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Living la vida local

The summer season as we know it has come to an end much sooner than usual in 2020, however for those who still have an October trip on the cards, all is not lost! The island has simply segued into winter mode a little earlier than expected, and if you’ve ever heard an Ibiza resident wax lyrical about the off-season, then you’ll know you’re in for an extra special treat. Our on-island team – all year-round locals themselves – have rounded up a list of the best places to dine in Ibiza this October. Fantastic food, both rustic and luxe settings, that same warm Ibiza service and no crowds – this month, it’s all about living (and dining) la vida local!

Breakfast: The best way to start to the day

In summer, islanders are usually up and off to work – perhaps with a quick homemade coffee and a tostada before hitting the road. In ‘winter’ however (yes, we know it’s autumn, but here in Ibiza, locals tend to simply split the year into two seasons, summer and winter), there’s plenty more time to treat yourself to the types of brekkie or brunch spreads you often see tourists sharing on Instagram – and thankfully, there are still quite a few places open that tick all the right boxes in terms of freshness, variety, quality and indeed, quantity! None of our team members can walk past a Passion Café – Marina Ibiza, Vara de Rey [pictured], San José and Santa Eulalia are all still open – in the morning without being tempted in by the scent of the island’s finest coffee, then staying for the mega breakfasts on offer. All types of pancakes, the island’s biggest avo toast menu, eggs aplenty, creative juices and smoothies, healthy bowls, corn fritters – you name it or you crave it, you’ll find it at Passion.

Meanwhile, over on the west coast of the island, there’s a new place in town that’s piqued our interest when it comes to brunch – Hawker Beach Club Ibiza looks over the beach of Cala de Bou and offers a creative breakfast and brunch fusion that crosses continents and cultures – from yoga brekkies and the classic full English, to New York style salmon bagels and then over to Latin America for arepas or Thailand for Yam Kai Do with a fried egg and back to the Med for a Spanish tortilla with jamon Iberico. There are only a few weeks left to try it, so be sure to book a table before October is out. In the village of Santa Gertrudis, Numero 74 L’Atelier is another breakfast favourite – fresh baked croissants and pastries, healthy bowls with tapioca or seasonal fruit, banana cake, Ibiza almond cake (we love cake for breakfast!), all available to eat in the sunny, spacious garden or take-away to sit on the beach. Just around the corner, at Wild Beets (another island institution when it comes to health and wellness), you can tuck into healthy and homemade, plant-based dishes such as blueberry porridge, almond and coconut raw porridge, chia breakfast bowls, eggless scrambles and so much more.

Beach lunches: Because the sun’s still shining!

Ibiza ‘winters’ are renowned for being filled with sunshine – apparently the sun shines on Ibiza for 300 days a year and aside from the odd monthly downpour, we often don’t see cloudy skies until at least February. All the more reason to live the beach life, and there are still plenty of amazing places to indulge in a long, luxurious seaside lunch – if you know where to look! You’ll need to be quick if you want to catch lunch at the iconic Amante Ibiza, which remains open until the end of this month, much to the delight of locals who can’t find the time to nab a table in the summer. Back towards Ibiza town, just a few minutes’ drive down the bumpy camino to the secluded cove od S’Estanyol, Cala Bonita also remains open (locals are hoping it will sustain its usual year-round hours), serving up some of the finest fresh Mediterranean fare right on the beach.

Over on the west coast, the stunning Cala Gracioneta Chiringuito [main photo] continues to impress locals and visitors alike daily with its Valencian style rice dishes and amazing grilled meats and fish – not to mention the beautiful views and relaxed ambience of the protected cove it presides over – reservations still highly recommended. And finally, on the south east coast of Ibiza, looking out over the sands of Es Cavallet and across to Dalt Vila, the family-run institution that is La Escollera [pictured] has always been a resident’s winter beach restaurant of choice – open 365 days a year and offering a combination of dishes based on decades-old family recipes and new contemporary creations (with a great selection for vegans). If you’re thinking to the future and wondering about Christmas in Ibiza, this is the place to be!

Campo classics: The countryside shines in autumn

When the seasons change (in this case we’ll concede to call it autumn), there’s nowhere more beautiful to be than the gorgeous Ibiza countryside. The light is just a little more golden, the air just a little more crisp (note, not cold!) and a breeze rustles the treetops with an air of romance that’s unlike the heavy, humid summer days and nights. It’s fair to say that the north of the island shines at this time of year and there’s an array of restaurants in the heart of the campo that remain open so you can dine beneath the trees, by fields of flowers (or sheep) or even right next to the organic garden where your food has been grown. La Paloma has long been a local’s favourite, from the days when it was a secret, until now, when it’s almost impossible to score a walk-in during summer. In the off season however, the pace is a lot slower – lazy lunches in the sunny garden from Wednesday to Sunday, or get cosy in the interior by night from Thursday to Saturday.

Keep driving north and take a right turn to follow the winding roads to luxury Agroturismo Atzaró, where the garden restaurant La Veranda offers the opportunity to sit beneath the shade of a vine-covered trellis, surrounded by beautiful lush lawns, orange groves and ancient olive trees. Farm-to-fork is the concept here, and you won’t find any fresher – the produce comes straight from the expansive Atzaró Vegetable Garden, right onsite. Back on the road, and just before you reach the village of San Juan, Shamarkanda offers a rustic hideaway, with an amazing fusion restaurant saluting the best of Asia and the Mediterranean alike, with live music on Sundays. And of course, one can’t visit San Juan without paying a visit to the iconic secret garden, The Giri Café [pictured] – whether by day or by night, the magic of this restaurant has been winning the hearts of island foodies for a decade now. Be sure to pay a visit before the season is up!

Date night: Where to snuggle up for winter romance

The arrival of winter in Ibiza normally gives couples an excuse to bunker down and Netflix and chill, but after experiencing a three-month lockdown right before summer, it’s easy to see why islanders in love (or those on the dating scene!) are keen to still spend their nights exploring the island. We’re not ready to stay home or inside just yet! Dining alfresco is still a possibility – though wrapping up warm is recommended, as restaurants can sadly no longer give clients blankets to keep warm due to the C-word – and with some of the most beautiful, and Instagrammable locations in the world on our doorstep, it’s not hard to find a place with cosy corners, great food and an intimate, romantic atmosphere to spend your date night.

La Mesa Escondida, housed within boutique hotel Petunia Ibiza, wins hands-down when it comes to views – the restaurant has a front row view of the mythical rock of Es Vedra, with fine Italian and Mediterranean food that equals its epic location. There are still a few weeks left to enjoy La Mesa, so be sure to check it out before it closes for the season. La Torre Ibiza, on the west coast of Ibiza, offers the double dreaminess of an Ibiza sunset – soundtracked by the best Balearic DJs no less – combined with fantastic food, and is the perfect place to while away an October evening. Back inland, on the famous San Juan restaurant road, the softly-lit space of Nagai [pictured] offers plenty of cosy corners perfect for lovers – especially for lovers of sushi and fine Japanese fusion cuisine. A newcomer on the Ibiza culinary scene is the in-house restaurant at Cas Gasi near Santa Gertrudis – now open to the public and helmed by one of Ibiza’s very finest chefs, David Reartes. Open all year round, the restaurant introduces a new level of gastronomy to Ibiza, one that no foodie should miss.

Group gatherings: Because we can’t do it in our homes!

At the moment, the current health and safety restrictions mean Ibiza homes can only host up to five people in total, which can put a dampener on group gatherings like birthdays or special occasions. And while restaurants also have limits on the amount of guests per table, there’s nothing to stop your friends being clever and booking multiple tables in one venue, right? (Let’s just keep that our little secret for now though). Some of our favourite places in Ibiza have menus that are ideal for sharing – and whether you’re a group or just a small table, it’s still nice to know that the age-old tradition of breaking bread with friends can still be enjoyed, even if it is on a slightly smaller scale.

For the ultimate in barbecues, we can’t go past the magical alfresco setting of Casa Maca [pictured], on the outskirts of Ibiza town and overlooking Dalt Vila – ideal for a sunny weekend lunch. If you’re looking for something more traditional, Tapas Ibiza – as the name suggests – in San Antonio serves up the finest selection of both typically Spanish and twists on tapas, and has long been loved by locals all over the island. In Santa Gertrudis, Bottega Il Buco remains the place to be seen (and to spot visiting A-listers and models – yes, even in October, you never know who you’ll be sitting next to!), snacking on focaccia by the slice by day or by night and sipping fine organic wines. Just a little further up north, Bambuddha never fails to satisfy, with its temple-like setting and amazing MediterrAsian menu, not to mention ‘all you can eat’ evenings and a big screen for the football. Back in Ibiza town, there’s no better place to share a meal with friends than Locals Only – how could we not congregate there, with a name like that? Of course, it’s not exclusive to islanders – rather, the name implies that citizens of the world should all feel welcome to dine here, and with amazing lunch specials, the freshest produce, a creative Italian-influenced menu, and a buzzing atmosphere at night thanks to its Plaza del Parque location, there’s all the more reason to go there, my dears…

Party time: Civilised and socially distant, of course

We’re all very much aware that 2020 is the year that Ibiza lost its famous nightlife scene, however that doesn’t mean islanders weren’t allowed to have fun! It just had to be pre-arranged, pre-booked and partaken in a slightly more civilised and socially distant manner – with a much earlier bedtime than many of us are used to. Well, they say change is a good thing and the only thing we can do with these government mandated changes is try to look on the bright side, and from our perspective, the bright side is that some of our favourite, more intimate places, remain open and there’s more space and time for us to enjoy them in the winter!

Pikes has always been an island institution when it comes to hedonism, and they’ve managed to keep the hotel’s authentic spirit alive this year no matter what restriction has been thrown at them. There’s just one week left to experience the magic – be it indulgent gourmet pizzas and burgers, washed down with champagne and cocktails as you chair dance on the sunset terrace or by the pool, a decadent evening meal in the hot pink Pamelas restaurant, watching the inimitable blondewearingblack sing live on Friday night, tucking into the final Sunday Roast soundtracked by The Brothers Grim and special guests next weekend – make the most of it before winter hibernation sets in! Of course, there’s always good vibes to be had at Bambuddha’s in-house bar, Tantra Cocktail Palace – where you can sip on bespoke cocktails or fine wines before or after your MediterrAsian feast, but for an all-year-round haunt with a very Ibiza twist, we can’t go past our favourite cocktail bar, Paradise Lost [pictured], in the back streets of the gypsy quarter in Ibiza town. Now serving up tasty quesadillas, so you don’t need to quaff your cocktails before rushing off for dinner, the little bar with a big heart is one of the last bastions of hedonism in Ibiza town – again, socially distanced, closing up a little earlier than usual (but opening earlier too!) and with lots of hand sanitiser of course!

Ibiza’s best beach restaurants are back!

The atmosphere in Ibiza right now is like nothing we’ve ever experienced before. Perhaps if you grew up on the island in the 60s, you may remember a time like this but for all millennials and many Gen-Xers – not to mention the thousands of expats who call Ibiza home – scenes of blissfully clean and serene beaches are completely foreign to us. We’re used to traffic in beach parking lots, jostling for a space on the sand, booking restaurant tables a week in advance and seeing the sea filled with luxury yachts. And now, well, it’s just completely the opposite. We know this time is limited and special – our first international visitors will arrive within days. With that in mind, our team of island experts have listed the best Ibiza beach restaurants open during Phase Three of the de-escalation process below. Remember, the national state of alarm will be lifted at midnight on June 21, 2020, so if you want make the most of this time and experience some true Ibiza magic, this weekend is your chance!

Cala Bonita, S’Estanyol, South East

The secluded cove of S’Estanyol, set just outside the village of Jesús, has long been considered a local’s secret though over the years and with the addition of popular beach restaurant Cala Bonita, it’s no surprise the secret got out. Right now however, the atmosphere on this little cove is reminiscent of those days gone by, when you’d trek down the long and bumpy camino to find just a few friends, acquaintances or recognisable island faces scattered about the sand or jumping off the little plank into the crystal clear sea. There’s plenty of parking, the sea is more clear than ever, and DJs are spinning laid-back Balearic beats from the terrace of Cala Bonita – the one and only restaurant in the bay, serving up a high-end grill style menu plus holiday favourites like paella and fish baked in salt. Open 1pm to 6pm daily – reservations recommended.

Cala Gracioneta Chiringuito, Cala Gracioneta, North West

You’d be hard pressed to find a cove in Ibiza with turquoise waters that match the beauty of Cala Gracioneta – this tiny west coast inlet has long been loved by locals, who’d trek over from neighbouring Cala Gracio to beat the crowds. These days, the word is out and thanks to a world-class restaurant, Cala Gracioneta Chiringuito – expertly run by the Mambo Group who know this part of the island better than anyone – the little beach is often quite busy and the wait for a table can be lengthy if you hadn’t pre-reserved. Right now however, Cala Gracioneta Chiringuito is primed and ready to welcome the island’s locals – it’s been in high demand since the very first day it reopened. All your Mediterranean favourite dishes appear on the menu, made using local produce and cooked with love, and the views are a money-can’t-buy bonus. Open daily from 9am to 5pm.

Chiringuito Blue, Santa Eulalia, East

This chic and stylish seafront eatery breathed new life into the south end of Santa Eulalia when it first opened two years ago, thanks to a creative, Mediterranean menu scattered with Middle Eastern delights. The fact that it was right on the sand with uninterrupted views out to sea didn’t hurt either! Fortunately, for island foodies, for Ibiza families and for those who love a classic beach club ambience, the Chiringuito Blue reopened its doors today, complete with its kids’ club and full decadent menu. Now open seven days a week from 12pm to 8pm, with special Family Weekend events held every Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 5pm, reservations are recommended to ensure you score a spot, as social distancing measures are in place for the safety of all guests.

Elements Ibiza, Benirrás, North West

Beautiful Benirrás has always been a dream destination, for those seeking a taste of Ibiza’s authentic hippie soul. Even right up until the 1980s, this beach was a place where people came together as one, camped in caravans or on the sand, and danced late into the night in celebration of their freedom. Today’s version of freedom is a little more limited, we’ll admit, but there’s no denying the feeling of bohemianism when you arrive at this pebbly cove. Tastefully spread out along the right hand side of the beach is Elements Ibiza, a feet-in-the-sand beach restaurant that incorporates a juice bar, a boutique, a pizza joint, a massage and treatment room, and of course its signature Mediterranean restaurant. It’s easy to spend the day on Benirrás and visit Elements Ibiza more than once: a healthy juice on arrival, a late lunch, sunset cocktails or perhaps a massage and some retail therapy. Due to the popularity of this beach, there is limted access to Benirrás to ensure safety, so reservations are essential to guarantee access to the beach.

Experimental Beach Ibiza, Cap d’es Falco, South East

If you were to Google ‘Mediterranean chic’, there’s no doubt the results would bring up Experimental Beach Ibiza. The stylish beach club on the rocky shore of Cap d’es Falco on the island’s south east coast is part of the French-owned, world renowned Experimental Cocktail Club, and its elegant aqua and royal blue décor pays testament to the owners’ eye for style. The Ibiza outpost was the brand’s first foray into beach clubs and its popularity in high summer speaks volumes to its success – this is definitely a place you need to plan ahead and reserve, however right now residents have the pleasure of walking in and enjoying the space at their leisure. Open daily (excluding Tuesdays), it’s the quintessential European beach club experience – chic sunloungers, an amazing menu, incredible cocktails and DJs spinning tunes that keep your toes tapping all day. Sunsets here are out of this world, with the tip of Es Vedra visible in the distance.

La Escollera, Es Cavallet, South East

It was a sad day for Ibiza when La Escollera was forced to close its doors due to the lockdown – the family run Es Cavallet dining destination has been open 365 days a year for decades – but thankfully, they have had a triumphant return to form. The sun-drenched terrace with panoramic views over the sparkling Med has long been a meeting point for locals and expats of all nationalities – the warm and welcoming service, combined with amazing fresh seafood, grilled meats, sushi, paella and vegan dishes makes it an easy choice for a big group, however quiet corners can be found for those seeking romance. Now open from Thursdays through to Monday from 1pm to 6pm, reservations are essential as its loyal legion of followers are making up for lost time.

Beso Beach, Las Salinas, South East

‘No hay Verano sin Beso’ reads the Insta-ready bench seat outside Beso Beach on the iconic sands of Las Salinas. Translating to ‘there’s no summer without Beso’ (or ‘there’s no summer without a kiss’ depending on what you’re looking for!), Ibiza residents were happy when the beachfront restaurant was one of the first to open its doors when the lockdown restrictions were lifted. It felt like an omen – if we have Beso, we’ll have a summer. The sister restaurant to the iconic Formentera Beso Beach Club has been open but a mere two seasons, and is already one of the most popular restaurants on Ibiza’s most famous beach. Long and lazy lunches are the order of the day, followed by mojitos at the bar as the sun starts to set – in years gone by, this was followed by dancing but it looks like we’ll have to wait a few more weeks for that. Open from 1pm to 9.30pm.

Jockey Club, Las Salinas, South East

Those who are old enough to remember, or those who’ve done their research, will know that Jockey Club was one of the very first chiringuitos to successfully transform into what we know today as a beach club. The evolution was organic – it was never about being the biggest or attracting VIPs. The appeal of Jockey Club has always come via its people, from the family behind the brand (now run by the second generation of Lanzoni family) to the long-serving familiar-faced staff, the DJs who provide the soundtrack and the loyal customers who return year, after year, after year. Its location at the heart of the iconic Las Salinas is second to none, and its Mediterranean menu of the highest quality. Most holidaymakers can’t help but snap up some Jockey-emblazoned merchandise on their way out to commemorate such a great experience, but island residents simply tip their hats and know that they can come back whenever they like. Well, technically from Thursday through to Monday, from9.30am to 8.30pm – but you get the gist!

Yemanja, Cala Jondal, South East

Cala Jondal has always been one of Ibiza’s coolest beaches – even before the rise of mammoth beach club institution Blue Marlin. While it remains to be seen if the iconic club will reopen in 2020 (our sources suggest not), its iconic neighbour and sister restaurant, Yemanja Ibiza, is already back in business and doing what it does best – serving up traditional Ibicenco and Mediterranean fare, made from family recipes that date back decades. Situated on the pebbled part of the beach, it’s one of the few restaurants fortunate enough to be able to provide sunbeds at the moment (since they are situated on its terrace, not on public property) which means getting in early is essential if you want a luxury beach day. And without the constant throb of the music from Blue Marlin, a day at Yemanja during Phase Three feels like stepping back in time – enjoy it while it lasts!

Es Torrent, Playa de Es Torrent, South East

Ask any islander where to go in Ibiza for the best seafood lunch on the beach and the answer is a resounding Es Torrent. This old school seafood restaurant, tucked into the pine trees surrounding the tiny pebbly beach of the same name on the south east coast, opened in 1984 (just one year after Jockey Club) and was founded on the principles of good fresh food, cooked using timeless recipes and made with love, in a location that simply couldn’t be rivalled. Es Torrent has never been tempted to meddle with this winning combination – while other restaurants undergo major renovations or revamp their menus, this island stalwart remains almost the same as the day it opened. Simplicity is the key to its success, and what attracts the world’s jetset – who usually arrive by boat – to its charming, white-tableclothed tables. Of course, you don’t need to arrive by boat – right now there’s plenty of parking and all locals are welcome (as they always are). Es Torrent has always been a place where billionaires dine beside bus drivers – the very essence of the Ibiza spirit.

Where to eat in Ibiza in winter

Your favourite beach restaurant has been packed away, and those famous dining destinations you visit every summer have shut up shop for six months, so where on earth does a hungry island visitor – or resident for that matter – go to eat in the off-season? The truth is, the winter is really the time that many of Ibiza’s best restaurants really come into their own. It’s the perfect time to explore the island’s inland villages and sample the many menu del días (traditional set lunch menus) on offer.

You’ll discover secret little spots in the hills for a romantic evening, snuggled up with your loved one next to a cosy fire, or the best fun and festive places to plan a big reunion dinner out with friends you haven’t seen since May. There are some wonderful places to eat in winter, whatever the occasion, and some great offers too if you know where to look. Our team of year-round island experts have done all the hard work for you – trying, testing and most importantly tasting their way around Ibiza to bring you this list of winter restaurants.

A Mi Manera, San Lorenzo, North East

For a leisurely weekend lunch or indulgent romantic dinner, the charming and intimate A Mi Manera – found on the famous San Juan restaurant road in the island’s north – is an ideal spot. The quaint and cosy interior works equally well for a group of friends celebrating, as for a couple looking for a secluded supper, thanks to the traditional farmhouse layout of the restaurant. The Mediterranean menu has a strong Italian family influence, with authentic homemade pasta and fresh garden produce from the restaurant’s own backyard farm featured in many dishes. The charcoal grill uses prime cuts of Wagyu, Kobe, and Black Angus beef, alongside mouth-watering local pluma Iberica. Open for lunch and dinner on Fridays and Saturdays, and for long lunches on Sundays complete with live music in the sun-drenched garden. Keep your eye on their social media for other special events including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve feasts.

Bambuddha, San Lorenzo, North East

The undisputed king of the San Juan restaurant road, Bambuddha has been known as an iconic summer dining destination for the past 20 years, but this winter, to the island resident’s immense pleasure, the legendary MediterrAsian temple continues serving up its signature cuisine until the end of the year. Open weekly from Wednesdays till Sundays from 7pm, island residents receive a 20% discount once you’ve sign up for their Resident Members card. On Wednesdays, it’s all about the six-course Chef’s Special for just 45€ per person, whilst Sundays play host to The Infamous Bambuddha Buffet, an all-you-can-eat feast featuring all the restaurant’s classic dishes plus some new favourites for only 35€ per person. On other nights of the week, the à la carte menu covers all your dining desires, drawing on only the finest ingredients and a healthy amount of local produce. Bambuddha is also open on Christmas and New Year’s Eve – reservations highly recommended so you can celebrate in style.

Wild Beets, Santa Gertrudis, Centre

For fad-free raw, plant-based and vegan cuisine, botanical eatery Wild Beets, in the centre of Santa Gertrudis village, covers all the bases. A popular destination for healthy eaters in the north of the island, it’s often said that you can tell when winter has arrived in Ibiza because the stylish floating fireplace is re-installed to replace the fans in the light-filled restaurant interior. The extensive menu features carefully calibrated dishes combining fresh, local and seasonal produce with nature’s healthiest ingredients, so whether popping in for a quick juice and a tofu scramble, a coffee and raw Beetroot ravioli, or settling in for a long leisurely lunch over a quinoa and hempseed Protein bowl, there is something tasty for every occasion. The regularly returning local crowd makes for a friendly vibe whatever the time of day, and children are catered for too, making this a handy pit stop after the school run or a run-around in the village playground.

Bottega Il Buco, Santa Gertrudis, Centre

For mouth-watering Italian influenced cuisine served in a cosy deli-style restaurant, head for hip rustic eatery, Bottega Il Buco in the chic village of Santa Gertrudis. The first international outpost of the acclaimed NYC restaurant brand by Donna Lennard, the Bottega Il Buco team host buzzing aperitivo sessions from Monday to Saturday throughout the winter from 5pm until 7pm, giving guests the chance to sample some of their signature ancient grain focaccia with its endless variety of toppings, along with delicious wines and bespoke cocktails. On sunny winter days, the terrace is a gorgeous spot to linger, whilst in the evenings the snug interior makes a great place to meet friends, or settle in for an early supper. The menu is inspired by local produce and ingredients, along with some hard-to-find Italian delights, which can also be bought from the store itself should you wish to recreate the Bottega Il Buco magic at home. The restaurant is also hosting a special Christmas lunch, with limited seating so reservations are essential.

La Escollera, Es Cavallet, South West

For a winter lunchtime destination with wow factor, famed island restaurant La Escollera on the rugged and deserted Es Cavallet beach is hard to beat. Often crowded with tourists in summer, as soon as October hits, this stunning unspoiled beach in the heart of the Las Salinas nature reserve is transformed into a natural paradise, enticing island residents out of their winter hibernation. The sunny and expansive La Escollera terraces boast views across the waves to Formentera and the iconic Dalt Vila, making it a stunning spot for lunch. Don’t be surprised to find the alfresco spaces full if you turn up on a sunny day without a reservation, but there’s also a huge interior, boasting those same views – also ideal for days where it’s a little chilly outside. The traditional Mediterranean menu has been passed down through generations of the owners’ family, but in recent year’s it’s also been tweaked to include some creative vegan options. Must-tries are the classic paella recipe, Black Angus sirloin and salt-baked dorada, while sushi lovers will also be impressed with the extensive options on offer. Open 365 days a year, with a friendly and fun atmosphere, La Escollera is a treat to return to again and again – no matter what the weather.

La Chickeria, Santa Gertrudis, Centre

If the thought of spit-roasted chicken or ribs makes your mouth water this winter, then look no further than La Chickeria in Santa Gertrudis – open all year round from 12.30pm until midnight. Recently opened this summer – you’ll find it next to the Spar supermarket on the main road through the village – this is the fifth eatery, from the Dutch Van’t Spit group, who have a chain of these family-friendly concept restaurants in Holland. Focusing on antibiotic-free chooks grown naturally and free-range, the 100% plant-fed chicken is then expertly roasted by ‘Spitmaster’ chefs on Spanish charcoal, using custom-made grills for that perfect smoky yet juicy barbecue flavour complete with crispy skin (everyone’s favourite part). Homemade sides of chips, corn, salads and sauces complement the package, and the whole shebang is also available for takeaway if you don’t mind the wait. With a buzzing front terrace, a cosy interior and a secret garden in the back, there’s always space for your get-togethers, catch-ups or date nights. Live music takes place in the garden on weekends, so be sure to check out La Chickeria’s social media for line-ups special events.

Ve Café, Santa Eulalia, East

When looking for a winter dining spot to settle down for a while, to catch up on some remote work, to host a meeting or just to go over the dally gossip with a friend, make a beeline for the all-new Ve Café, adjacent to W Hotel on frontline of the southern end of the promenade in Santa Eulalia. The bright and colourful seafront terrace is ideal for basking in the winter sun or keeping an eye on the kids playing on the beach, and the stylish interior features free high speed WiFi and handy power sockets for your laptop or phone – ideal for travellers and corporate nomads alike. The 100% plant-based kitchen menu offers tasty winter warmers, like sweet potato soup or roasted vegetables with tahini and lemon, alongside the restaurant’s signature staples of Buddha bowls and hummus bowls, all made with locally sourced produce and organic ingredients. Of course with so much good healthy stuff in the main courses, it’d be a sin not to linger for dessert – these indulgent delights are definitely worth saving room for. Open daily from 9am for breakfast, and until 5pm for lunch.

Passion Café, Marina Ibiza and Santa Eulalia

Healthy eating isn’t just for summer, so if you find yourself craving some serious goodness and food that sustains, make Passion Café your year-round restaurant of choice. Two of the brand’s six locations, Passion Marina and Passion Santa Eulalia remain all winter, from 9am until 5pm daily, with a fresh and hearty winter menu perfect for filling breakfasts, brunches or warming lunches. From Buddha bowls, black bean burritos and Beyond Burgers, to avocado fries and delicious dahls, the vegan and vegetarian options are second to none, although there’s also something on the menu to satisfy the carnivores in your group too. Chicken, salmon, hearty curries, deluxe burgers, steaming hot soups, keto-friendly dishes – the options are almost endless. With the island’s most extensive and creative drinks menu (from ‘trendy’ lattes and health-boosting shots to smoothies, juices and more), plus desserts that are the icing on the cake (pardon the pun), it would be easy to spend the entire day here. Both restaurants are blessed with enormous sunny terraces, so even if you might be a wearing a scarf, it’s still possible to pretend it’s summer as you sip your super greens!

Project Social, Santa Eulalia, East

When it comes to the art of a really great burger, beef, chicken, vegan or otherwise, Project Social in Santa Eulalia has pretty much reached perfection. The extensive range of toppings and fillings may take a while to sample (all the more reason to visit!), but once you’ve found your favourite, you’ll be back, like so many others in this part of the island. In winter, the friendly vibe and regular faces makes this a vibey destination whatever the time of day, and the many special offers keep Project Social affordable for locals too. From Monday to Friday, the Breakfast Club includes a coffee and a juice for 10€, with a menu packed full of everyone’s favourite morning dishes (think pancakes, avo toasts, acai bowls, full English and veggie brekkies), while the 11€ Lunch Menu features burgers, ribs or hearty salads with a choice of drinks. Everyone’s favourite Fish & Chip Fridays, and traditional Sunday Roasts with all the trimmings on the weekend give you even more reasons to spend time here, and did we mention Backgammon Club, Tequila Thursday and the nightly Hours of Happiness?

Can Mimosa, Santa Gertrudis, Centre

A good lunch in Spain always involves a menu del día, and tucked away on an unassuming side street in the village of Santa Gertrudis, you’ll find one of the island’s best at Can Mimosa.  The 200-year-old converted farmhouse has a lovely sunny courtyard perfect for whiling away the lunchtime hours, and the weekly changing menu makes the most of locally sourced seasonal produce, including ingredients plucked straight from the restaurant’s own vegetable allotment right outside the kitchen door.  A choice of three courses costs just 17.50€ and includes plenty of vegetarian or vegan options. Time-honoured dishes like chickpea broth and endive salads are served with baked dorada or vegetable cous-cous, with classic such as apple crumble or crema Catalana for desserts. Sundays in the garden are all about traditional Sunday Roasts (reportedly the very best on the island), served with Bloody Marys and a side of live music for a truly sociable way to enjoy the weekend. A New Year’s Eve feast is also in the works – the perfect place to fuel up before heading out to party.

Weddings in Ibiza – Stephan & Peter

Fashionable German couple Stephan and Peter were not short of destinations to choose from when it came to selecting their wedding location. Stephan’s job as a flight attendant has seen him travel the world and back again; the pair actually met on a long-haul flight to San Francisco back in 2015, when Stephan was working and Peter was his passenger. But despite the numerous options on offer, Ibiza was always destined to be their first choice. The island had already been Peter’s second home for decades, and in the years since they’d been together, it had become Stephan’s too –  a magical, beautiful, peaceful and spiritual paradise that captured both hearts equally.

The couple had their first date six weeks after that fateful mid-air meeting, back in Düsseldorf when both had returned to their native Germany. Sixteen months later they were engaged and the wedding planning commenced. They decided on a September wedding – one of the most beautiful times of year in the Mediterranean; the region radiates with a unique light when the sun drops lower in the sky. And when it came to choosing a venue – since the owners of stylish beach restaurant La Escollera on the iconic Es Cavallet beach had become like family to Stephan and Peter, holding the ceremony and celebration there made perfect sense.

Being such regular visitors to Ibiza, Stephan and Peter decided to do most of the wedding planning themselves. They worked with La Escollera’s in-house event planner Andrea Barneveld to find the perfect stylistic touches to complete the day. Their theme was olive branches, which were neatly worked into buttonholes, woven around shells as table settings and wound into matching olive wreath crowns for the grooms as a final touch. White flowers dressed the ceremony walkway and complemented the leaves around the rustic wedding arch for a natural and organic feel, all of which were captured perfectly by talented local wedding photographer Gypsy Westwood.

Continuing in the matching theme, both grooms wore Ermenegildo Zegna head-to-toe, slim tailored suits in a light sandy taupe and paired with a snappy shoe. Each wore an Ibiza-shaped gold pendant chain, studded with a single diamond, along with gold cufflinks. They shared the precious wedding preparations together, sipping rosé champagne as they helped each other dress for their romantic moment. Upon arrival at La Escollera, guests were served a welcome drink, before being seated at the beachside ceremony area, where the couple’s photo-friendly poodle was already posing in prime position. And when the magic moment finally arrived, Stephan and Peter walked together down the aisle hand-in-hand, a perfectly matched pair.

The expert team behind the La Escollera kitchen whipped up a wedding feast that showcased local Ibicenco delicacies, such as melon roses with Jamon Iberico as one of the starters and their famous show-stopper, salt-baked aea bass as one of the mains. A light lemon sorbet refreshed the palate between courses, and a local farmer’s grilled tenderloin steak served in port wine with mashed potatoes and apple satisfied the meat lovers in attendance. The sun stayed out all afternoon and laughter and smiles were the order of the day on the beachside terrace. Stephan and Peter’s cake had a unique twist, as the two figures on the top were modelled out of icing by island cake artist extraordinaire Mitch the Cake Lady, the very image of the couple themselves complete with beards.

French singer Mouniette brought a jazzy vibe to the sunny afternoon, and after speeches, the party moved away from the beach onto the dance floor. Popular Barcelona DJ Hans brought his lively energetic mix to the evening, and before long the guests were all up and dancing. As night time arrived at Es Cavallet the revellers were in full celebration and the happy couple were the belles of the ball. Following on from their magical day, Stephan and Peter jetted off to the island of Mauritius for two beautiful and breathtaking honeymoon weeks. They didn’t stay away from Ibiza for long however; the duo swiftly returned to their second home at the end of December 2018, ready to start the new year on their favourite island.

Ceaseless seaside magic

Those in the know find themselves in the privileged position of having ‘island favourites’ – places they visit time and time again, until eventually these places begin to feel like extensions of their own homes. One such location is La Escollera, a blissful beachside restaurant on Es Cavallet renowned for welcoming back dedicated regulars each and every season throughout the year. Set amid the windswept salt flats of Ses Salines in the south of the island, La Escollera has been a constant in the lives of locals and visitors for over two decades. Family run and plied full of love, goodwill is piled high on every forkful, and service is as natural as greeting old friends who’ve popped over for a casual dinner. Lunchtimes segue into afternoons that flow into nights – everything here is just easy, which is what has made it an unfailing destination for so many years, much to the pride of the Gonzalez family at the heart of it.

So what’s the secret to this easy-going success you may wonder? Well, according to events manager Andrea, stepdaughter of owner Dani Gonzalez, it’s a unique combination of factors. “For us, it’s important that our guests feel welcome and at ease here,” she explains. “We want to offer a haven, a place where the fast pace of life can be slowed down.” On an island that’s constantly evolving, creating such a haven is actually more difficult than it sounds. In recent years, change has hit Ibiza apace, and so to remain true to your original values is an admired rarity. “We also strive to be consistent in delivering friendly service and delicious food,” she continues. “Some people say La Escollera is the first place they go to after they’ve arrived on Ibiza,” she smiles. “The biggest compliment we can receive is when our guests arrive and tell us it’s like they’ve arrived home.” The fact that Andrea and her siblings practically grew up in the restaurant undoubtedly contributes to its homely ambience, and even now they’re older, the entire family is still omnipresent. “We have lunch here every day,” she laughs. “And in summer, often lunch and dinner. We’re not complaining!”

Devotees of the restaurant would probably tell an almost identical story. What gives La Escollera a secured place in their hearts? The homely food, the heritage, the sea views and a laid-back vibe that embraces everyone. And of course, a setting that’s hard to beat. “You can see Formentera in the distance looking one way, and a forest of pine trees in the other,” explains Andrea. “Plus the fact that we’re right in the middle of the Ses Salines Nature Reserve means nothing has changed for 30 years.” Indeed, the area surrounding La Escollera is one of outstanding natural beauty with a protected status, meaning no new buildings are permitted for construction. While the same can’t be said for the rest of Ibiza, we can all remain certain that La Escollera won’t differ too strongly from its path. Here, they’re proud of the family institution they’ve created, which is something they’ll continue to fiercely guard. “The jet-set have started pouring into Ibiza, but we will continue to serve local Ibicencos and families from the mainland alongside them,” says Andrea. “We’re a family restaurant and everyone is welcome – it’s been a deliberate choice to remain the way we have for so many years, and we have no plans to change.”

This will be music to the ears of anyone who’s ever dined on La Escollera’s famous paella (still made with the secret recipe of Andrea’s grandmother Yaya), salt-baked sea bass or delicious varieties of sushi, and while slight tweaks may be made to the menu to incorporate changing vegetarian and vegan tastes, you can rest assured that not much else will change. “We will always make small reforms,” finishes Andrea. “But as long as my family keep running La Escollera, the heart and soul of the place will never change.” Hear hear to that.

A family affair

A stunning seaside restaurant attracting locals and tourists alike, its magic lies in an unpretentious but delicious menu, overflowing with food made with love. Back when the restaurant originally opened, this was partly thanks to owner, Dani Gonzalez’s mother, who fresh from running a restaurant in Barcelona was the resident genius in the kitchen. Now an octogenarian, she’s passed the baton of responsibility to a new generation, albeit one with which she’s lovingly shared her culinary secrets. The result is a restaurant with ties to the traditional and simultaneously one foot in the future, offering the best of both worlds to present diners.

Found overlooking the vast strip of golden sand at Es Cavallet, La Escollera is set in a 150-year old building once used by Salinera Española, the same company that to this day, harvests salt from the salt flats you drive past en route to the restaurant. With an expansive interior space plus a capacious alfresco terrace, the stylish beach restaurant is the perfect spot for whiling away a long, lazy afternoon with good company, great food and an unbeatable view. Indeed, it’s this winning combination that’s made the restaurant a firm favourite with residents, some of whom have been visiting since it first opened in 1994.

“We have lots of regulars,” explains Dani’s stepdaughter, Andrea, who now takes care of events at the venue. “We’ve seen people come with their kids, who then get married here, who then come back with their own kids! And of course, everyone wants the same table,” she smiles. Herein lies the charm of La Escollera – it’s a place where, courtesy of its familial roots and laidback ambience, everyone is welcomed with open arms. This is felt as much in the impeccable, attentive service as it is in the food delivered to each table. “We want people to feel at home,” reiterates Andrea, a palpable sentiment indeed.

Never is this more prominent than on the menu, which is brimming with classic favourites, particularly of the seafood variety – a La Escollera speciality. For die-hard traditionalists there are options like Yaya’s (Catalan for Grandmother, aka, the original queen of the La Escollera kitchen!) lobster paella, a dish embodying generations of Gonzalez history. Full of succulent chunks of shellfish, the rice is perfectly cooked – giving just the right amount of bite while remaining juicy. Then there’s the gloriously exhibitionist sea bass cooked in local salt (kindly donated by Salinera Espiñola, of course), which is brought to your table whole and deconstructed at the table.

The cooking method of this dish is simple – fresh sea bass is covered in salt, sprinkled with water and baked in the oven – but the result is outstanding; truly a must-taste experience for all fish lovers. Elsewhere, the menu is adorned with simple but explosive flavours in the form king prawns, locally-caught Gallo San Pedro (John Dory), and calamari – their binding common theme, unquestionable freshness. “There are so many great dishes on the menu,” explains current head chef, Tino Brasoveanu. “The key to it becoming a favourite is working with really, good fresh fish.”

New dishes are available for the more culinary curious, too – Tino has implemented a modern twist to some sections of the more traditional Mediterranean menu. For this reason, it’s well worth trying the restaurant’s range of sushi, of which the standout option is surely ‘King of the Beach’. A traditional California roll made with salmon or tuna then lightly wrapped in a layer of crispy tempura, each bite is a textural sensation for the tastebuds. The tuna sashimi and Salmon Salinas sushi are also divine, especially when you factor in those dazzling sea-facing vistas and the sound of the waves crashing nearby.

The menu offers plenty of good news for vegetarians and vegans too, as the warm welcome at La Escollera extends to clients with more specific dietary requirements. Vegetarian sushi is available, plus salads chock full of hearty avocado or Burratina, which here, is lightly smoked, creating an unexpected but really remarkable flavour. The star of this section of the menu is definitely the delicious vegan paella, made using Yaya’s famous recipe but substituting seafood with black trumpet mushrooms and rosemary, and adding Tino’s own personal spin. “I’m from Valencia so I’m fairly skilled when it comes to making paella,” he explains emphatically. “People come here especially for it!”

With over 20 years of dining experience behind them, the family and team behind La Escollera have discovered quality food and an authentic experience is what keeps diners coming back year after year. In fact, even Yaya can’t keep away – she still visits the restaurant every Sunday, presumably to ensure her paella is still as tasty as it always was. Remaining true to their past is easy, but what does the future hold for this family enterprise? “My teenage brothers will probably take over at some point,” says Andrea. “They’re only 18 and 16 at the moment but they’re really interested in the hospitality business and they’re great in the kitchen.” And so this culinary story continues…

Time-honoured family recipes

They say there’s nothing like a good old fashioned home cooked meal for comfort, but when you’re on holiday on the Mediterranean island of Ibiza, stocking up on food and cooking yourself a meal isn’t always an option. But that’s ok, because at La Escollera – the beautiful beach restaurant on the end of the beach at Es Cavallet – there’s an entire menu of home cooking on offer, following the traditional recipes the owners’ grandmother, where you can satisfy all cravings. Yaya (the Catalan word from grandmother) actually hails from Barcelona, where she wasn’t always just whipping up her recipes for the family – she was also at the helm of a popular restaurant. Her delicious home-cooking won the hearts (and stomachs!) of many a diner, with hot shot businessmen dining side by side with blacksmiths and grocers, transcending the barriers of working and business class through food. How then, did Yaya go from a humble Barcelona kitchen to the luxurious beachfront restaurant of La Escollera? In the early 80s, Yaya’s son Daniel Gonzalez felt a calling to visit the Balearic islands, and found himself working his way around and up in the hospitality trade – first as a doorman at Pacha, then onto managing a private bar at Ku (now Privilege) before becoming the manager of the mighty Amnesia. Then, in 1992, a unique opportunity presented itself and Dani took the reins of La Escollera.

At the time, the little seaside hotspot was more of an apres-beach experience, spontaneously bursting into parties when the vibe was right. But Dani saw its true potential – to transform it into a beautiful dining destination – and knew there was someone he needed on his side to ensure it made the transformation successfully. Yaya was persuaded to pack up her bags and recipe books (many of which had been passed down through the family from her own mother, Dani’s Yaya) and move to Ibiza, setting up a new kitchen at La Escollera in 1994. Dani was right – with Yaya in the kitchen, the restaurant quickly started attracting the Ibicencos, who spread the word about the irresistible home cooking by the beach, at affordable prices. Then came the Spanish crowds, flocking to Es Cavallet from the mainland on their holidays, and then finally, the international jet set – a mix that is indicative of the crowds of diners at La Escollera today.

Preserving this mix of clientele is important to the restaurant – today a complete family affair, with Dani taking care of business wheelings and dealings, his partner Wilhelmina on sparkling hostess duties and her daughter Andrea – an interior designer responsible for the restaurant’s most recent beautiful refurbishment – running the day-to-day operations, with help from her siblings in the summer months, all taking pride in the fact that Yaya’s recipes are still at the heart of their menus. At 83 years of age, Yaya is no longer in the kitchen on a daily basis, but she personally trained the chefs and continues to keep a close eye on all the techniques, produce and recipes. Dividing her time between Barcelona and Ibiza, she is often spotted dining on her own creations on the sandy terrace of La Escollera – a beloved guest of all the staff, and regularly recognised by loyal clientele who have been visiting the restaurant for years.

For a true taste of Yaya’s recipes, be sure to order one of the famous rice dishes – from lobster-based paella to a divine mix of chicken, rabbit and vegetables – or try the ‘Boquerones Mama’ – anchovies done in her own unique style. The roasted John Dory served with ‘poor man’s potatoes’ (a melt-in-your-mouth mix of fried potato with onion and green peppers) is another star dish, as are the marinated mussels. The one thing that is consistent in every dish is love – from grandma, to mama, to son and grandchildren, these are time-honoured family recipes that will never, ever go out of style.