Gioia Aperitivo — Restaurant in Ciutadella

We had high expectations, but were disappointed. Two weeks ago, we were walking through Ciutadella and came across this restaurant. We had already had dinner but were looking for a restaurant where we might eat the next few evenings. We had also previously seen online that the restaurant prided itself on its cocktails.

When we passed the restaurant, there were no customers there yet. So we asked the waitress, who was very friendly by the way, if we could sit outside and have a few cocktails. After a consultation with the waitress (boss?), this was unfortunately out of the question. We were asked to go inside and take a seat at the bar, as the seats outside were supposedly reserved.

So we went to the counter, where unfortunately there were only very uncomfortable chairs. No matter! We ordered several cocktails. And were shocked shortly afterwards. Even very easy-to-prepare drinks like Negroni - they came from a cocktail machine. It was certainly a very advanced machine (supposedly from France), but I found it highly frustrating to get such a drink from the machine.

What's more, the glasses weren't pre-cooled, so the Negroni ended up at room temperature in the glass. We had two more drinks (and had a very nice chat with the bar staff), one of which was quite unsuccessful. We then tried another Negroni at the end. It turned out that the gin bottle in the machine was empty. The waitress tried to offer us the incomplete martini. I complained about the missing gin and it was refilled by eye.

I also found it annoying (we sat there for a good hour) that it turned out: All the seats outside, where you could have sat comfortably, had never been used. So we could have simply been seated outside.

We can't judge the food, it came up from a dumbwaiter from the basement and looked average. But the cocktails are definitely not recommended, considering that this restaurant explicitly prides itself on...

I stumbled across this wonderful resto after a day of hiking the Cami de Cavalls. It is on a quiet side street and has a welcoming atmosphere; I felt immediately at ease with the warm reception, despite having come fresh from the trail (don't worry, I sat outside!). The server was so very engaging and positive - attentive but not smothering. The food was tops, too. I had a very refreshing gazpacho soup with a salad whose name escapes me - similar to caprese with the fresh tomato slices and delish cheese, with olive oil, balsamic and pine nuts. To add carbs I had the patatas bravas with the potatoes cooked just right and the sauce very flavourful but not too heavily drizzled on. I ended with the dessert of the day, a strawberry mousse, that was just sweet enough and a light, fresh treat to end the meal. I also had 2 beer (Turia Marzen from Valencia which were shockingly good for a Spanish beer!) and 2 waters.

All in all I was so very satisfied with the experience and I hope I get back there again. Give it a look (and taste!) - you won't be...

We came here on our second day in Menorca and were so blown away by the food and the service that we just had to come back the next day. First of all, it’s a cute and cozy spot in the city center with a nice atmosphere. Our waitress Florine was just the best. She was absolutely lovely and so friendly and attentive making sure we were happy with our food. The food was amazing. I’m a big fan of bravas, and living in Madrid, my standards are high. But the bravas were a 10/10 for me. We also had the fish bao bun and the octopus and every single thing was absolutely delicious. The next day we had the croquetas of the day, the bravas again, and the braised beef brioche and again it did not disappoint. I’m not a desert person at all but Florine recommended the pistachio filled ensaimada which was out of this world. We really enjoyed our time here and the food is so good that we’ll be sure to go back before our stay is over. So overall, fantastic food and great service with a smile. You have to check...