Ponderosa Beach, Playa de Muro
Memorable eating experience by the Mediterranean, with dreamy Bay of Alcúdia views
2019, May 20th
Ponderosa Beach is not a typical ‘chiringuito’, although you’ll find it on the long sandy Playa de Muro. This family-run beach eatery – which has its roots back in 1967 – offers an unexpected level of gastronomy for a place where there’s sand beneath your table.
It’s an iconic restaurant and bar attracting locals and visitors from all over Mallorca. They come for the chance to kick off their footwear, wiggle their toes in the sand, and take in the stunning scenery while they enjoy creative eats, cool cocktails, friendly service and great music vibes.
There’s plenty of shade while you’re taking a break from the sun and admiring the décor – which includes a wall of multi-coloured old Mallorcan shutters.
Two chefs lead the kitchen team: rice maestro Kike Martí was born in Valencia and has been at Ponderosa Beach for a few seasons; this year he is joined by Edgar Jiménez, previously at Sadrassana Restaurant in Palma.
The à la carte menu is available in Spanish, English, and German. Every dish is labelled with any allergens. The cuisine is Mediterranean with some Asian touches and based on high-quality locally sourced produce. Most of the starters are of seafood, although you’ll also find traditionally cut Iberian ham and good home-made croquettes. Three creative salads include two suitable for vegetarians. My recommendation is to share some starters. Four meat and four fish main-course dishes are offered, in addition to Kike Martí’s rice dishes.
These are for a minimum of two people and range in price from 16€ to 30€ per person. The top-of-range Aristocrat and Baroque has king prawn, scarlet shrimp, red prawn, cuttlefish, scallops and clams and is a personal favourite and special treat.
Save space for one of the tempting desserts, which include Lime Pie. Ponderosa Beach collaborates in a humanitarian project in Ghana and part of the profits from the sale of Lime Pie help the development of sustainable and ecological production of moringa – an ingredient in the dessert – in Ghana.
Throughout the summer months, expect guest DJs and occasional Guest Chef events, with set menus only and the optional wine pairings.
Book well ahead to be sure of your own Ponderosa Beach experience.
Photos: Ponderosa Beach / Jan Edwards
Prices were correct at time of writing