Summer has been rather eventful this year. From Mallorca to London, Copenhagen to Norfolk, there hasn’t really been much let up, and so before I go any further, apologies for not posting till now!
I’m starting by sharing possibly one of the best Sunday dining experiences I’ve had, which is hard pushed given I’m a true Sunday roast lover! As some of you may know, we’ve had an apartment in Mallorca since I was trotting around in diapers so it really has become a second home. There’s never much reason for us to venture to a hotel because of that, so up until this year, dinners have always been around and about, mostly in Port Portals.
This year however on pure chance, I booked a Sunday night slot at Bendinat hotel whilst friends were out, and I’ve since been back 3 times – rather good stats!
Hotel Bendinat is in the Calvià area, South West of the island, just 5 minutes from Puerto Portals.
Set atop rugged cliffs, exposed to crashing waves of the azur Mediterranean sea, it’s rather idyllic to say the least. Circular tables lining the outskirts of the restaurant are like gold dust and need to be booked weeks in advance to even have a look-in, but well worth it if you’ve got your ducks in a row!
The food for dinner is a mixture of classic Majorcan tapas and more elaborate fish and meat dishes. If you’re looking for the Spanish classics like Pimientos de padron then you won’t find them on the a la carte dinner menu but a simple request to the waiters and you’re in luck. Lunch is much more heavily focused on the alike and also a great choice for a casual week day lunch.
You are looking at hotel prices for the food, but there’s a much better balance than some of the more tourist restaurants down in the port – plus the views and atmosphere here win every time. Sunday nights are Sax nights, the only one of the week, where a fabulous musician named Norbert plays songs that transport you back to the fondest of memories. I’ve since requested his availability for my sisters wedding next year in Spain, a truly mesmerising performance each time!
For starters, I’d recommend Pimientos de pardon, Jamón ibérico, their Sobrassada & goats cheese croquettes and garlic prawns.
As I’ve been there a few times, here’s a snapshot of the different dishes experienced. Personally, the salt baked seabass and monkfish & prawn paella was the best I’ve tasted of their kind – highly recommend them!
The wild hake (pictured below) whilst well-cooked and admittedly pretty, was incredibly bland – give it a miss.
The Sax player starts at 8pm which is perfect for sunset at this time of year. It’s also very kid-friendly; you’ll often see children dancing on the grass along with the music so adults can enjoy a glass of vino in peace! ;).
Whilst I don’t have a picture, the pineapple carpaccio with coconut ice cream for dessert is genuinely out of this world delicious, (and I promise that’s not just coming from a ‘health’ front!).
I hope anyone who travels to Mallorca gets to enjoy this little slice of heaven. Comment below if you have any thoughts, other Mallorca restaurant recommendations or questions about this place! Thanks so much for tuning in.
LLG x
Hotel Bendinat Website: http://www.hotelbendinat.es
Phone Number: Tel. +34 971 675 725
