Plaça del Banc de l`Oli has always been one of my favorite places. However, if you don’t know your way around in the maze of narrow streets in Palma’s casco antiguo, you might miss it. Just a stone’s throw away from busy Plaça Major, Banc de l’Oli has an almost sleepy atmosphere. Its heart is a tiny orange tree orchard, and I always wonder who’s harvesting there… The plaça only comes to life during lunch hours, when a few small restaurants set up tables outdoors, according to the season. One of them is Gustar where I had met Maria Trepat for our interview last fall.

Susanne Wernli was visiting Mallorca in 2013, and she instantly fell in love with the island. So, instead of returning home to Switzerland she decided to stay, and together with her cousin she opened a small take-away. Eventually, they turned the kiosk into the lovely restaurant it is today. And while her cousin decided to leave again about a year ago, Susanne now runs the business by herself. Maria is one of many regulars at Gustar’s – her boyfriend is the chef.

Next to the dinner menu Gustar offers daily changing lunches – authentic Mediterranean cuisine with an occasional Swiss dash, made mostly from local seasonal produce. By the way, it’s one of the few places in Palma that serves organic meat. You can mix and match your own lunch menu, and there’s always a vegetarian option like a crispy salad, falafel, or pasta con pesto. When it comes to fish, I really fancy merluz (hake) – the last one I had at Gustar’s was a perfect catch of the day that came with a tasty sauce. Make sure you save some space for dessert, Susanne’s cakes are much sought after. 

Plaça del Banc de l’Oli, 11
07002 Palma de Mallorca
T 871 710 880
www.gustar-palma.es
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