It’s a beautifully clear evening as we take a stroll down the Paseo Maritimo beneath the palm trees and bright stars. It’s such a spectacular location for a restaurant, with views over to the traditional Mallorcan LLaüts moored up alongside their somewhat larger and shinier superyacht sisters. The feeling in the air is one of joy that an evening in February can feel so like summer and the mood is perfectly set for the delicious meal that is to come.

As we enter the restaurant, which turns one on the 24^th February, we are greeted with beaming smiles from the three friends and owners, Sukheet, Jaspal and Surinder. We are quickly shown to our table and it is clear from the outset that they are passionate about what they do, each bringing a different skill set and part of their personality to the restaurant.

They originally started out in a restaurant in Soller, however it was clear to see that the seasonal effect on the area made it impossible to remain open all your round. Instead they looked to the city and a choice of two different locations, one in Molinar and the one in which we are now sat, on Paseo Maritimo. It was an easy choice to make when you consider the location and the sheer number of potential customers from locals, to expats to tourists. In fact, when we are there, there is a big party of English speaking yachties enjoying the exclusive use of the upstairs dining room and they certainly seemed to be having a good time if the laughter and chatter was anything to go by.

What I like about Agra are the clean lines and untypical décor. It is much more modern in its styling that traditional Indian restaurants and this was done on purpose. The three want to bring a more contemporary feel into the restaurant, bringing Indian cooking to a higher class. It’s safe to say by the diners who were enjoying their meals alongside us that it is achieving its aim.

It’s not always easy though, and the first three months were tough, but all of their hard work paid off in the end as they achieved the coveted number 1 spot on TripAdvisor, within only six months of being open. And they are massively protective of that position, saying it’s not always the 5-star reviews (which are obviously much appreciated) that help them the most, but those lower marked reviews, from which they can learn and make improvements when necessary. For them it is all about customer satisfaction.

Once settled and enjoying our window seat, Anouska my ever-faithful photographer and best friend, and I turn to the important business of the evening, eating. I had already had several people who have visited recommend the Chicken Shaslik as a main, so we requested that one dish. Everything else we left up to our hosts discretion, whilst pointing out that we do like our food spicy, British spicy that is. As ever we had to reassure them that we weren’t completely out of our minds and so a spicy Madras sauce was added to the order.

We started out with Pakoras. Two different types, firstly the beautifully golden chicken fritter that was perfectly fried, creating a deliciously crunchy and satisfying opening dish. Next up were the vegetable pakoras, darker in colour than their brighter sisters but equally mouth-watering. All served alongside the wonderful traditional dipping sauces of tamarind, mango, mint and spicy onion. Delicious!

But now it was time for the main event which we could hear sizzling as it approached our table. The smells and sounds were wonderful and had us hungry with anticipation. We were not disappointed.  The chicken was succulent and wonderfully spiced, the onions and peppers really popping from the plate. Coupled with the madras, it was totally on point with spiciness. We greedily dug in, mopping up the juices with one of the best plain naans I have had on the island. The portion sizes were incredibly generous as well, so much so that I am finishing the rest of last night’s feast as I type. And it is just as satisfying the following day.

We thoroughly enjoyed our experience. We were looked after, entertained and invited to some delicious food. I think the modern feel will really lend itself to the yachting community looking to find that traditional Indian heart, but in a more contemporary surrounding.

 By Victoria Pearce

Photos Credit: Anouska Foss

Agra Tandoori Indian

Avenida Gabriel Roca N°23

Palma de Mallorca

07014

Available for dining, take-out and delivery.

Open seven days a week 12-23:00