Chef Abraham Artigas’s new venture, “Little Jarana”, is shaking up Mallorca’s dining scene. With an unapologetically creative menu and a no-substitutions approach, this Palma bistro offers a dining experience that’s as much about savoring unexpected flavors as it is about embracing the chef’s uncompromising vision. Drawing in locals and visitors alike, “Little Jarana” has quickly become a must-visit for those seeking a truly original taste of Mallorca.
What’s “Little Jarana” All About?
“Little Jarana”, which translates to something like “a little party,” is more than a restaurant — it’s chef Abraham Artigas’s playground for innovation. It’s a space where Artigas creates without restrictions, bringing together unexpected flavors and ideas to offer diners a truly unique experience. A quick heads-up: while the team is very friendly, food is sacred here, and the chef doesn’t cater to specific dietary needs, such as allergies or vegetarian requests. You can only order what’s on the menu.
From Sound Engineer Dreams to Culinary Visionary
Abraham’s journey to becoming a chef wasn’t planned. Originally from Zaragoza and raised in Mallorca, he grew up surrounded by food thanks to his mother and grandmother but was set on becoming a sound engineer. In a last-minute detour, he took a restaurant job to make some extra money before moving to Barcelona. That experience lit a spark he couldn’t ignore, and he decided to stay in Mallorca to train as a chef instead.
His culinary journey took him across the globe — from Ibiza to London, Brazil, and Italy, which he now considers a second home. In 2016, he returned to Mallorca and took the reins at Ponderosa Beach, a beachside venue he transformed into a destination restaurant. The next chapter led him to mainland Spain, where he became head chef at the luxurious Alàbriga Hotel & Home Suites on the Costa Brava. But when Covid paused the world, Artigas found himself reassessing what truly mattered in his cooking.
The Birth of “Little Jarana“
In 2022, he launched “Little Jarana”, his own dining concept, in the bohemian village of Deià as a pop up restaurant for three months.
Abraham Artigas explains: “After this, took a while until re engaged (for a few different reasons, the born of my son Miles was the most important) again with it. And our current location it’s in Palma in Carrer Menorca, 16”.
Here, Artigas combines a relaxed bistro vibe with vibrant small plates, fine wines, and a touch of the unexpected. This isn’t a restaurant for those who want everything tailored to their needs — it’s a space where the menu speaks for itself. You won’t find substitutions here, and Artigas makes it clear that each dish is crafted intentionally.
A Feast of Collaborations
Artigas keeps “Little Jarana” fresh and exciting with seasonal collaborations that add even more personality to the menu. This past summer, he teamed up with Toni Cabanellas of The Wine Side, spotlighting wild fish and organic wines for a celebration of local flavor. In autumn, Artigas joined forces with wine connoisseur Josep Avellà of Solodevino, who introduced a unique sake selection to the restaurant’s offerings.
The Ever-Evolving Menu
The menu at “Little Jarana” is a work in progress, constantly evolving based on inspiration and availability. Artigas’s creations reflect a mix of his culinary experiences, from rustic Italian influences to refined techniques learned in luxury kitchens. The restaurant’s Instagram feed gives diners a peek at what’s currently in season, but part of the excitement is simply showing up and being surprised.
Dining at “Little Jarana“
With seating by reservation only, “Little Jarana” is open Wednesday to Saturday, from 7:00 p.m. to midnight.
A Local Favorite in Palma
Thanks to its bold approach, “Little Jarana” has quickly become a favorite among locals. With a mix of inventive flavors, carefully chosen wines, and Artigas’s relaxed style, it’s a place where food takes center stage, inviting you to enjoy the moment, one dish at a time.
Text by Stefan Rairyan
