From Runway to Stove: How Janina Built Her Boutique Restaurant in Puerto Portals

Small Place, Big Ambition

At the marina of Puerto Portals, right along the quayside, over the last two years a new destination for long evenings and loud laughter has settled in: the restaurant 'Janina'. It feels like a privately curated salon — elegant, but not stuffy. I visited on a Tuesday evening around 8:30 p.m., as the boat lights twinkled and the staff calmly took their places.

From Fashion Retail to Fusion Cuisine

The founder, Janina, brings an unusual biography: years in the fashion industry, positions at well-known houses, then the decision to venture something of her own. In Mallorca she found not only a retreat but also a new field of work. Her place is a bit like her fourth child, she says — and you can tell: every detail has been considered, from the lighting to the napkin.

The Menu is not a pure Mediterranean menu: chef Ryu combines Japanese precision with South American flavors and classic Mallorcan products. Many dishes arrive small and ready: to share, with clearly named ingredients — no guessing games, only good, fresh quality.

Days Between Family and Service

The daily routine behind the scenes sounds almost like clockwork. Janina gets up early — by six she is already baking bread for the children, an hour later it's time for sport. By midday she is in the restaurant, speaks with the team of eleven people and tastes every dish before it makes it onto the guest list. At 4 p.m. it's family time, then homework, the oldest daughter's riding training, and trying to bring in a bit of calm.

The family splits time between Mallorca and Dresden — her husband, Florian, commutes as a project developer; the children are 8, 10, and 13 and go to school here. Small island reality: school, sports club, and then back to the harbor's boat lights.

A Bit of Glamour, a Bit of Groundedness

In the room one striking object catches the eye: a large amethyst in butterfly form, which feels like a good-luck charm. Next to it a milky white alabaster bar, retro photographs on the walls, and yes — even the Powder Room has a small Swarovski touch. The staff uniforms are tailor-made, with delicate lace accents. All of this can feel a bit over the top, but it works here in surprisingly relaxed ways.

People who come here bring different expectations: regulars from the harbor, tourists looking for a more stylish evening, and also local neighbors. The start wasn't easy: the place had to compete with venues already long established here. But now multiple nations are often seated at the tables — and sometimes politicians as well, most recently at a private party.

Personal Handwriting

Janina emphasizes not always being in the foreground. Her handwriting is more subtle: a special aperitif named 'Janina Spritz' with a sparkling rim, small stories about the origin of the products, regular training for the team. She wants the place to feel — the place, not the person.

What remains is this feeling: a place that blends fashion sense with honest cuisine. It is not a temple of haute cuisine, and it doesn't have to be. It is a place where you can eat well, talk, and enjoy the view of the yachts — and who knows, maybe even start a fashion conversation, right next to the bread basket.

So, if you ever stroll through Puerto Portals on a mild evening and curiosity wins: go inside. The door is open, and it often smells of freshly baked bread and fried fish.