EL PATIO DE GLÒRIA, Palma
Michelin-star experience shows at this Palma hotel restaurant
2019, Feb 4th
The 5-star Hotel Glòria de Sant Jaume in Palma’s Old Town is home to this restaurant, which has its own entrance from the street. A year after opening, El Patio de Glòria now has a new chef, à la carte menu, and maître.
Like the rest of this boutique hotel, the restaurant is elegant and intimate. Entering from the cosy bar, you notice the handsome marble fireplace – which wouldn’t look out of place in the dining room of a grand private home. Attractive lighting, old paintings on the walls, and comfortable chairs add to this homely feeling. Sparkling glassware and cutlery adorn the tables and the tableware is glazed in the style of the Mallorcan ‘cloth of tongues’ fabric.
New chef Javier Gardonio – appointed in January – has brought many years of Michelin-starred kitchen experience to El Patio de Glòria. He previously worked with Fernando P Arellano at Zaranda when it opened in Madrid and moved with him when Arellano relocated his restaurant to Mallorca.
Front of house is now overseen by one of Javier’s former Zaranda colleagues: Miguel Hermida, whose personality is perfect for his new role at El Patio de Glòria. Welcoming, helpful, and with a good sense of humour, he communicated effortlessly in Spanish, English, and German as he dealt with diners on the night we were there. He also adds a little theatre to service: you may see him in action with a blowtorch!
Chef Javier Gardonio’s new menu includes dishes cooked in a Kamado oven. For meat eaters, the roast shoulder of lamb (for two people) is highly recommended; Miguel gently teased the succulent meat from the bone using only a pair of spoons.
El Patio de Glòria is open for lunch and dinner and, from February 4th, offers a weekday three-course ‘menú del día’, with a choice of two dishes for each course, for 21,50€ (including a glass of wine or beer).
Photos: El Patio de la Glòria / Jan Edwards