Ibiza Eats

Your definitive guide to restaurants on the White isle courtesy of You Only Live Once.

S’illa Des Bosc, Playa de Cala Conta (aka Platges de Comte) +33 971 806 161
Firstly, let’s be clear that one trip here will not be enough, so visit early on in your holiday to allow for a second and perhaps even a third round. Secondly, it’s positioning on the edge of the third bay at Platges de Comte makes this restaurant the icing on an already extremely desirable cake. Thirdly, the fish and seafood paella is going to change your life. In fact the whole experience will. Long live S’illa Des Bosc.

The Fish Shack, Es puet de Talamanca, Ibiza Town
This place really is as simple as its name suggests, and even without any bells and whistles, is undoubtedly one of Ibiza’s best eateries. Located on the rocks around from Sa Punta, this lunch-only venue offers an extensive catch of the day list, which will be sure to rival the best fish you can ever recall eating. Served with just salad, potatoes, and the waves lapping a few feet below, you’ll wonder how you ever needed anything more.

Sa Capella, San Antonio +34 971 340 057
It seems somehow unholy to devour lamb legs, suckling pig, and other carnivorous delicacies on the inside of an old church. But with an interior and menu as impressive as this, the thought is unlikely to even run through your head. If you’d prefer to marvel at the exterior architecture instead, opt to sit in the courtyard – you’ll be thankful for the open air when the flames from your personal grill start rising.

Es Torrent, Playa d’Es Torrent, Carreta Sant Josep +34 971 802 160
If it’s fresh fish you’re in the mood for, Es Torrent is known for having first pick amongst the local fishermen. If you’d like to throw in some decadence to the equation, order the Ibiza fish stew and prepare your taste buds for the second course of paella, cooked in the fish juices with just a touch of squid. You’ll be craving it for the rest of your holiday. This quiet cove is the best location for a long, peaceful lunch, and afterwards you can digest on an umbrella shaded sunbed until the sun goes down.

Juan Andrea, Playa Illetas, Formentera +34 971 187 130
While there’s an almost overwhelming number of great beaches and restaurants to visit in Ibiza alone, a trip to Formentera should be at the top of every visitor’s list. Set on a beach that gives definition to the word paradise, Juan Andrea, established in 1971, only adds insult to injury (or whatever the opposite of that is). The fish cooked in a salt crust, served with roasted vegetables and potato, will send you waddling back into that sea an even happier person than when you got out.

La Paloma, Sant Llorenç +34 971 325 543
This is like the family home you wish you got invited over for dinner to all the time. Warm and fuzzy feelings will hit you as soon as you step into the romantically lit garden, surrounded by the vegetation where they grow much of the organic produce that you’ll soon find on your plate. Fresh, delicious, home-style cooking in an environment that’s sure to make you feel part of the family.

Yemanja, Playa de Cala Jondal, Sant Josep de Sa Talaia +34 971 18 74 81
Sangria de Cava swirling in your glass, shaded by dried palm leaves, fronted by a stunning view of Cala Jondal. Relaxing lazy bones really couldn’t get any worse. One of the most accommodating for loud, raucous, indulgent boozy group lunches. Eat here, then drink and dance at Blue Marlin next door.

Km5, Carretera Eivissa-sant Josep, km 5.6, +34 971 396 349
For those craving a culinary Ibiza experience. They’ve now introduced an organic and sustainable menu with an impressive wine list, sourcing most of their ingredients from the island. Sit in a secret garden with lanterns and comfy couches tucked in corners for your after-dinner cocktail. While most restaurants on the island boast seafood, Km5 have the meat down to the T-bone, Argentinean style.

Cicale, Carretera San Joan (restaurant mile) +34 971 325 151
Flawless Italian food in a peaceful, leafy, superbly lit garden setting. This is another restaurant you might want to think about scheduling in twice, just so you can try (or repeat) everything on the menu. Be sure to order at least one of the dangerously good pasta dishes.

Lio, Paseo Juan Carlos I, Puerto Deportivo +34 971310022
Pacha’s seaside hot spot set in the marina is the fanciest restaurant on the island. Described as ‘the ultimate in Ibizan night-time hedonism’ if you want extravagance then this is your place. And if you like a bit of entertainment while you eat, Lio doubles as a cabaret club.

Balafia, Carretera San Joan (restaurant mile) +34 971 325 019
A family run restaurant that is filled with locals every night of the week. What do they do so right? Meat. No menu here, just a selection of juicy grilled meats served with thin, crispy chips and salad boasting the tastiest tomatoes you’ll find on the island. This is another restaurant that has mastered the perfect garden setting – lights, leaves, flowers, and just the right level of buzz.

Amante, Sol Den Serra +34 971 196176
Perched over a beautiful secluded cove, Sol Den Serra, be prepared to stay a while at this beach club and restaurant. An “all-day destination” – eat, lounge on a bed on the stretch of private beach, swim, order a cocktail (either from your bed or back at your table with a view), and then repeat. A fresh, light Mediterranean menu with daily sourced produce. This place already exudes romance, but for an extra hit, reserve the ‘Amante Table’, which will set you and your plus one apart from everyone else on an adjoining piece of the cliff face.

Sa Punta, Es puet de Talamanca, Ibiza Town +34 971 193 424
Another from the extensive Pacha family, Sa Punta lies at the end of Talamanca Bay overlooking the water and the old town. Stylish, charming, and romantic with a cool vibe at both lunch and dinner, Sa Punta is perfect for twosomes, foursomes and beyond. Ask about the fish of the day.

Pacha Restaurant, Avinguda del Vuit d’Agost, Ibiza Town +34 971 31 36 00
An amazing Japanese Mediterranean fusion restaurant, right beside the world famous club that is the ultimate Eurotrash playground. A couple of hours of wining and dining here will set you up nicely to step next door.

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