Introducing Botanic restaurant in the Heart of Palma's Old Quarter

The true spirit of Can Bordoy Grand House & Garden is captured through many elements: from the large, mature garden, or the lovingly-collected art and antiques that adorn its spaces, to the building itself, which has been carefully restored to preserve its layers of history, dating from 16th century. Most important to the team is to create the tranquil and welcoming atmosphere of a private home.

Now, inspired by its setting, Botànic restaurant at Can Bordoy Grand House & Garden offers guests and locals an impressive new dining experience. The menu pays a contemporary homage to Mallorcan culinary culture alongside a commitment to using healthy, fresh local produce. “We are what we eat, and it is very important to be aware of our food’s natural values”, comments Andrés Benitez, Botànic chef.

The dining philosophy of Botànic is marked by a departure from the often inaccessible and exclusive nature associated with formal fine-dining. Instead, a strong belief in a relaxed and comfortable setting, alongside the quality of the food is the focal point.

Helmed by chef Andrés Benitez, formerly of Michelin-starred restaurant Bou, Botànic offers an all-day a la carte breakfast, bistro style lunches and evening fine dining. The 86-seat restaurant features seating within Can Bordoy’s comfortable library, living rooms, and dining room, which has doors than open to an all-year round, heated seating area within the House’s secret garden. Hotel guests can also dine within the House’s 24 luxury suites.

The menu will evolve seasonally. Current highlights include Benitez’s signature dish of coal roasted avocado, red curry, bimi and sauté beluga lentil; as well as a tapas of cured Iberian pork shoulder blade sheets with mussels and fennel; and pickled vegetables with marinated blue fish and red vermouth.

Beside the restaurant is an intimate bar, which features passionate bartenders creating signature cocktails using local spirits and herbs. A must-try is the signature cocktail “Sour Eva”, a sparkling, Mallorcan gin-based cocktail with fresh citrus flavours and Mediterranean syrup. It is the perfect location for an aperitif or post-dinner nightcap. A wide selection of carefully selected natural Mallorcan wine is also on offer.

The beautiful private garden serves as further a source of inspiration to the Botànic menu, as well as the guest dining experience. It is home to over 70 plant species, with a diverse array of Wild-Olive, Jacaranda and fruit trees flourishing within a centuries-old hidden sanctuary. It also houses a significant Lledoner (European Hackberry) tree, which is recognised as a sign of welcome in Mallorcan houses. Vegetation also informs much of the interior space of the restaurant and hotel, with plants and greenery climb across the walls and roofs of the property.

Giovanni Merello, Director of Can Bordoy Grand House & Garden comments, “When a guest chooses to stay or dine in a place like ours, they are looking to feel at home and forget about what time it is. Here, we don’t have the typical dining choices. We offer the possibility of having any meal - including breakfast - throughout the day and in the place they feel most comfortable, in Botànic restaurant, our marvellous garden, or in their room”.

FACT SHEET

All-Day Breakfast

In-line with Botànic’s philosophy, the breakfast at Can Bordoy aspires to nourish with healthy and local produce, served throughout the day. The menu ranges from healthy bowls brimming with fruits and nuts, to hearty free-range eggs accompanied by an array of fresh ingredients.

In addition to this unique offering, Botànic’s breakfast menu includes; coffee and tea, toasted sourdough bread, seasonal fruit juices and traditional pastries made in the nearby Forn de La Gloria bakery.

The all-day à la carte breakfast is €18 per person.

Restaurant

With an aim of providing Mallorca with something unique, Benitez has created a gastronomic menu, designed for a relaxed and informal dining experience and in keeping with the values of the House.

Available throughout the day, the dishes use the best of Mallorca’s local ingredients, including fresh fish, meats, cheeses and vegetables. The menu includes small dishes, platters and tapas designed for sharing, larger dishes – ‘combos’ - for a more fulfilling meal, and a selection of daily specials.

"The ‘combos’ are one of the highlights of the menu. They are delicious dishes designed to provide necessary nutrients while at the same time offering the diner a sensation of satisfaction and plenitude," comments Andrés Benitez.

Guests can chose from delicious sandwiches, fresh salads, hearty soups and Benitez’s speciality dish, “coal roasted avocado, red curry, bimi and sauté beluga lentils”.

Prices for small dishes start from €6 and the combos start at €14.

Fine Dining

In addition to the all-day breakfast and Bistro dining menus, Botànic offers evening guests a monthly seasonal tasting menu. Carefully created by Andrés Benitez and his team, the fine dining option provides guests with a taste of Botànic’s best dishes.

Highlights from the menu include “Rockfish with tear-shaped peas and menère”, and “Artichokes with preserved lemon, almond and cockles” and for dessert “iced chocolate with coffee and Suau brandy cream”.

Prices for the fine dining menu start at €50 per person, with wine pairing from €30 per head.

The Bar

The bar area allows guests to enjoy a range of expertly mixed cocktails, local and craft spirits, beers and a carefully curated wine list. Freshly squeezed juices and smoothies are also served at the bar as well as a selection of locally sourced soft drinks.

In keeping with Botànic’s ethos, Can Bordoy Grand House & Garden’s sommelier has selected an extensive collection of natural wines from Mallorca and the rest of the world. Available at the bar and in the restaurant, the choice of wines can be perfectly paired with Benitez’s menu or enjoyed on their own in the garden, bar or living room.

The cocktail list includes a wide range of classic alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails and unique mixes created by the team. A must-try is the signature cocktail “Sour Eva”, a sparkling, Mallorcan gin-based cocktail with fresh citrus flavours and Mediterranean syrup.

The Design

Paloma Hernaiz and Jaime Oliver of OHLAB were tasked with renovating the hotel and restaurant’s interiors, opting to preserve the historic character of the building whilst infixing an elegant, contemporary element to the space through a thoughtful selection of bespoke furniture.

In line with the rest of the property, the interiors of Botànic draw inspiration from several avenues of art, architecture, design, with the vibrant garden - the largest of its kind in the city - undoubtedly the heart of the hotel. Upon entering, guests of Botànic will find themselves immersed in a beautiful organic surrounding, with greenery meandering along the walls and the ceiling: evocative of the calming natural sanctuary merely steps away from the restaurant.

Botànic restaurant and bar is open to overnight guests, tourists and local residents, Monday – Sunday from 8am – 11pm.