LÕA Palma Restaurant Review: A Ritual of Taste and Emotion in Santa Catalina

In Palma’s lively Santa Catalina district, LÕA Palma transcends the traditional restaurant model- it’s a sensory ritual. Conceived by Chef Jhon Chavarriaga, LÕA blends Mediterranean refinement with global influences, creating a dining experience that feels both grounded and transcendent.

Here, food, music, and atmosphere intertwine. Every plate arrives as an offering, echoing the restaurant’s namesake- he loas, spirits that mediate between the human and the divine.

The Beginning: Scallops & Steak Tartare

Our evening opened with two signature starters that perfectly encapsulate LÕA’s philosophy: Seared Scallops with Charred Avocado, Salmon Pearls, and Beurre Blanc, and the LÕA Steak Tartare.

The seared scallops (€23) arrived glistening under the soft light- caramelized to a delicate golden hue, resting beside charred avocado and bright salmon pearls. The beurre blanc added a touch of decadence, balancing richness with acidity. Every element on the plate was intentional, a study in restraint and precision.

The LÕA Steak Tartare (€19.50) followed, reimagined with a twist: hand-chopped tenderloin layered atop a crisp potato terrine, finished with a gentle dollop of crème fraîche. This wasn’t the heavy, old-school tartare of Parisian bistros; it was lighter, more architectural — the potato base offering both structure and surprise.

The Mains: Sea, Land, and a Sense of Place

Though not pictured that evening, the grilled seabass was a clear standout. Cooked over open flame, it echoed LÕA’s devotion to elemental technique- the kind of precision that turns simplicity into sophistication.

Sides deserve their own mention: the Broccolini with Soy and Lemon (€8.50) offered brightness and crunch, while the Balearic Potatoes with Mahón Cheese and Sobrasada (€7.50) were pure indulgence- a nostalgic nod to Mallorca’s culinary heritage elevated with finesse.

The Wine List: 80 Bottles of Discovery

LÕA’s wine list is a world in itself. With over 80 labels spanning Spain and France, the selection reflects a deep understanding of terroir and craftsmanship. From structured Priorats to delicate Burgundies, every bottle has a story. As a Sommelier, I appreciated the variety amongst those countries but would've loved to see additional countries added.

During our visit, recommendations felt curated rather than rehearsed- a hallmark of true hospitality. Whether you lean toward an elegant Albariño (which we did), a complex Bordeaux, or a mineral-driven Chablis, LÕA’s cellar invites you to explore rather than impress.

The Details: Service and Signature Sips

Equally memorable was the espresso martini- silken, aromatic, and flawlessly balanced between roast bitterness and sweetness. It arrived as the evening’s perfect conclusion, bridging the kitchen’s precision and the bar’s creativity.

Service was intuitive and attentive without ever feeling intrusive. Each interaction- from menu explanation to wine pairing- was delivered with genuine warmth and poise. The team anticipated needs before they were spoken, setting the rhythm for a seamless, elegant evening.

The Essence of LÕA

What sets LÕA apart is cohesion. From its design language- soft lighting, tactile materials, and a rhythm of curated music by the subtle DJ- to its culinary execution, every aspect reinforces the other. It’s an immersive dialogue between culture and creativity, local produce and global sensibility.

In a city crowded with fine dining options, LÕA distinguishes itself by offering something rarer: meaning. Each dish tells a story, every pour feels purposeful, and no detail is accidental.

Final Thoughts

For those exploring Palma’s evolving gastronomic landscape, LÕA isn’t just a recommendation- it’s a destination. Whether it’s the sweet perfection of the scallops, the inventive elegance of the steak tartare, or a glass from its stellar wine collection, every visit feels personal and intentional.

LÕA Palma redefines fine dining as an act of connection- between diner, chef, and the spirit of place.