Bar Dia — Restaurant in Palma

Me and my partner were really looking forward to eating here but were very disappointed. When we arrived I felt the place was overall lacking atmosphere, there’s no ambient lighting, no music and we weren’t received like we expected to be. We were sent to a wobbly table where the waiter took our order. We ordered the meatballs, dates wrapped in bacon and an adventurous choice: sausages fried with chips, tomato sauce and eggs. The waiter asked if we wanted some bread, we said yes. He brought us a basket with 6 pieces of dry bread, which came with no spreads or butter. Our first dish, the meatballs, came within 5 minutes after ordering. My partner took a bite out of the first one and it was ice cold on the bottom. Rest was of the meatball was scalding hot. He should have mentioned it, so that’s his mistake, but still not acceptable. Our second dish, the dates, tasted amazing, nothing to mention there! Our third dish, was taken quite literally: we had a bunch of cut up sausages laying in between fries that were soaking in tomato sauce, and on top a raw egg? Raw - as in see through egg white raw - very bizarre. I ate some and didn’t like the consistency, but I thought it might be a delicacy. My partner start feeling unwell after 10 minutes or so and dissapeared in the bathroom for a while. When he got back he still wasn’t feeling great. As I wanted to get us out of there, I asked for the bill and went to the ladies bathroom, which I found was disgusting!! The back part of the toilet seat and the part below that, which is clearly visible without lifting the lid or anything, was covered in dark yellow, brown and green splashes and bits (??) looked like someone had been sick. (Not my partner as he went to the men’s). I went back to pay for my food and left with disappointment. We should have mentioned something but at that moment I just wanted to get out of there as I felt so disappointed. This restaurant can improve on its ambiance, not serving its customers microwaved food and offer a clean bathroom....

Bar Dia: A small, tight and simple looking restaurant with high quality food.

My first encounter was in 2020. My family and I participated in the "City Sightseeing Palma" bus tour. After the tour we asked the guide for a good restaurant. "Bar Dia" was recommended and we went there.

My First Impression (in 2020 - Early Covid outbreak) A bit dark inside, hardly any walking space, looking like a bar which, apparently, also has a menu... It didn't look like much.

The Service The ice cold drinks were served almost immediately and the food was served in about 10-15 minutes. The taste of the food was surprisingly good! And the price? Very good price to value ratio. Somewhere between 12-18 euro per menu. Certainly a place I would visit again!

Now, 2023, we have returned and how happy am I to see that this place is still open! With a big smile I walked in. The place still looked the same as before: tight, dark, and... like a bar that serves food. We sat down, ordered our drinks, and had them served ice cold and fast. Food came in about 15 minutes after sitting down. Just like how I remembered the place.

I had the lamb (photo in the middle). Tender and juicy, meat coming right off the bone, well seasoned, and it almost melted in your mouth! My wife had the spareribs (photo on the left). Soft and tender cooked, lovely marinade, the bone could be pulled right out of the meat. My children shared the meat filled peppers (right photo - the peppers are also known as paprika). Its flavours are well balanced. The stronger taste of the peppers were very tasty with the filling.

Why a 4-star rating instead of 5? Star 1: Fast and good service; Star 2: Good food with a good portion size; Star 3: Very good prices; Star 4: The place looks clean; Menu card in different languages; The presentation of the food could be made a more inviting. It looks like it was just dropped at a plate. As if we are eating at someone's home rather...

During our visit to Palma, we stopped by Bar Dia for a quick lunch and were pleasantly surprised by the experience. This cozy, traditional spot captures the essence of Spanish cuisine, offering simple yet flavorful dishes that highlight fresh, local ingredients.

We started with the Spanish omelette (tortilla española), which was perfectly cooked—crispy on the outside and soft, almost creamy on the inside. The balance of potatoes and eggs was just right, making it a comforting and satisfying start to our meal.

The fried Padron peppers added a nice touch of variety. Lightly salted, with a slight char from the pan, they were a delightful mix of mild and occasionally spicy bites that kept us reaching for more.

The grilled sardines were another highlight. Fresh and perfectly seasoned, they were grilled to perfection, with a smoky flavor that paired beautifully with the natural richness of the fish. It’s a must-try for any seafood lover.

We also tried the croquettes, which were a delicious treat. Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, they had a rich filling that melted in the mouth. It’s clear they were made with care and high-quality ingredients.

Overall, Bar Dia provided an authentic and enjoyable experience. The service was quick and friendly, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed lunch. Whether you’re looking to sample classic Spanish tapas or just enjoy a light meal, Bar Dia is well...