La Vida Restaurante, Port Vell
On Mallorca’s east coast, between Cala Bona and Costa de los Pinos, you’ll find Port Vell. Quieter than the nearby resorts of Cala Bona, Cala Millor, and Sa Coma, Port Vell has a relaxed, low-key vibe and a long, narrow beach lined with pine and tamarisk trees for shade.
Port Vell is home to the beautiful, family-run garden restaurant, La Vida, that opened in May 2024. Although it’s not on the first line and has no sea view, it’s only a minute or two’s stroll down to the water before or after eating at La Vida. Bonus point for its large private car park for clients.
La Vida’s charming German owners Marcus Kaps and his partner Ariane Rassai are at the helm, with their son also working front of house with another, younger server. A basket in which to put my handbag was a welcome touch.
The creative Mediterranean cuisine is based on high-quality ingredients. At lunchtime, there’s a shorter menu of two courses for 17,90€ or three for 20,90€; we’ve not yet tried lunch here, but shall when the days are a little cooler. On the first Sunday of the month, La Vida offers a lunchtime Gambas Buffet with live music.
La Vida is a family-friendly restaurant with four dishes on the menu for children.
We went for dinner, choosing dishes from the à la carte menu. This begins with a section of starters and tapas for sharing, as well as soups and salads. We chose a generous and attractively presented dish of ponzu tuna tartare with avocado and mango (22€). I loved the garnish of the tiny, teardrop, roquito peppers.
The bread is made here daily, so we had to try it, along with some toothsome olives (5,90€). We declined the aioli that comes with the bread and olives. The moreish bread that day was made with black sesame seeds. My only tiny criticism was that the bottle of extra virgin olive oil came from Seville, rather than Mallorca.
On the main course listing, I spotted a slow-cooked lamb shank – something to remember for cooler evenings.
Next, my husband chose cod ‘a la mallorquina’. The panko-coated fish fillet was served on a pepper and tomato sauce with olives, onions, capers, thyme, and potato ‘au gratin’ (24,50€).
I’m sometimes asked about vegetarian dishes in restaurants, so I tried La Vida’s gratinated aubergine rolls filled with feta cheese and dates on a carrot and ginger purée – delicious (25€).
As in many German-owned restaurants, portions are generous, leaving my husband unable to manage a dessert. I, however, couldn’t miss the frozen almond parfait (9,50€), which I’d have again for its notable almond flavour. Our young server, who has good people skills, thoughtfully brought cutlery for my husband, ‘just in case’.
We each drank an Aperol Spritz (8,50€) and shared a litre of local Font Major still water (5,50€).
If the weather isn’t suitable for eating alfresco, La Vida has an attractive dining room with vibrant art by the local artist Gustavo.
I’ll give a special mention for the mellow and soulful background music, which creates a relaxing and romantic ambience, making La Vida in Port Vell a great date-night option.
Photos: JAN EDWARDS
Prices correct at time of writing.