The Repsol Guide for 2018 has just been published and it includes all the establishments in Spain awarded with one, two, and three Repsol ‘Soles’ (Suns). The awards are made for ‘culinary excellence, quality of raw materials and their implementation, respect for local cuisine, wine menu, as well as table and dining room service.’

The list for Mallorca is the same as for 2017 but with one addition: Baiben (Gastrobar). Fernando P Arellano – whose restaurant Zaranda at the 5-star Castell Son Claret hotel has two Michelin stars – owns Baiben, which is in the smart southwest-Mallorca marina of Puerto Portals. Its location is enviable, facing luxurious pleasure cruisers moored right in front of the place.

“We are very happy to have this award in our first year,” Itziar Rodríguez – director of Zaranda – told me today. “People have been getting to know us and to receive a Repsol Sol is really important to us. It can be tough in the first year of a new business, but the guys here have done a great job – especially during such a busy summer season.”

L-R Jerome Rohmer, head chef of Baiben, with restaurant owner Fernando P Arellano. Photo provided.

For quick reference, here are the establishments with Repsol Suns for 2018:

Two stars

Awarded to restaurants guaranteeing excellent quality in cuisine and service:

• Andreu Genestra
• Bou
• Bens d’Avall
• El Olivo
  

  I loved this locally caught John Dory with lemongrass sauce, crispy langoustine, and coconut during a dinner at El Olivo in October

• Jardín
• Santi Taura Dins
• Zaranda

One star

Awarded for high-quality cuisine and sufficient variety:

• Aromata
  

  Cream of smoked celeriac with caramelized figs, and black olive mousse – starter I enjoyed in October as part of the great-value ‘menu del dia’

• Baiben *NEW FOR 2018*
• Casa Manolo
• Ca na Toneta
• Ca’n Calent
• Can Toni Moreno
• Es Racó d’es Teix
• Flanigan
• La Forteleza
• Marc Fosh
• Sadrassana

©Jan Edwards 2017