly unique experience, cool down at C’an Joan de S’Aigo, the oldest cafe in Palma. This historic family-run cafe and bakery was established in the 1700s and specialises in ices. Originally, ice was taken from Mallorca’s Tramuntana mountain range and brought back to Palma to be stored until the summer.

It was mostly for domestic use, but Signor Joan de s’Aigo mixed it with fruit juice to create an early form of ice cream. Later, the cafe became known for its hot chocolate and ensaimada, a traditional Mallorcan pastry.

We enjoyed refreshing glasses of Almond and Meringue milk ice cream, which were all-natural and not overly sweet, as well as a fluffy Sponge cake. Unlike many well-known historic cafes in Europe, it’s very affordable and welcoming – the perfect cheap eat in Palma.

Cafe Rialto

Rialto Living, just off the Rambla in the heart of Palma, is one of my all-time favourite lifestyle stores. Not only is this beautiful Mallorcan townhouse filled with the most exquisite homewares, designer clothing and accessories, but it’s also home to Cafe Rialto in its peaceful courtyard. It attracts a well-heeled crowd but is welcoming and unpretentious – locals drop in for a gossip over an ice-cold cervesa rather than clinking champagne glasses.

The menu offers modern bistro classics with Asian influences (rice paper rolls, tuna tataki etc.) and the gourmet salads are just incredible.

We tried the thoroughly indulgent Crispy chicken salad with poached egg, mozzarella pearls and fried onions and the signature Rialto salad with shrimp, strawberries, avocado, toasted nuts and yuzu vinaigrette. Both salads were so flavourful, fresh and well-composed – just what you want for a chic lunch in town.

Spot

Santa Catalina has a reputation as Palma’s thriving foodie neighbourhood and Spot is one of its coolest new restaurants. It’s the first Mallorca opening from Spanish restaurant group En Compañia de Lobos, which includes Ana La Santa in Madrid and Gats in Barcelona, and there’s a lot to like. Everything is sophisticated and well-curated, from its stunning casual-luxe design to the comfy seating and glowing ambiance.

The menu has a global focus with sharing plates, fresh seafood, wood-fired oven pizza and classic crowd-pleasers. We started with an enormous plate of Fried artichokes and followed with a succulent and flavourful Pekin crunchy duck with pancakes. Our Pizza Marguerita with ham had exemplary dough, but the cheese was too heavy and oily – go for the Burrata pizza instead. Still, we had a memorable meal at Spot and would love to return, as it has a great evening vibe.

Patron Lunares

Patron Lunare, a stylish restaurant in Santa Catalina, is inspired by the neighbourhood’s fishing heritage and it certainly looks the part with striking maritime interiors. Seafood is the order of the day, but there are also typical island specialities, grilled meats and ceviche. We started with the signature Guacamole, which came deconstructed and ready to be mixed at the table and served with plenty of nachos. It was a light and refreshing start to the meal and there was more than enough for two to share.

Mallorcan-style cod with sherry aioli was an accomplished dish – the perfect combination of succulent fish with wilted spinach and aromatic emulsions. Pulled pork sandwich was obviously less intricate but still comfort food at its best with juicy, high quality pork and tasty chips.

Service was a little frustrating at times, but this cool fisherman’s canteen is a good place for a fun night out with great food to match.

Tast

On our first night in Palma, we indulged in tapas at Tast Avenidas, conveniently just around the corner from our hotel. The popular Tast group has been around for 30 years and has six restaurant in Mallorca, including the upscale Tast Club and the Ram Bar serving New York-inspired cocktails on the Ramblas.

We feasted on Cod fritters, Ham croquettes, Spicy fried potatoes and Chorizo cooked in cider. The Mini Caesar salad brought a touch of freshness to the rich tapas and brochettes of Prawn and bacon and Chicken finished everything off nicely. There’s also an impressive selection of creative pintxos on the bar, if you’re in the mood.

Tast Avenidas is a comfortable, welcoming restaurant for a tapas fix and it seems particularly good for larger groups.

Badal Burger

Ask where to find the best burger in Palma and most of the internet will point you to Badal Burger and believe me, it’s the real deal. This small but busy burger joint near the Olivar Market serves up the most enormous Black Angus burgers, flame-grilled in the open kitchen and loaded with fresh toppings. On arrival, you’re given a check list to order and customise your burger, however it’s best to try one of their own creations as their flavour combinations are on point.

We both tried Un dia de chimenea – a juicy, smoky medium-cooked beef burger with grilled peppers, bacon, cheddar, guacamole, BBQ sauce and roasted onions. We also shared a side of Sweet potato fries, as they were a generous size, and they were served crispy and piping hot, with a choice of two dips. Not only are Badal burgers a feast for the eyes, but they’re so flavourful, satisfying and high on quality – you don’t want to miss out!

SEE

Portixol

This tiny former fishing village is a must see when visiting Palma. Stroll or cycle around the horseshoe-shaped bay, just off the Playa de Palma, and relax over lunch at one of the many quaint restaurants.

Hotel Portixol is the place to see and be seen with its boho design, retro swimming pool and chic terrace restaurant. It’s now firmly on my hotel wish list!

Sóller

For a memorable day trip, take the train from Palma to the pretty town of Sóller. The historic electric train sets off from the charming Ferrocarril de Sóller station and journeys north through the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range and 13 tunnels, arriving at Sóller within just one hour. On the way, you’ll pass through olive groves and fruit orchards, plus there’s a short stop at a view point for taking in the beautiful landscape and snapping some photos.

Sóller is a picturesque town for a slower pace of living (even if there are lots of summer tourists) and it’s filled with delightful boutiques, cafes, delis and bakeries where you can snack on a traditional coca bread for lunch. Sóller is also known for its oranges and lemons, so be sure to try an Orange Sóller, a refreshing drink made with freshly-squeezed orange juice, sorbet and whipped cream. The pavement café next to the train station does a great one, so you can relax while waiting for your ride back into Palma.

Travel tip

Plan carefully for this day trip, as the train return ticket isn’t flexible and you’ll need to align your tram return from Port de Sóller to arrive back on time. To keep our options open, we bought a single train ticket to Sóller to enjoy the scenery and took the bus back, which was a speedy and air-conditioned 40-minute ride. If you’re on a budget, you can take the bus both ways for just 3.10 Euros each.

For a fabulous holiday in Mallorca, I can personally recommend staying at the boho-luxe Bikini Island and Mountain Hotel with stunning bayside views over Port de Sóller or Innside Palma Center, a fabulous affordable design hotel in the heart of vibrant Palma.