What do you get when you match a sun-dappled Mediterranean restaurant with the picture-perfect surroundings of a UNESCO World Heritage site? Plaza del Sol, a fabulously homey eatery that boasts one of the most spectacular settings in Ibiza Town: high above the buzz and bustle of its streets and nestled into the curve of the stately walls of Dalt Vila.
Upon arrival in the quaint plaza, you immediately get the feeling that you’ve discovered someplace special. Huge wooden bowls of fresh local oranges - Plaza Del Sol’s trademark decorations - sit perched on the stairs and pristine white-clothed tables beckon you to sit beneath the shady trees and enjoy a glass of fruit-filled sangria de cava.
The family-run restaurant boasts Michelin-trained head chef Javier Roig, who also has a finger in the pie (or paella!) at sister restaurant Yemanja in Cala Jondal. Plaza del Sol opens at the sprightly hour of 10am, making it the perfect stopping off point for a quick café con leche before trekking to the top of Dalt Vila.
By night the kitchen offers exquisite treats like Heaven & Earth – an appropriately named dish of sliced apple marinated in liqueur, mashed potato and sautéed foie-gras – and scintillating fish dishes. We suggest sampling the lobster and prawn gazpacho with fresh basil and olive oil, just to get you started.
With each beautifully presented plate, Plaza Del Sol offers a choice of hand-selected wine from their richly stocked cellar. In keeping with the Ibicenco setting they serve only the finest Spanish wines and cavas, ensuring you have the perfect glass to sip as the moon shines overhead and the lights of the town sparkle at your feet.
This story was published on June 20, 2008