ARUX

ARUX sits on Carrer Ecònom Torres in Port de Pollença, a few steps from the Plaça Miquel Capllonch, and carries a second name that tells you more than the first: Alma Mediterránea, Mediterranean soul. That is less a label than a way of working — a small restaurant-bar where the tapas are made in the house's own kitchen and the owner is out in the room himself. The lane ARUX stands on is one of the busiest in the port town; one place follows the next. The house still stands out, because it is two things at once. It is a Spanish tapas kitchen with a classical hand, and it is a café where you come in for a coffee and end up staying to eat. Both run in the same room, and both are taken equally seriously. The ARUX tapas list Chipirones are the dish this house can be measured by: small squid in a thin batter, served with allioli, crisp without turning greasy. Alongside them sit homemade croquettes with chicken or ham, patatas bravas, albóndigas, pinchos de tortilla and calamares — the Spanish basics, done properly rather than reinvented. The plate you should not overlook is the aubergine with honey: sweet and salty in one bite, an Andalusian idea that works surprisingly well in the north of Mallorca. The hummus is made in house too. If you want something less classical, there are nachos, tacos and burgers on the same list — ARUX does not insist on being exclusively Spanish. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free are not an add-on here; dishes for all three belong to the regular offer. Portions are generous, and if in doubt someone will tell you so before you over-order. In a larger group you do better with raciones to share than with a long row of small tapas. A family business with the host in the room ARUX is personally run, and you notice it within the first few minutes. The owner serves as well, takes the order, explains what is good right now and stays standing for a moment while he does. That is the difference between a place that processes you and one that receives you. The dining room is bright and carefully furnished, more homely than styled, and it is kept clean. There are seats outside on the lane; inside it is quieter. Families with children are expressly welcome, groups as well, and part of the clientele returns year after year — there are families for whom ARUX is the first address as soon as they arrive in the town. The entrance is step-free. If you want to be sure of a table, book ahead; at the weekend that is no bad idea. Coffee, cake and homemade desserts The coffee has a reputation of its own in the port town, and the house takes that side seriously: breakfast, cake in the afternoon, a stop between the beach and dinner. ARUX works even when you do not want tapas at all. The desserts are made in house as well — tiramisu, cheesecake, brownies, a banoffee. Then there is the bar, with wine, beer, mojitos and sangría. Takeaway is packed too, and paying by card is no problem. Around the Plaça Miquel Capllonch The Plaça Miquel Capllonch is where the life of Port de Pollença gathers, and Carrer Ecònom Torres leads straight off it. ARUX is close enough that you are there in a few steps, and far enough to one side that the bustle of the square does not sit down at your table. The harbour and the promenade are within walking distance too. One note that saves detours: Port de Pollença and Pollença are two different places sharing a name. The old town with the Calvari steps lies a good six kilometres inland; the port town sits on the Bay of Pollença. ARUX belongs to the port town. If you type the address into a satnav and end up in the old town, you have the wrong one of the two.