House of small wonders: Arume

As much as I appreciate Mediterranean cuisine, Asian food is a great alternative, particularly on a hot summer’s day. Even more exciting is the culinary crossover – when east meets west. One of my favorite places in Palma that most wonderfully combines the two is Arume. Modern Japanese at first sight, you’ll soon find out that there is more to it. Tomeu Marti opened his restaurant almost 10 years ago and has constantly refined his creative fusion cooking since.

The menu is a read of tasty Asian starters, main courses, sushi and sashimi. Often in Tomeu’s fancy Mediterranean interpretation, like nigiri of duck and mango, or sea bass, shiitake and brie. However, if you are in for a real trip to Asia go for Arume’s seven- or ten-course-meal. You’ll be rewarded with a series of culinary wonders, little feasts for all your senses. Japanese kitchen is low on carb, so you never feel stuffed. Our dinner finished with a something of peach and white chocolate – and for the first time in ages we quit the mandatory café solo because we didn’t want to spoil the aftertaste of the aromas.

The quality of Arume’s dishes is outstanding. Fresh fish and the finest vegetables, herbs and spices – much of it grows on the island and doesn’t have long ways to go. You can watch Tomeu preparing the dishes at the open counter. Arume also runs a Sushi Bar in Mercat de Santa Catalina, by the way. Just the perfect place to top your Saturday morning grocery shopping off with a few rolls or a couple of dim sum.