Vandal Palma is a small, stylish restaurant in Palma that delivers a creative fusion of flavors, imaginative presentations, and plenty of personality. The interior has a cool industrial charm, with a large counter at the entrance and an open kitchen behind it. You can watch the cocktails being prepared and the chefs finishing the creative plates while the staff moves constantly through the kitchen in their distinctive black outfits. The atmosphere is lively, with music that is definitely not quiet and a mixed, casually chic crowd.
The menu is divided into several categories, ranging from traditional tapas-sized portions to more elaborate plates and, finally, larger fish and meat dishes. The prices are definitely on the upscale side, and adding cocktails can make the bill climb quickly, but you are getting dishes that are unique, beautifully presented, and full of character. Almost every plate seemed to have its own personality and slogan, adding to the playful feel of the restaurant.
We started with the Red Tuna Belly covered with Iberian ham fat, served over a crispy hummus cylinder, followed by the Spicy Tuna Flambé with dragon sauce over sushi crispy rice. We also tried the Foie Gras with acid strawberry and chamomile reduction and the Mexican Marinated Fish Taco, served on an original handmade tortilla made from nixtamalized corn from Xólotl. The Beer Potatoes, bravas y arrugadas, were another fun interpretation of a familiar dish.
For the larger plates, we had the Mellow Beef Cannelloni with Parmesan sauce and pistachio pesto, Charcoal Black Angus with bone marrow and chimichurri hollandaise sauce, and Slow-Cooked Lamb with labneh, Moroccan spices, mint oil, cocoa sauce, and Pedro Ximénez (that was a dish that I really did not care for).
To finish, dessert was one of the highlights of the evening. We had the Toffee Parfait with gingerbread and Baileys ice cream and the White Chocolate Torrija with violet flower ice cream. Both were creative and memorable.
The food was, overall, an explosion of flavors. The dishes were whimsical, intriguing, and clearly designed to surprise. Some worked better for my taste than others, but that is part of the experience at a restaurant like Vandal. The tapas and desserts were the standouts of our meal, although individual preferences will certainly vary.
The service, unfortunately, was more inconsistent. Everyone was very friendly, but our server would occasionally disappear and we sometimes couldn’t locate her. On a few occasions, either the kitchen or the server forgot an order, requiring us to remind them and have it prepared afterward. It wasn’t enough to ruin the evening, but better communication and more attentive service would have elevated the experience considerably.
Despite the service issues, I really enjoyed Vandal Palma. It is the kind of restaurant where you come for the creativity and leave talking about the dishes. The combination of fusion cuisine, unusual ingredients, artistic presentation, and a lively atmosphere makes it a memorable dining experience. Would I return? Absolutely. I would recommend Vandal Palma, particularly for diners who enjoy adventurous fusion cuisine, creative tapas, and dishes that are a little different from the ordinary.
Overall rating: 8.3/10
