Quince, Porto Cristo

A super-friendly and relaxed restaurant in Porto Cristo with fine views down over the marina, serving ‘soul food’. Be sure to book ahead for a table.

2019, July 8th

When Martín L. Segura bought the existing Quince Restaurante & Cantina in September 2015, his venture into restaurant ownership began. Today, the Argentinian owns four successful eateries in Porto Cristo and Porto Cristo Novo. Of them all, Quince is still our favourite, for its location, tasty international food, relaxed atmosphere, and super-friendly staff.

 
Located in a former Mallorcan family home, Quince has lots of quirky details in its décor and retains some of the character of the old house. In summer, the terrace offers great views and shaded tables – albeit the latter are quite close together.
 

Martín and his old friend and manager Mariano spend part of the winter season travelling abroad looking for interior design and culinary ideas. Quince Restaurante & Cantina’s ‘soul food’ has plenty of international touches as a result.
 

Lunch or dinner begins in Mallorcan style with a basket of bread, served with a ramallet tomato (to rub on the bread), olive oil, aioli, and olives.
 

The menu is à la carte, with the addition of daily specials – including a local catch-of-the-day fish dish. Starters are generous in size and suitable for sharing. The guacamole is a fun favourite: the ingredients arrive in a large mortar and pestle ready for you to mash and mix the way you like it. Children seem to enjoy doing this – even if, when it comes to eating, they prefer what’s on offer on the kids’ menu.
 

Main courses are salads, pastas (including a vegetarian), and dishes ‘from the land’ and ‘from the sea’. Quince is a good place to have mussels, if you’re a fan: they arrive in a lidded cooking pot, which releases delicious aromas when opened, and will keep you occupied for a while. Thai-style whole gilthead bream (containing a lemongrass stalk) is delicious. Meat fans should enjoy the Cuban-style black pork or a plate of sticky spare ribs. If you’ve not tried olive-oil cake – a traditional old Mallorcan dessert – this is a good place to do so.
 

The wine list includes excellent wines from the local bodega Mandia Vell, between Porto Cristo and Manacor.
 

The staff here are some of the friendliest and most accommodation we’ve met, which is probably why it can be difficult to get a table here. Book a few days ahead if you want to eat at Quince Restaurante & Cantina.

Photos: QUINCE

Prices correct at time of writing.