Last night Madrid was the location of this year’s announcements of the new Michelin stars, published in La Guía Michelin 2021. This year’s Gala was a virtual affair, so only the presenters dressed up in their formal wear for the occasion.

You don’t need me to point out it’s been a devastating year for the hospitality sector. Mallorca has been hit hard because of its high economic dependence on tourism. But on this one night in December 2020, some good news came Mallorca’s way: next year’s Michelin Guide for Spain and Portugal has three new stars for the island.

Two of these are, in my humble opinion, long overdue; the third star – Estrella Verde – is for the new category of sustainability. I’m thrilled for all three restaurants and hope the news has given the chef/proprietors and their teams something to lift their spirits.

Dins Santi Taura

Santi Taura has been one of my favourite chefs for a very long time. He’s a household name here, presenting a cookery show on IB3, from the kitchen of Dins Santi Taura‘s former location in Lloseta. Santi moved his restaurant to the new El Llorenç Parc de la Mar Hotel in Palma. Although I’d eaten twice in the Lloseta location, I have yet to try Dins Santi Taura in Palma. His former eponymous restaurant (in the same Lloseta premises) was known for having one of Spain’s longest waiting lists for a table – even without a star. If you fancy trying Dins Santi Taura a try in 2021, best to book early!

Béns d’Avall

First opened more than forty years ago as a family-run eatery, Béns d’Avall can finally boast a Michelin star. What took those inspectors so long? Everything is to like here at Béns d’Avall: from the romantic off-the-beaten-track location and breathtaking coastal views from the large terrace, to the warm, professional service from Benet’s wife Catalina Cifre and her team, and impeccable cuisine and wines.

It’s hard to believe that when this place first opened in 1971 it had no running water or electricity. The only things today’s restaurant has in common with that simple eatery back in the day are the family’s philosophy and passion for Balearic cuisine.

Benet Vicens followed his mother and grandfather into the kitchen and, today, Benet and Catalina’s talented son Jaume is in the kitchen with his father. Despite the pandemic, Béns d’Avall managed to stay open later than usual this year – such is the popularity of this restaurant between Deià and Sóller.

The father-and-son chefs use only high-quality, fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients. They are big supporters of local providers, such as farmers, fishermen, and artisanal producers, but also grow vegetables and fruit on their own land.

Bèns d’Avall is now closed until the 2021 season and we can’t wait to visit again and offer the family our congratulations in person on the Michelin star.

New ‘Green Star’ for Andreu Genestra

The eponymous Andreu Genestra restaurant in Capdepera has had its Michelin star for some years. Now it is one of only 21 restaurants in Spain and Portugal to receive the Estrella Verde, a new-for-2021 Michelin star category for sustainability. Congratulations to Andreu, who can often be found on the productive plot of land opposite the hotel where the restaurant is located, and his team.

New Bib Gourmands in Mallorca

Michelin awards its Bib Gourmand to restaurants delivering a high-quality dining experience at a reasonable price. The restaurants Miceli in Selva and Ca’n Boqueta in Sóller are celebrating the award of a Bib Gourmand in La Guía Michelin España y Portugal 2021.

Stars Retained

Adrián Quetglas

Adrian Genestra

Es Fum

Es Racó d’es Teix

Maca de Castro

Marc Fosh

Voro

Sadly, Zaranda (which had two stars) didn’t reopen in 2020 and chef Fernando P Arellano hopes to open his restaurant in new premises in 2021.

Jan Edwards Copyright 2020