La Terraza – Rotona la Reserva, Manacor
Over the past few summers, we’ve had lunch or dinner several times on the terrace of the rural hotel Rotana La Reserva – just a few minutes’ drive from Manacor. As the hotel has been closed for renovation for most of this summer, we’ve missed eating at the restaurant that’s closest to our home. In recent weeks, the terrace – La Terraza restaurant – reopened, and we went for dinner, surprised to see that the car park was busier than we’d ever seen it during previous visits.
Under the hotel’s new owners and management, one of Mallorca’s best-known and prolific chefs, Andreu Genestra, is now responsible for Rotana La Reserva’s culinary direction. His executive chef at the luxurious hotel is the talented Irene Lluch, who has worked for Genestra for several years. Irene oversees the cuisine at La Terraza and Es Mayolet, part of the Rotana estate.
La Terraza overlooks the fertile valley known as Sa Vall and the hotel’s golf course. We immediately noticed that the wild vegetation that had grown untamed along the edge of the terrace had been removed to enhance the gorgeous view; an attractive, low stone wall had also been added. The dining furniture is new, with comfortable chairs, and extensive sail shading has been added. The improvements are notable.
I’d seen little fanfare about this restaurant’s reopening, so we were very surprised to see that almost every table was filled – and not only with hotel guests. Word must have spread.
The Josper chargrill plays a major role in La Terraza’s open kitchen, where you can watch Irene and her chef colleagues at work.
The dinner menu is à la carte: seven starters, three rice dishes, and seven charcoal-grilled dishes (including daily suggestions)
We shared the starter of Lebanese aubergine, noting the flavours of sesame and cane honey. It’s a delicious dish. A quartered, round loaf of sourdough bread was served with a creamy spread (5€ pp) and was soon demolished.
The chargrilled fish dishes include sea bass and turbot for two to share. On this occasion, we both had meat. My husband chose aged-beef entrecôte (300g) that was cooked exactly to his liking and served with rosemary new potatoes. I had tender, flavourful Iberian pork presa with a variety of grilled Mediterranean vegetables.
We ended a very satisfying dinner by sharing a dessert of strawberries with strawberry ice cream, topped with a torched soft meringue – an invitation from Irene.
The cuisine may appear simple, but it’s prepared and presented with expertise and respect for the high-quality ingredients that Andreu Genestra demands for all his restaurants.
The service was friendly and professional, though the team seemed a little stretched. But the restaurant has been open only a short time, and I’m sure any teething issues will be quickly resolved.
La Terraza is a welcome addition to Manacor’s gastronomic scene and to the new-look Rotana La Reserva. Booking is essential.
Photos: JAN EDWARDS
Prices correct at time of writing.