Christmas dinner at URBÀ: an insider tip from Palma

URBÀ is located in the boutique Hotel El Llorenç Parc de la Mar, right on the edge of Palma’s old town. For me it’s the ideal place for an uncomplicated festive meal: not too large, with personal service and the kind of menu you expect at Christmas—some familiar flavors, but with a modern twist. The holiday menu features small snacks such as a Korean‑inspired beef tartare and autumn pumpkin rolls with a cheesy touch, followed by hearty starters: grilled artichokes with a fried egg and black truffle, and scampi in a lightly Asian‑style bisque. As a fish course there is sole with beurre‑blanc and Riofrío caviar; it’s not heavy, but finely prepared and perfect for those who like fish without overeating. The meat course surprises with a Mallorcan suckling pig with a sweet‑sour pomegranate‑hoisin sauce—distinctive, a bit cheeky and very festive. For dessert there is a spoonable panettone, accompanied by petit fours like ensaimada with chocolate, a mandarin tartlet and almond mochi. The menu is priced at €105 per person (drinks not included). What I personally appreciate: the pace of service is considered, not rushed; you can chat without the next course already pressuring you. Be sure to reserve in time (especially window tables facing the plaza); the restaurant accepts guests on Christmas Eve in the evening and on the first Christmas day at lunchtime. For hotel guests it’s even more relaxed: you can go straight to your room after dessert and let the night in Palma come to an end.

URBÀ sits in the boutique Hotel El Llorenç Parc de la Mar, right at the edge of the old town. For me it’s the ideal place for a relaxed festive meal: not too big, with personal service and the kind of menu you expect at Christmas—some familiar flavors reworked with a modern touch. The holiday menu includes small snacks like a Korean‑inspired beef tartare and autumn pumpkin rolls with a cheesy note, followed by robust starters: grilled artichokes with a fried egg and black truffle, and scampi in a subtly Asian bisque. The fish course is sole with beurre‑blanc and Riofrío caviar; it’s light and finely executed, perfect for fish lovers who don’t want to overindulge. The meat course offers a Mallorcan suckling pig with a sweet‑sour pomegranate‑hoisin sauce—distinctive and very seasonal. For dessert there is a spoonable panettone accompanied by petit fours such as ensaimada with chocolate, mandarin tartlets and almond mochi. The menu costs €105 per person (drinks excluded).

If you want the full experience, take the hotel’s Christmas package: one overnight stay for two people (choice of the night of December 24 or 25) plus the festive menu. The package price is around €590 for two (without drinks). For me this is the most relaxed option: no stress after the restaurant, no taxi rush, just a calm morning with a view over the bay. Check cancellation conditions and booking deadlines, as these are often strict in the season.

The hotel is located at Plaça de Llorenç Villalonga, just a few minutes’ walk from the cathedral and the Passeig promenade. Parking in the old town is limited; I recommend public parking garages or a taxi if you arrive with luggage. The hotel’s reception staff speak several languages and are welcoming to international guests—a nice plus if family come from abroad. Opening times for the festive menu are usually Christmas Eve in the evening and December 25 at midday; check the exact times with the hotel before booking. Another tip: ask for specific table preferences (window, quieter corner) when you reserve—this makes the evening even more pleasant.