Restaurant review: R3spira Sep 2019

[JH02JLH]

Eating at R3spira (does the number 3 relate to the address or something else? I have no idea) was a completely new experience for us and I don't know how long the place has been open in Pollenca. It was very convenient for us as it was a short walk from where we were staying - Carrer del Roser Vell - and near to a beautiful church.

It's a very modern restaurant and it has a giant ipad-like menu board outside, which was great when it worked! Technology! We booked a table earlier in the evening and had a choice of inside (all white, very stylish) or outside on the row of tables adjacent to the pavement. We chose outside.

Sophie and I shared a bottle of Jose Ferrer's sparkling white, Veritas, which was delicious. The men stuck to beers and we were given the usual bread, olives and aioli to munch on.

Our starters included mussels in a white wine sauce (Soph and I), bruschetta for hubby and a truly magnificent dish for Mike of octopus, which was a staggering 18,90 euros! Mike hesitated in ordering it because of the price but hubby was in an affable mood and we were on holiday, so he told him to go for it.

Our mussels and the bruschetta were lovely but it was Mike's starter that completely stole the show - you can see a video on their Facebook page to get an idea, but the waiter brought the domed plate out with great ceremony and did a swirling motion when he removed it, which resulted in whirls of smoke being released! It was pure theatre and very impressive!

For our main courses, Sophie chose cod in an aioli crust from the specials board, Mike found room for chicken stuffed with ham and cheese, Hubby chose lamb chops and I picked the pork in a mushroom sauce. The food was delicious, very plentiful and the service was friendly and efficient. All the meals were accompanied by lots of vegetables, which was lovely. Sophie said her dish was one of the best she has ever eaten, so praise indeed!

We found yet more room for desserts - Sophie and I shared a delicious apple tarte tatin while Mike had a chocolate brownie.

We were very impressed and would definitely recommend as a new place to go, away from the square. I hope they do well.

The bill came to a reasonable 156 euros, not including a tip.

[debz1]

Spira opened approximately 7 years ago if not longer. Very popular with locals and ideal winter restaurant as it's open all year round. Lovely when they have the wound burner roaring away 😊