Dinner at Schwaiger Xino’s in Palma – A tantalising fine dining experience

Discovering Schwaiger Xino’s: Palma’s Rooftop Culinary Gem

In December, we were invited by Gerhard Schwaiger, one of the most illustrious names on the international culinary scene, to review his renowned rooftop restaurant in Palma de Mallorca, Schwaiger Xino’s.

Awarded two Michelin Stars for his relentless creativity over a 19-year career, Gerhard now offers diners tantalising new versions of dishes with a completely fresh approach.

After leaving the lift that took us to the rooftop, the restaurant looked inviting with its intimate industrial and chic décor.

On entering, we were asked to show our COVID certificate and disinfect our hands—ensuring safety for all diners—before being led to our table.

The modern interior in shades of dark grey and warm wood, with ambient lighting, was very inviting. All tables had a little side table attached, on which to place our purse and phones—a lovely touch keeping the table settings clean and in tune with the industrial design and warm ambience.

Meet the Team: Cristina Pérez Paíno and Stefan Brunner

At our table, we were greeted by Cristina Pérez Paíno, ‘The Boss’. She came to the island at the behest of Chef Schwaiger to train alongside him over an eight-year period before travelling to Germany to hone her skills at the renowned two-Michelin-star Restaurant Tantris. There, she polished her expertise before returning to Mallorca, entering the hotel trade as a sommelier and maître d’.

After sailing the South Seas aboard a luxury yacht as Chief Steward, serving the most discerning customers 24 hours a day, she returned to her original starting point alongside Chef Schwaiger to launch Schwaiger Xino’s.

And it shows. Her professionalism, experience, and the attention to the smallest details from her sublime team made us feel very special. They took time to welcome us and explain the five-course dégustation menu we were about to enjoy, along with the wines paired with each dish, building exquisite anticipation.

The Five-Course Dégustation Menu: A Culinary Masterpiece

The five-course dégustation menu was nothing less than culinary food porn.

First Course: Marinated Tuna

Marinated tuna with chives, white onion, green olives, and trout caviar, paired with a magnificent I.G.P.3 Riberas – Las Fincas 2020 by Bodegas Chivite.

Second Course: Scallops

Delicious scallops with yellow tomato, parsley ravioli, and lemon sauce, paired with D.O. Somontano – Enate 234 2020 by Bodega Alto Aragón.

Third Course: Veal Sirloin and Cheek

Succulent veal sirloin and cheek with swede, mushrooms, and white pepper sauce, paired with D.O. Ca. Rioja – Marqués de Riscal Reserva 2016 by Bodegas Herederos Marqués de Riscal.

Cheese Course: La Peral

La Peral cheese marinated with cider and fig mustard, served with walnut bread, paired with D.O. Jerez-Xérèz-Sherry – Cream by Fernando de Castilla.

Dessert: Chocolate Mousse

Magnificently made chocolate mousse with tangerines and white chocolate cream, paired with D.O. Málaga – Molino Real “Mountain Wine” 2014 by Vinos Telmo Rodríguez.

Special praise goes to Stefan Brunner. Despite being only 26, Stefan has experience in the kitchens of Austria’s, England’s, and Mallorca’s most famous restaurants. His rich, modern take on traditional cooking shines in every creation, infused with native Austrian influences. After two years alongside Cristina and Gerhard at the legendary Restaurant Tristán, Stefan now contributes his passion to Schwaiger Xino’s, offering dishes full of Mediterranean spirit.

Why Schwaiger Xino’s Delivers Exquisite Fine Dining

Schwaiger Xino’s has it all: dishes that are a feast for the eyes and a high-end indulgence for the palate, served by a passionate, professional team in a minimalist, modern environment. The result is an exquisite dining experience.

We already look forward to our next visit in summer to enjoy the wonderful rooftop terrace and their signature dish—Panamera with 5 Senses:

A broth made with famous Wagyu beef, sirloin, and black truffle from Spain.
Celery ravioli, enoki mushrooms, tender peas, puff pastry stuffed with Jabugo ham, chives, and quail egg in gold bread.

This broth is pure power—the engine of the dish—crafted with the world’s most luxurious ingredients.

Inspired by the new Porsche Panamera and Ferdinand Porsche’s quote: “We build cars that nobody needs, but everybody wants to have.” It defines Schwaiger Xino’s perfectly: you don’t necessarily need to dine here, but everybody certainly wants to!

Written by Eva Lopez and Patrick Van Tolhuyzen for Luxuria Lifestyle Balearic Islands & Spain