Kasui
Palma, Spain · Centre
Insider Compass
An expert assessment built on data, context and gastronomic judgement.
About Kasui
Miki Cerdà brings serious pedigree—training under the Roca brothers at Hotel Omm, staging at Roka in London, and immersing himself in Japan and Singapore—to this intimate robatayaki specialist in Palma's Centre. Since opening in 2019, Kasui has become the city's reference for Japanese-Southeast Asian fusion, where the charcoal grill anchors a menu of boldly flavored small plates designed for sharing. The open kitchen and counter seating put you right in the action, while the terrace on Plaça de Raimundo Clar offers a lively alternative when the weather cooperates.
Good to know
Book well in advance—this is a small room with a devoted following, and walk-ins rarely secure a table, especially on weekends.
The chef
Miki Cerdà
Miki Cerdà cut his teeth in Mallorca's luxury hotel brigade—Jumeirah, St. Regis, Sheraton—before heading to Barcelona to train under the Roca brothers at Hotel Omm, where he sharpened his technical foundation. He then staged at Roka in London and traveled to Japan and Singapore, immersing himself in robatayaki traditions and Southeast Asian street food culture. That journey informs every corner of Kasui's menu, where charcoal-grilled precision meets bold, layered flavors and a relaxed, tapas-style approach to dining. His philosophy centers on the grill as the anchor, with sourcing that respects the seasons and a willingness to let smoke and fire do the talking.
The Insider Compass
Four dimensions, each assessed independently against the same criteria everywhere we rate.
Plate
The robatayaki grill is the heart of the operation, delivering that essential smokiness to everything from miso-marinated seabass to prawn skewers and teriyaki pork. Technique is solid—crispy cauliflower popcorn, handmade gyozas, and pillowy bao buns—but some dishes lean heavily on thick, sweet sauces that can mask the ingredients beneath. Standouts include the grilled avocado with sweet chili and anything that benefits from the kiss of charcoal.
Vibe
LivelyIntimate and buzzy, this is a small space that fills quickly with a crowd drawn to the energy of the open kitchen and the convivial nature of shared plates. Counter seats offer the best vantage point to watch the brigade work the grill, while the square-side terrace takes on a summery, animated feel on warm evenings. Music is well-chosen, and the overall mood strikes a balance between casual and refined.
Service
The team here is attentive and genuinely helpful, guiding you through the menu with thoughtful suggestions and ensuring you don't over-order for the table. There's a natural warmth to the hospitality—staff often explain dishes as they're plated and are mindful of pacing. On busy nights, expect a two-hour table turn, which is communicated upfront and generally well-managed.
Setting
The interior is compact and understated, with the open kitchen and robata grill commanding attention as the focal point of the room. Counter seating along the bar offers the most engaging experience, putting you face-to-face with the chefs at work. The location on Plaça de Raimundo Clar adds charm, especially when you can snag a spot on the outdoor terrace and soak in the energy of the square.
These four dimensions are a handful of the attributes we review. The Insider Rating also draws on research the compass does not display — among them the wine programme, the size and quality of the cellar, the location, and how long the house has operated. It is not an average of the scores above.
Go for
- Serious robatayaki technique with Japanese and Southeast Asian flavors in the heart of Palma
- Counter seats that put you in direct conversation with the chefs and the grill
- A well-curated, shareable menu that rewards curiosity and a willingness to explore bold flavors
Don't go for
- A quiet, romantic dinner—the energy is lively and the space is intimate, which means it can get animated
- Traditional Japanese precision if you're a purist—this is fusion that leans into bold, saucy flavors rather than restraint
Details
Plaça de Raimundo Clar, 6, Centre, 07002 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
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