QUADRAT - DINNER

Address:        Plaça de Sant Francesc, 5, 07001 Palma, Illes Balears

Telephone:   00 34  971 49 50 00

I went here with my husband, his son and wife on a Wednesday night for dinner.

The Quadrat restaurant is contained within the 5 star Hotel San Francesc in the heart of Palma's Old Town.  It has been open about a year and combines the original old building's features with contemporary decor which gives a classy relaxed ambience.  The staff on arrival in the reception were helpful and charming.

We started with drinks on the roof top bar as it was still mild enough to be outside.  The ambience was delightful as it was dark outside but the roof top area (including a small swimming pool) was illuminated with candles and other soft lighting and we had views of several of Palma's illuminated churches, including the cathedral.

Our drinks were brought in a timely fashion together with some crisps and nachos to nibble.  I had a Brockman's G&T (well made) and the others had glasses of Albarino white wine declared to be good.

We then headed down to the basement level to the restaurant where we were given another warm professional welcome and the choice of 2 tables.

Baskets of bread rolls were brought whilst we awaited our drinks order - a G&T for me and a bottle of Verdejo white wine for the rest of the party - all good.  A bottle of excellent olive oil was on the table to accompany the bread which was fresh and well flavoured.

Prior to the starters we were given an amuse bouche of a lime shot which had a beautifully intense lime flavour.

For starters we shared suckling pig stuffed dim sum, cristal bread and croquettes of cod and of ham.  All were excellent and the dim sum had a bit of a Hestor Blumenthal twist as liquid was poured over it to create white smoke around it.  Every single dish was delicious.

Smoking dim sum starter

For mains we had duck breast, monkfish, fillet steak and Spanish style risotto  (arroz) with cuttlefish and prawns.  All were cooked to perfection with a good-sized portion and declared delicious by all.

For dessert I chose a fake beetroot on a bed of cocoa crumble with yogurt cream, one chose chocolate with 1,000 textures and the other two chose the cheese plate.  Like the preceding courses they were excellent.

We finished with 3 coffees.

The total bill came to just under €300 excluding tip.  We felt this was a fair price for the beautiful surroundings, attentive staff and superb food.