ABURI — Restaurant in Palma

One of the finest dining experiences I’ve ever had.

For someone lucky enough to be raised in a culture that deifies fire and its glowing amber—and who also had a life-changing experience living, discovering, and immersing himself in the depths of an ancient culture that venerates the artisan’s work before and after the rice and fish—I felt joyfully overwhelmed by the ability to bring the essence of both worlds together, without overlap, and without ever blending them into fusion.

Japanese cuisine is present here in its fullest and purest form. Every ingredient is exactly as it should be, and that’s thanks to Misuki, who comes from a place where the sea meets the land, and where the fish and humans interact to become one. But then comes the twist—that unique touch that only someone who has both studied and lived the Japanese identity, and also grown up within the amber-colored soul of asado culture, could possibly achieve. That’s what Joaquín brings to the table.

Again, there’s nothing extra—just Japanese ingredients. But in his hands, se esconde la esencia y la magia de la tradición del Río de la Plata, and with that finesse and expertise, he elevates each dish to a level rarely tasted, all while delivering a warmth and familiarity that felt deeply personal to my Argentinian palate.

By now, it should be clear: I’m not just recommending Aburi—I’m insisting you add it to your must-visit list if you’re looking to experience the very best this island...

The food here is absolutely authentic and delicious. There are only 2 menus, though they are essentially the same, one just being an extended version of the other, and then there were 2 optional extras of red prawn nigiri (with grilled head on the side) and A5 wagyu the night we went. The menu changes with what’s in season. Most dishes are augmented with a flash of fire on the open wood fired grill, even the green bean accompaniments to a dish. This attention to detail adds flavour and depth and it is fascinating to watch the process so do book a spot at the counter if you can. The seafood was exceptionally fresh, and my Japanese partner loved it all; the highlights being the cold somen noodle starter which cooled us down after entering from the humid Mallorcan evening and the exceptional eel nigiri (prepared from fresh eel, not frozen like you’d normally find) which warmed us on our way back into the night. The softest most delicate squid was also worthy of mention. The attention to detail and quality of ingredients comes through in the taste on the plate - fresh wasabi (and using the leaves on some dishes), fresh eel, perfectly seasoned rice, “Aburi” flourishes from the fire…go before you can’t...

Perhaps the only authentic and expertly executed Japanese restaurant in Mallorca. Traveling to Japan every year, we felt this place in Palma truly reflected the spirit of Japanese food craft. Careful care to product selection and preparation, and an omakase style chef menu made to perfection. The couple who run it are lovely. We know they just opened up and are figuring out the kinks of running a new place, so be patient. This is not a place to rush, but to slow down and appreciate the taste of every bite, given how expertly it has...