When we first bought our rural Mallorca property in 2002, our finca’s previous owners helpfully left us a list of their favourite local eateries. Some of the restaurants on the list no longer exist but one we used to visit often is back in business – albeit with different owners, interior, and food concept.

That restaurant is Estragon La Plaça in Felanitx. When we used to eat there, Anna and her husband, who was the chef, owned and ran it. They were there for more than 15 years until they sold the place.

Current Owners Since November 2023

Since the beginning of November 2023, Felix Passow and his wife Vivien have owned Estragon La Plaça, having moved from near Berlin to Mallorca to take over this restaurant in a quiet corner of Felanitx. I saw a friend’s enthusiastic Instagram post after eating there and made a reservation.

We never had a problem parking at Estragon and found a space just steps from the front door. A few terrace tables are at the front for warmer months. Inside, we spent several minutes admiring the change to a more modern décor since our last visit. Large artworks hang on the wall – and are for sale, if you see one you fancy and have enough wall space at home. A novel and eye-catching way of storing wine bottles above the bar is a talking point. The restaurant felt comfortable and welcoming, with background music that wasn’t intrusive.

The Food at Estragon

Once we’d settled at our table near one of the windows at the front, one of the two young female servers brought over a blackboard menu. The choice of dishes is just enough to know that everything is made on the premises. Felix told us that there are small changes to the menu every three to four days. He’s very hands-on and told us he loves his new role in hospitality.

The German chef René Neuber worked here with the restaurant’s previous owners (another German couple who had the place for less than a year). René has been on the island for twenty years so has well-established relationships with his food suppliers.

What We Ate

Dinner at the ‘new’ Estragon got off to a great start with its delicious sourdough bread, supplied by a baker in Campos. With a good crumb and crust, this moreish bread was served warm.

We shared a starter of beetroot, pear, walnuts, and gently baked goat’s cheese – delicious! (16€). From the seven main course dishes, we had fillet of corvina (croaker) with a quinoa and mushroom risotto (29€), and tender, slow-cooked Iberian pork cheeks with a delightfully smooth sweet potato purée, tomatoes, and courgettes (25€). All four desserts were 7€ each and we chose a silky mango panna cotta and an apple cake.

The wine card has a good choice of Mallorcan wines – including several from the Felanitx area. A separate page offers a good choice for those who prefer natural wines. And for those who are driving, there’s the rarity of an alcohol-free rosado on the list (we’ll try it next time).

Our dinner ended with a complimentary chupito (shot) of a drink made by Felix’s wife Vivien from apples and cinnamon. It arrived in a small bottle with two small glasses. If it were for sale, I’d have bought a bottle.

Special mention should be made of the service. When we dined there, two young servers – amusingly with the rhyming names Veronica and Monica – displayed their impressive people and service skills, ensuring that we’ll return to dine again in Felanitx at Estragon La Plaça.

Good to Know

Estragon La Plaça is open for dinner only from 18:00h-23:00h (but closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays). It’s a useful place to know about because many restaurants in the area close on Mondays.

The restaurant is located next to the Parc Municipal de Sa Torre.

The restaurant’s website has not yet been updated to reflect the new ownership but you can follow their Instagram page here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/rGuxP4aaE62f66TG7

Jan Edwards ©2024