Restaurante Quadrat, Palma
Modern Med cuisine in a former stable block
2018, Dic 3rd
The old town of Palma de Mallorca is home to Quadrat, within the 5-star Sant Francesc Hotel Singular. It’s an elegant restaurant located in this former palacio’s original stables and you’ll see hints of the space’s original use in the interior décor.
The main dining area seats around 24 people but there’s an additional space that’s perfect for groups and private parties. In fine weather, eat al fresco on the terrace of the hotel’s enclosed garden.
The cuisine is Mediterranean with modern touches and comes from the kitchen of chef Alfonso Lillo, who has an impressive CV – having worked at Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck and at Gordon Ramsay’s Maze Restaurant, in the UK. More recently he worked as chef for the Qatari royal family.
Quadrat is open to the public for lunch and dinner and offers an à la carte menu, Fonsi Lillo’s six-course tasting menu and, on weekday lunchtimes, a three-course menú del día for just 23,50 €, with a choice of dishes (including vegetarian) for each course. Be sure to try the home-made breads, served warm.
I found the service excellent. As I was lunching on my own, the maître d’ asked if I’d like something to read – a welcome touch. Later, I casually remarked to the waiter who brought my dessert that it looked like it could rain; he returned a minute or two later – having checked a weather app – to tell me rain was due within 30 minutes. Now that’s what I call service!
Quadrat is included in the 2019 edition of the Michelin Guide for Spain and Portugal with the distinction of a Plato Michelin – a guarantee of quality cuisine. For a good-value and modern creative lunch, in superb surroundings away from the bustle of central Palma de Mallorca, head for Quadrat – an oasis of good taste in the Old Town.
Jan Edwards
Photos: Restaurante Quadrat / Jan Edwards