Kurobota Restaurant Review

I ordered a Hendricks gin and tonic (10€) served in the traditional Mallorcan chalices you will find all around the island, before realizing they had an impressive selection of gins on display. So, next time I visit, I will be trying some different variations for sure. You can also opt for one of their signature cocktails (between 6.50€ - 8€) for something a little more interesting. Fun names like ‘Kill Dill’, ‘Morning Glory Fizz’ and ‘The Ultimate Zen’ added to the charisma of this place. There is also both bottled and tap beer (between 2.50€ - 4.50€) from Korea, America and Belgium available, along with a selection of wines and even some Japanese whisky.

Once everybody had arrived, we were escorted to our table which was wooden booth style seating perfect for a group of four, although there are also normal tables and chairs throughout most of the restaurant. Having been handed the menus upon being seated, a friendly Scottish sounding girl came to the table and described to us how the menu would work for the evening. It sounded a bit complicated at first, but, in short, the menu consists of an assortment of small plates ideal for sharing. She said the menu we were holding was a guide for two people sharing each dish, but they would cater for whatever size the party was. So don’t worry too much when ordering food, the whole experience is all about trying lots of different dishes and they will make enough food so that everybody gets to try each dish. She recommended that for the four of us took six different dishes, although it’s just worth mentioning that when I state the prices for each dish below, this is based on two people sharing.

A little warning, there is no telling in which order you will receive your food but I promise you won’t be disappointed as these guys seem to know what they are doing and I can tell you in advance that each course complimented the next perfectly, which is down to the carefully designed menu.

We kicked off with the Kuroböta Dumplings with scorpion fish, edamame, and Katsyobushi (7€), and what a way to start! The dish was both delicious and unique, the flavours were mesmerising and presentation was first-class, complimented by the dough being dyed black. Following this, the Miso Glazed Iberico Pork with Shiro miso, Chinese pear and crispy rice coral went down a treat. This was juicy and the pear was a particular highlight, the sweet flavour really flattering the pork.

Being a big fan of buns, we couldn’t resist ordering both types of Bao Buns (you know, the sweet doughy ones), one dish with pork belly and the other with soft shell crab. Warning, these buns are definitely the type of food you need to pick up with your hands. The Pork Belly Buns served with pickles, hoisin and chilli were succulent and bursting with flavour but, for me, the Soft Shell Crab Buns were the must-try-dish of the evening. They were fresh, citrusy and light with their pineapple, kimchi and avocado.

I personally like a bit of zing in my life, so the Spicy Grilled Prawns just had to be on our order! These beasts, once decapitated were meaty and definitely tickled my taste buds, so I got that little kick I was looking for. A special mention goes to the crispy artichokes that accompanied the prawns, they were recommended by the waitress and were absolute heaven. Now the Smoked Pork Ribs, not usually a huge fan of ribs myself, I promise these will satisfy the most begrudging diner. I was more than impressed with what were the most tender, meaty and upmarket ribs I have ever tried, which were perfectly complimented by their Koh BBQ sauce, Asian slaw and coriander.

Opting for a few desserts to share, we decided to go for all three on the menu. For the chocolate lovers, the Chocolate Ice Cream Sundae with fried bananas, soy caramel and macadamia will definitely hit the spot. Whilst the Fuji Apple and Ginger Crumble, what it lacked in presentation (I mean it wouldn’t be right to be presented elegantly anyway) was made up for in taste, it was simply divine. Although being a peanut butter lover, the Peanut Butter and Miso Ice Cream was my favourite and the lightest of the bunch, which was needed after a solid meal.

This place’s food is innovative and full of interesting flavours and combinations, living up to the creative tendencies of Santa Catalina. I will surely be going back! A restaurant I would definitely recommend for a date night, but also for large groups of friends who don’t mind sharing. I have a feeling this will be one of the hot spots in Palma this summer...