Arjau Mao — Restaurant in Maó

We felt discriminated against. Twice.

We tried to dine here on two separate occasions. The first time, we were told no tables were available due to “reservations”,yet the restaurant was visibly half-empty, and none of the free tables had any reservation signs. We passed by later on just to find the same tables still empty. Still, we gave them the benefit of the doubt and returned days later to book in advance, only to be flatly refused again, with no explanation, during low season.

After this second brush-off, the message was clear: this wasn’t about space. It was about us.

Since then, we've read multiple reviews describing similar experiences, many of them naming Mr. Albert specifically. What’s even more troubling is his dismissive attitude in responses-bragging about how busy they are and how much money the restaurant makes, as if that justifies ignoring repeated claims of discrimination. That kind of arrogance doesn’t just dismiss complaints-it confirms them.

If you’re a visible minority or don’t match their idea of “preferred clientele,” expect to be quietly turned away. It’s subtle, but unmistakable. Discrimination dressed up in manners is still discrimination.

Avoid this place, and hold it...

This restaurant established a vicious strategy to attract affluent clientele: they set up just a couple of tables and reject every walk-in so that one is forced to make a reservation. After a 5 days wait for our reservation we arrived punctually and were asked to seat inside (no air conditioner, fishy smell), although there were 3 available tables outside. As the majority of people order paella, this appears as a smart choice. Be no mistake, the paella is tremendously comestible but definitely doesn’t meet the expectations. It’s just the most random paella, similar to what you get in every mediocre restaurant throughout Spain. Due to the seating situation, we were under the impression that the restaurant manager Mr. Albert doesn’t wishes lgbtqia+ presence on the patio, which is for 2023 intolerable. Not suitable for queer public. The current Google rating of 4.7 stars is highly...

Make sure to book a table. We arrived at 12:45pm and asked for a table for 3 and the staff told us that they could serve us but we would have to leave at 02:30pm as there was a reservation for that table. Totally fair as we were just walk-ins.

The Arroz Negro com Sepia, Gambas y Piñones is a must try as well as their aioli. Their tinto de verano is equally delicious.

The staff was attentive, gracious and very quick and mindful.

The ambience inside was really nice, charming and rustic at the same time. Nice fans hanging from the ceiling made the stay inside very pleasant. But the exterior seating area had no fan so seating there was a...