Periplo - New Restaurant in Portixol
By Arnd
WOW! I was absolutely thrilled when I stopped by the new restaurant in Portixol for a spontaneous and unfortunately too-short lunch on Friday. It's called Periplo. It felt like they'd been renovating and building for over a year. And the opening must have been just very recently.
Ex Tapas Club
I was with a colleague at the construction site of our Molinar Townhouses and on the way back we got stuck here. Before, this was the Tapas Club. Which consisted of a chilled-out interior and the almost boat-like outdoor terrace. The food was never famous. But it offered the most beautiful views of Palma, sensational sunsets, and it wasn't exactly inedible either.
At some point the building was "cleared out" by the landlords and it stood empty for quite a while. Until suddenly bustling activity set in and everything was not just renovated but essentially turned upside down. Rumour had it that one of Mallorca's best caterers was now realising his restaurant project here.
Let me start by saying that the service was extremely friendly and attentive. Brilliant! Since we had little time and the menu wouldn't have made the decision any easier, I asked the waiter what he would recommend.
My Spanish is ...
And I understood about half of it ... So, as you can see for yourselves in the photo, the glazed aubergine came accompanied by a Parmesan cream. A beautiful counterpoint, hearty, rich, yet almost elegant in flavour. The peeled pepper pieces and pistachios provided an almost fruity counterpart. Plus the pistachios added their crunchy texture. Well-rounded! Delicious! Brilliant!
Sole at the restaurant in Portixol!
For the main course, we opted for a sole. As some of you probably know, I'm really no fish expert. But even I can say: the preparation was outstanding! It was simply a noticeably higher level than what we usually get around here. And not because the rest is bad. No, because at Periplo it was simply a cut above.
It started with small details like the garlic being simply perfectly sauteed. Not a hint too dark brown. Not dry, not bitter. Just exactly right. Simply perfect. And both the starter and the fish were really clever. But not too clever. Rather, it was still an honest kitchen whose clarity ran through everything.
The grilled vegetables were also superb. Wild fennel, carrots, aubergines and so on. Thrown on the grill. Oil drizzled over. Done! Delicious!
All just winging it!
I won't deny that I wasn't prepared on Friday to go out for a meal and then write about it later. So today - on Sunday - I'm already having my little difficulties getting the ingredients properly together. Please don't hold it against me. But why am I serving you such a half-baked story, half of which I've already forgotten? Because the food was brilliant. And if you happen to pass by. And are wondering where to eat, then you should know: try it, it's worth it! And soon you'll definitely need a reservation here.
This restaurant in Portixol is a bit pricier, though ...
The price range is indeed on the higher side. With one starter that we shared, a whole fish, no dessert and no coffee - because the break wasn't long enough for the meal - we spent over 100 euros. That's steep. So I'd recommend coming here in the evening and in any case with plenty of time, so you can convert these admittedly proud but completely justified prices into relaxed enjoyment!
Bon appetit!
Update from 14 May 2022: I went back ... Read here whether my enthusiasm holds up...