Scratch - Tapas gourmet

Scratch Tapas Gourmet is an intimate tapas restaurant on Avinguda de Joan Miró 275 in Cala Major, just metres from the beach and the Hotel Nixe Palace – around four kilometres west of central Palma. The couple behind it, Edward Atkinson and Grace, opened their "La Flia Project" here on Valentine's Day 2024. What makes Scratch Tapas special Edward Atkinson cooked on superyachts for years before he and Grace gutted an old venue and rebuilt it "from scratch" – which is exactly where the name comes from. His ambition: to bring the dishes he once prepared for wealthy guests on board to the table at fair prices. Rather than relying on suppliers, he says he hand-picks the produce fresh from local markets every day, and the menu follows the season. In 2025 Scratch earned a Travellers' Choice Award from Tripadvisor, where it holds a 4.6 out of 5 rating. Kitchen & menu The menu is built for sharing and moves between Mediterranean tradition and creative touches. Guests repeatedly single out the prawns with sobrasada and bread, octopus, artichokes and the tuna tartare with soy, honey, ginger and wasabi pearls. Classics such as hummus, burrata salad and bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with blue cheese sit alongside larger plates like crispy duck with goat cheese mousse or pork-and-beef meatballs in a tomato-basil sauce. The kitchen is run by just Edward and his French sous-chef Anaïs from Normandy. To finish, go for her Café Gourmet dessert selection – including her apple, cinnamon and nutmeg crumble. On Sundays, service starts at lunchtime with a traditional Sunday Roast. Croquettes, entrecôte and a goat's cheese salad are also among the most praised dishes, and brownie and cheesecake round out the desserts alongside the crumble. Gluten-free options are marked on the menu, and the team happily accommodates allergies and dietary requests. Atmosphere & location The space was designed by Barcelona designer and architect Pedro Scattarella, who previously created Ombu and Vandal in Santa Catalina – Scratch is his third Mallorca project. The result is small and intimate, with an inviting interior and a particularly well-appointed terrace that reviewers often describe as a botanical oasis. Service is warm and family-style – no surprise, since Edward and Grace married at Castell de Bellver shortly after opening and run Scratch quite literally as a family business. Who Scratch Tapas is for Scratch suits anyone after high-end product quality without stiff fine-dining formality. There's a three-course Menú del Día for €19.95 alongside à-la-carte tapas and larger plates – fair value for the care on the plate. The team also actively welcomes private celebrations, corporate dinners and special occasions. With only a handful of tables, it's worth booking ahead.