Restaurant reviews Mallorca 2008

Ca N'Olesa - Saturday 9 August 2008

We’d been looking forward to visiting L’Aup as it’s become a tradition to eat there on our first night, but when we called in to book a table we found they were fully booked! Huh! The maitre d’ looked very harassed and suggested I try another night so I booked for Tuesday as they are closed on Mondays.

The evening was threatening to go pear-shaped when we drove into the old town as there was a running race on and we seemed to be going around and around in circles! I had visions of us never escaping the narrow streets but we eventually parked opposite Piccolo Forno and walked into the town.

I booked a table at Ca N’Olesa and then joined hubby and the children for a drink in the square at the Café Espanyol. The white bunting was still up everywhere and it was pleasantly busy.

When we arrived at Ca N’Olesa at 8.30pm it was packed but our table was reserved for us. It took a while for menus to arrive but we weren’t in any hurry. My son ran off to continue his game of football while we looked at the menus. I chose the Pimientos de Padron to start followed by pork loin while hubby chose his favourite - the cheese, grape and walnut salad followed by rabbit. The children opted for pizzas and we munched on bread and olives while we waited for our food to arrive.

My peppers were delicious (no hot ones) but hubby said that his salad wasn’t as good as normal - more leaves than grapes, walnuts and cheese.

My pork loin was well-cooked and nicely presented but didn’t taste of anything - it was served with fried new potatoes and courgettes and an orange sauce which could have been pumpkin or squash.

Hubby’s rabbit was good and was served with the same vegetables and sauce. The children’s pizzas were huge and delicious and disappeared quickly!

For dessert, I just couldn’t resist the chocolate cream with mascarpone which was sublime.

For atmosphere, you can't beat this restaurant, or any of the others that are very close, such as Il Giardino, La Posada d'Ariant or Ca'l Lloro. The whole square had a wonderful festive air and it was lovely to see families enjoying the evening.

Bill came to 89 euros. Booking in the high season is definitely advisable.