The Balearic Island of Mallorca has retained ten Michelin Stars at the ninth annual Michelin Star Awards, held in Tenerife, further propelling the destination to the top of the list of desirable ‘foodie’ destinations.
Mallorca has recently experienced a food revolution with an exciting number of gastro developments, such as the opening of new restaurants including fine-dining eatery ‘Vandal’ and the ‘You Buy We Cook’ restaurant in the Mercat de l’Olivar, as well as the launch of the new gastro market – Mercat 1930, in the capital, Palma.
Restaurants which retained their stars included:
Marc Fosh’s ‘Simply Fosh‘ restaurant – located in the heart of Palma in a 17th century mansion – was awarded for its emphasis on seasonal ingredients and ‘clean flavours’, offering diners traditional Spanish cuisine with a modern twist.
Restaurant Adrian Quetglas, also located in Palma named after the creator and head chef himself, has retained its star in the awards for 2018 with its outstanding menu offering a combination of natural products, traditional flavours, and avant-garde techniques.
Moving out of Palma towards Es Capdellà, the restaurant Zaranda, located in the luxury hotel Castell de Son Claret in the Tramuntana Mountain range and headed by Fernando P. Arellano, maintained its two Michelin Stars for its impeccable fusion of flavour, aroma and texture.
Argos in Port de Pollença describes itself as ‘free cuisine’ – traditionally prepared dishes using seasonal and local product whilst tapping into creative gastronomy. Head Chef Andalucian Álvaro Salazar won San Pellegrino Young Chef’s award in 2016 and is a finalist for Best Chef of 2018.
Located within the Predi de Son Jaumell – a traditional Mallorcan Finca converted into luxury hotel -the restaurant Andreu Genestra, named after the head chef, is located in Capdepera and works on the ‘gastronomy equals performance’ basis. Genestra goes to great lengths to make the cuisine innovative yet traditional, often picking products from his own garden.
Slightly south of Capdepera, Es Molí d’En Bou in Sa Coma boasts a ‘unique sensory journey’ showcasing new techniques but also rooted in the island’s culinary traditions. Led by Tomey Caldentey, it is the 15th consecutive year that the restaurant has been awarded a Michelin Star.
Es Racó d’Es Teix in Deiá combines the best ingredients with the highest culinary art. Complemented with stunning views of the mountains alongside elegant cooking from Chef Josef Sauerschell, this is a true gastro gem.
Palmanova restaurant Es Fum – located in the prestigious luxury hotel St Regis Mardavall – is often described as a ‘culinary pearl’. Head Chef Miguel Navarro started his culinary journey aged 16, and he offers delicate combinations and an ‘epicurean experience’ at Es Fum which also overlooks the Mediterranean Sea.
The food in Jardín in Port d’Alcudia blends the flavours of the sea, fields, mountains and forests of Mallorca and tends to use ingredients “forgotten in our busy modern world”. Siblings Maca and Dani de Castro, share responsibility of Jardín, with Maca being head chef and Dani covering catering. It’s had a Michelin Star since 2012 and retained it once again for 2018.
For more information on what to see and do in the Balearic Islands, please visit www.illesbalears.travel
