Bistro Esencia — Restaurant in Palma

To be up front, I am a little biased towards this restaurant and for good reason. This review is actually my fourth visit to the place but will sort of capture all my visits, so far, in this one review.

First off, I stumbled upon this place by chance in June 2022. When trying to find a place to eat on a weekend and already later into the day, I was having no luck. I found Bistro Esencia strictly from Google Maps. The reviews looked good and the food as well. I was elated when I wrote via WhatsApp asking for a reservation and was given a welcome and booking for 7 or 7:30 PM. It was because of that initial response, to the actual visit that has lead me back for 4 visits so far.

This most recent visit is as always, impeccable and loving. What I love about this place is not just the food, but the owners. They legitimately put their love into their creations, the menus and the wines and ingredients they hand select. They source many of their ingredients and drinks right from Mallorca. And it is that local sourcing that shines through the food and drinks but also highlights the exceptional products that the island offers. The dynamic duo of Andrea and Luciano make this place a must visit every time. Sure, there are "better" places that have a large wait staff and a kitchen full of cooks, but the patience and dedication this team of two put on every night they are open is a testament to their love of their restaurant and the customers who don't just come up eat their food, but go to be part of a culinary experience. And I say that personally having eaten at Michelin 3, 2 and 1* restaurants. I have the same culinary experiences at Bistro Esencia as I would at a Michelin recommend place. The charm of Bistro Esencia for me though is that their is the highest standards of culinary magic and service without the * prices and atmosphere of needing to dress up to enjoy the experience. That isn't too day don't dress up, but it doesn't require feeling suffocated to eat here and enjoy, what I would say equals dishes I have had a * restaurants!!

Some of the highlights this visit was a new favorite of mine and my dining partner, the Burratina with Mallorcan Ramalett tomatoes and Strawberry gazpacho. Holy hell talk about an emotional experience indulging in these dishes. The Burratina is so fresh and layered in flavor I have never experienced in a cheese dish before (this alone was the reason we visited twice in one trip to Mallorca). Beautifully presented, that initial cutting of the Burratina brings a smile to one's face, who can appreciate a perfectly made Burratina cheese ball. Placed on top of Mallorcan ramalett tomatoes and WOW, a taste so flavorful and fresh I would go back repeatedly just for this dish alone. The Strawberry gazpacho also had the same affect. And while a dessert, it too, is worth a visit just to top off any meal.

Overall, I recommend Bistro Esencia to my friends and strangers alike! While everyone may not get a chance to visit Palma de Mallorca, if you do, Bistro Esencia should really be on your list for a night's dinner.

It truly is a peaceful oasis in a cozy atmosphere to relax and take in amazing foods, wines and condiments shared by the passions of two loving people wanting you to enjoy their heart's worth of food...

There's 'good food', and then there's 'food experiences'. Somehow Bistro Esencia manages to be both, bringing together the best of the ambitious presentations and creative combinations of the latter, without ever losing sight of the hearty Mallorcan cuisine at the core of the former.

We had the tasting menu, and already the amuse-bouche (the wonderful Mallorca In A Bite) promised of great things to come. After that, 5 courses of swirling smoke, cappucino-inspired soups, deconstructed classics and just phenomenal solid food followed. It was always artfully presented, without ever becoming pretentious.

The core is always the solid dish, but the presentation and playfulness elevates them all.

Bistro Esencia could easily try for a Michelin star, and would be a shoo-in for a bib gourmand, but has apparently chosen a more relaxed, price-conscious and playful approach to food. I appreciate that, and will definitely be back. The service was charming, and joyously explained every dish without overextending their stay.

(We paid ~¢150 for two tasting menus and a couple of...

Ive been wanting to try Bistro Esencia for a while now, and I was treated to a very beautiful and delicious evening. Andrea greeted us and took great care of our table with local wine pairings and attentive service. It's my biggest pet-peeve when a restaurant serves cold bread to you, but here, the warm, crusty and toasted bread arrives leaving you cozy and off to a great start. My starter , local gambas cappuccino, was amazingly spiced and balanced with the right amount of sweetness and richness for a seafood soup, and you could tell that Chef Luciano took great strides to make this properly. Hints of fusion showcase in every dish and the steak tartare isn't your typical one, yet offers a hidden burst of flavor with the raspberry, truly ingenious and creative. I don't normally order desserts, but we were intrigued by the sound of them and happy we did. The best poached pair I have eaten with the saffron infusion, so perfect for the winter evening. I will be back here again to try the chef's new creations...