The Crow's Nest - Cala Major — Restaurant in Palma

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

As a South African who has been visiting this restaurant for many years, I cannot express enough how proud I am to see our rich culinary heritage showcased so authentically and beautifully in Mallorca, Spain. For the past nine seasons, each holiday in Mallorca has included a visit to this remarkable restaurant, and each time, they deliver a 10 out of 10 experience that truly embodies the essence of South African cuisine.

From the moment you step inside, you are transported to South Africa, with traditional dishes like boerewors, bobotie, and the unmistakable influence of Cape Malay cuisine taking center stage. The restaurant captures the rich tapestry of South Africa’s diverse cultures—the Cape Malay, French, and Dutch influences are all perfectly balanced to create a genuine South African dining experience. Every recipe is executed with such authenticity that I could close my eyes and imagine myself back in a restaurant in South Africa, enjoying the very same dishes I know and love.

One of the aspects that impresses me most is their dedication to authenticity, particularly in their approach to traditional South African cuisine—not just African cuisine, but specifically South African. They even offer vegan versions of traditional dishes, ensuring that the unique flavors come across without compromise. This attention to detail makes their food a true representation of South Africa’s culinary identity.

Beyond the traditional dishes, their introduction of exotic meats is something to be celebrated. Dishes like the poitjiekos incorporate these exotic ingredients seamlessly, offering a taste of home that’s both familiar and exciting. The starters, like chakalaka, are paired perfectly with options like crocodile burgers and boerewors, all of which scream South African authenticity. Every item on the menu, from the starters to the burgers to the platters, is 100% authentic South African, with no hint of generic “African” flavors—it’s all distinctly South African.

Comfort food is another area where they excel. Whether it’s a lamb shank cooked in the traditional South African way, or classic fish and chips with a local twist, the comfort and warmth of South African home cooking is always present. Pork neck and other hearty dishes are done just right, evoking the familiar tastes of home.

The consistent praise this restaurant receives—five out of five stars on TripAdvisor and Google, with over 1,500 five-star reviews over nine years—is a testament to their excellence. As a South African, I am incredibly proud to see them thriving in the heart of Europe. They’ve become true ambassadors of South African cuisine, bringing the flavors of our homeland to the world.

To the team at this incredible restaurant, I want to say thank you. You make all of us expats proud, and every time I dine here, I’m reminded of the rich, vibrant, and comforting flavors of South Africa. You deserve every bit of recognition and more for the outstanding work you’ve done. Congratulations on creating a culinary experience that is truly grand and flamboyant—just like our beautiful South Africa. SOUTH AFRICAN...

Had really high hopes for this evening, the reviews on TA are generally great, so few bad reviews I didn’t even bother to read them.

Welcome was reasonable all be it a little chilly as despite unsuccessfully attempting to reserve a table earlier this evening we popped in on the off chance there would be a table available. There were a few spaces and we were seated. In hindsight I wish that had not been the case.

I have spent my entire life in the hospitality industry, the majority of which as a chef. I’ve cooked in Michelin rated kitchens, run my own restaurant and to this day still make my living rattling pans.

Service was slow, obviously short staffed, our Waiter, a lovely, some what stressed Scottish lady informed us in the latter part of the evening she was “just helping out as a favour for a week as they were short of staff”.

We ordered Calamari’s in our homemade batter and seared liver starters.

Calamari were obviously a bought in frozen product. Very disappointing given the location of the restaurant. The liver dish was delicious. Soft chicken livers, lightly spiced in a rich sauce with bread to soak up the remains. This was the only redeeming factor of the experience.

I ordered the SA blade of lamb and my partner the peri per chicken skewers and cheese “fondue” dish as she prefers smaller plates.

The cheese dip was travesty of a dish. Basically a milk and cornflour custard with heaps of garlic and a rumour of cheese. The skewers peri peri marinade was nice but the chicken itself was a very strange texture.

My lamb blade was nicely cooked, falling off the bone but the sauce, again thickened with excess cornflour was sickly sweet, I enquired our harassed Scottish Waitress what the flavours were and she didn’t have a clue so asked the “chef” and I was told it came from the carrots, onions and celery as they are cooked down. Mirepoix is the correct term for the base of many sauces and after 35 years of cooking I’ve never tasted a sweetness like it from a mirepoix. The owner, a man who obviously requires a lesson in customer service, arrived and proceeded to tell us we were the problem with the food and not the food. Apparently everyone loves the Ambrosia custard cheese fondue and the frozen calamari! He then accused my partner of being aggressive. Pot, kettle springs to mind. No doubt he will respond equally as aggressively to this review as he did to our honest feedback on our meal.

I could go on but frankly I haven’t the energy other than to say a roast potato is cooked in fat in an oven with Maybe some rosemary, garlic or thyme not poured from a plastic bag into a fat fryer.

We respectfully requested our bill with the most offensive dishes removed and were then left unattended by the stressed waitress.

We eventually got up and went to pay and we’re presented resentfully with a slightly reduced bill, the cheese custard and kebabs had been removed. We paid and escaped unharmed.

The red wine was...

I cannot say enough good things about this place. From the service to the quality of the food, it was absolutely amazing. This adorable couple from South Africa run the place and are making fresh authentic South African food as you order it. Nothing is pre-packaged or reheated here. My husband and I saw this place from the beach in Cala Major and decided to check it out one night. Got there around 8:15p and was seated immediately. Side note: might suggest making a reservation next time we decide to show up as the place is smaller and reservations by others had been made. Was not an issue this go around. Ordered the 1L pitcher of Sangria, peri peri chicken and the curry. Oh my goodness! So good!! The spices and flavor from both dishes were wonderful. The owner had informed us that the peri peri sauce on the chicken was spicy but not too hot and very flavorful and she was not wrong. I love spicy food and this was just enough heat without being overwhelming. The curry also had a myriad of different flavors. My husband ate his whole meal in less than 5 minutes flat and the owner came back and asked if he wanted a second helping. How sweet is that? Has never happened to me before! That is what I call great customer service! All I can say is that you should try this place out! Everything was fantastic. Food, service, views, atmosphere! Will definitely be returning here again and again even if I have to go out of my way to get to this place! Thank you again for a...