‘Es la bomba!’ I’ve often heard this said in Spain to describe someone or something that’s excellent. It is, of course, the Spanish translation of the American slang, ‘It’s the bomb!’. Hand on heart, I’d never used this expression in Spanish or English … until recently. And it happened in a small Mallorcan village.

The village of Son Carrió

Not far from Sant Llorenç in the Llevant area of Mallorca, Son Carrió is on the route of the Via Verde – the former railway line between Manacor and Artà. Now it’s a peaceful, rural ‘green way’ for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders. Son Carrió is also only a short drive from Mallorca’s east coast resorts. The village has a beautiful 19th-century church with a fan rose window that’s best seen at night to appreciate the stained glass. After dinner at Es Torrent de Son Carrió, you’ll see this in all its glory as this dinner-only gastronomic restaurant is right across the road from the church.

Es Torrent de Son Carrió

Chef Joan Galmés Miquel and his wife Clara Ferrer (front of house and sommelier) own Es Torrent de Son Carrió. Joan was born in Manacor but trained and worked in Barcelona; his CV includes the renowned restaurant Lasarte, owned by Martín Berasategui, and the restaurant Osmosis, where he became the chef.

In 2014 Joan returned to Mallorca with Clara and they opened their restaurant in Son Carrió. When we first visited, the interior was typical of many traditional malloriquín eateries – but the food was anything but traditional. We were thrilled to find such innovative and flavourful cuisine in a small village not too far from home.

In 2019, after the devastating floods of autumn 2018, Es Torrent went through a metamorphosis; today, the interior of Es Torrent is stylish and contemporary, like Joan’s cuisine – which features seasonal produce, and both modern and traditional culinary techniques, in a tasting menu (menu degustación).

New for 2023

After almost ten years with a similar concept, Joan and Clara have made some changes for the 2023 season. This year the tasting menu changes each month (rather than weekly), and comprises seven plates (70€). To this, you can add an optional course of artisanal cheeses (12€) and/or a wine pairing (seven wines) for 30€. Instead of the previously printed menus, diners now have a digital device on the table detailing the menu and the wine list: ‘An environmental decision to save paper,’ Clara told us.

In addition, Es Torrent de Son Carrió now offers two sittings: 19:00h and 21:00h.

April Tasting Menu

Here are photos of the dishes we ate at Es Torrent de Son Carrió from the menu for April.

Wines at Es Torrent

Clara knows her stuff when it comes to wines and you can expect a fine pairing with each course if you have the optional maridaje. As the designated driver, I was unable to take advantage of this, but the wines featured appealed. The main wine list has around 50 Mallorcan references but there are other Spanish and international wines available from the ‘cellar’.

Good to Know

Parking is easy and free in Son Carrió, with plenty of spaces opposite the sports complex and within sight of the restaurant.Es

Es Torrent de Son Carrió also has a new website this year, where you’ll find details of the menu and wine pairings for the current month.

Verdict? The final dessert (and the whole meal) was, as they say here, la bomba!

Jan Edwards ©2023