For our trip to Mallorca and Alcudia I had received the rather pleasant task of choosing the…read morerestaurant to celebrate my mother-in-law's 60th birthday, partially (or entirely, depending on who you're asking) because of my keen interest in food. While searching through the vast landscape of restaurants before even leaving our home country, this restaurant had made quite a few headlines with people, and in short I wasn't in any way disappointed. But that's the short version, let's do the long one.
First of all, this is a really small restaurant with only a couple of tables on the patio outside and the same goes for the indoor seating area. It is located a bit away from the classical tourist streaks and streets (thank you for that), so instead of the constant chattering, sales-people and general tourist noise you are instead left with a soothing calm place near the beach overlooking the ocean and mountains as a backdrop over soothing warm evening winds. The restaurant itself is white in its decor with subtle art on the walls, more reminiscent of an upscale bistro than anything else, and the staff is friendly, attentive, and all through professional (thank you Roberto!) while also clearly showing a passion for their work and craft. I just love it when that genuine feeling come across. As I had made a reservation at this place a couple of weeks in advance, they had arranged for a long table inside that could seat all 18 of us (I mean really, I don't even want to think of the pressure in a kitchen serving an 18-top table!). For food I started out with prawns in a garlic broth that came served in a small pot and the flavors that hit my nose when I lift the lid had all my senses applauding. Garlic, herbs, seafood, chili, you name it. It was so good. The prawns were just cooked through; sweet, moist, and succulent. For main course I had a beef dish and the meat was perfectly cooked medium rare, just the way I like it. Had a red wine to both my appetizer and main, and while I don't remember which one I can assure you that the serving staff are equally good at wine pairing with their food. Excellent suggestion that highlighted both the prawns and the beef. For dessert I can obviously never stay away from chocolate, and this evening was no exception. A chocolate cake that made my evening borderline perfect.
So this place is hands down one of the best places to eat at in Porto de Alcudia. Why? Well apart from great food they have more than reasonable prices, I'm inclined to say cheaper than expected when talking quality and service, utterly friendly and patient staff, a beautiful and clean restaurant, and a location that is a welcoming piece and quiet. Here you just don't come for the food, you come for the whole package and experience. Thank you, you made both me, the rest of our company, and my mother-in-law's birthday an evening to remember.
As a final note, after we had left we noticed our youngest son's cap was missing, so I went back and of course they had taken care of it and the waitress started talking about her sisters son who had the same name as mine (it was on the cap). That kind of personality in staff I can only applaud and admire. Thus, rating this restaurant proved to be more difficult than normal. Cause in my book, 3 stars are a great place to dine at. 4 stars are extraordinary while the select few with 5 stars are out of this world mind-boggling. So where to put this place? Food wise it's without a doubt three strong and shiny stars. But what actually sets this place apart from many of its Mediterranean peers is the excellent staff, that's a definitive four! So one 3 and one 4 results in 3.5, but in this case it just has to be rounded up.
