Gusto Cala Ratjada

Set right on the seafront promenade of Cala Ratjada, Gusto pairs Italian cooking with a sea view that sets the mood before the first course even arrives. The menu is built around the core repertoire of an Italian trattoria: pizzas leave the oven with a thin, crisp base that reviewers repeatedly single out as particularly well made, while the pasta selection ranges from classic preparations to truffled ravioli mentioned as a house specialty. For those who enjoy a bit of theatre, pasta can also be ordered tossed inside a hollowed wheel of parmesan, flambéed briefly with vodka at the table — a classic bit of Italian showmanship that guests describe seeing prepared right in front of them before the noodles reach the plate. Beyond pizza and pasta, the seafood dishes have earned their own following: prawns in garlic and olive oil, linguine with a sauce generously loaded with shellfish, and grilled octopus are called out repeatedly as highlights by different guests. Starters often begin with warm pizza bread served with aioli, while desserts close the meal with tiramisu and a notably creamy panna cotta, both praised independently across several reviews. The atmosphere feels relaxed yet welcoming for families and larger groups alike — parties of six are seated without reservations, and children are clearly catered for. Service is consistently described as friendly, attentive and warm, with several guests naming individual waiters who looked after them across multiple visits during their stay; one group of travellers even mentions returning six times during an eight-day holiday, a level of repeat business that speaks for itself. The waterfront position means a meal here comes with a view of the bay that many guests cite as a reason to visit in its own right, quite apart from what's on the plate. The restaurant also draws an international crowd, with visitors from France, Poland, the United States and Germany independently praising the combination of the view, the cooking and the warmth of the staff. Some holidaymakers return several times within a single week, a pattern that speaks to a kitchen guests trust, even if — as with any busy promenade restaurant — the occasional review mentions a wait for drinks or orders on a particularly full evening. For groups, families and couples looking to combine Italian staples with a sea view, Gusto has built a steady following in Cala Ratjada over the seasons. Free parking is available nearby, card payments including contactless are accepted, restrooms are on site, and takeaway is offered for those in a hurry, though dining in with the bay in view remains the more obvious choice.