An alternative breakfast

Indeed, there are some stylish and sophisticated spaces serving up a more gourmet affair around the island, however when the bill arrives you can be left wondering if you’ve just had a three-course dinner with wine! Those who know – and especially those who know the value of a good breakfast – head to The Giri Café, in the heart of the village of San Juan in the island’s north for their morning fuel-up. The beautiful garden restaurant has been one of the island’s best-kept secret breakfast hotspots for the last few years, as the team continue to build on the menu concept each season, slowly, organically. Accessibly priced, diverse and delicious.

Breakfast is served for a two-hour window from 10am until midday each day – ideal for sun-worshippers on their way to the beach, perfect for parents, post-school run and spot-on for late risers. It’s a very laidback vibe – but not so far as you have to get up to order and pay at a counter. The renowned Giri service is always in full effect, with warm and welcoming waitstaff delivering your morning coffee, freshly squeezed juice or herbal tea to your table with a smile as you relax and ease into your day. Take a seat on a daybed in the garden and soak up the morning light, or take in the views of the countryside from a table on the sun-drenched terrace. Got some emails to check? You’re more than welcome indoors, where your laptop or iPad screen is shaded from the sun but enormous windows allow fresh air to flow through. San Juan is sleepy in the mornings. The ambience is tranquil. At The Giri Café, it’s all about feeling (and tasting) good.

The taste, of course, is what has made this beautiful eatery become the secret star of Ibiza’s breakfast scene. A grown-up, internationally themed gastronomic menu focusing on goodness, locally grown ingredients and freshness, you’ll find a variety of options to suit all taste buds and appetites. It’s not about hangover breakfasts, or fast food-on-the-go. There’s no coffee in paper cups or juice in plastic bottles. It’s all about taking your time, enjoying the moment, and relishing the flavours. Free-range eggs come direct from the island’s happiest hens, and you can have them served perfectly poached (an art in itself) atop lightly toasted brioche style buns spread with locally made sobrasada (cured sausage), melted cheese and crispy onion. Salty, savoury and special. Or perhaps you prefer a healthy slice of rye toast, smothered in creamy homemade guacamole before your poached egg is placed on top, and sprinkled with fresh pomengrate seeds and edible flowers? You can also opt for scrambled, with a side of tomatoes and mushroom if you’re craving something hot and hearty.

The breakfast menu is not all about eggs however – Greek yoghurt served with homemade marmalade, granola and red fruits is a big bowl of goodness for those on a health tip, while the American style pancakes with maple syrup and fresh fruit are a wonderful morning indulgence. Giving the New York brunch classic a unique island twist, marinated salmon focaccia toasts (a Giri signature dish) with a zesty citrus taste are served atop a brush of homemade tartar sauce with rocket and soy dressing. Given that we are indeed in Spain, and The Giri Café is situated in a typical Spanish village on the Spanish island of Ibiza, it would be rude not to give a nod to the local favourite, and thus crispy toast served with tomato and Serrano ham or cheese is also on the menu. Forget the rock-hard baguettes smothered in day-old tomato found in bars around town – think succulent vine ripened tomatoes, melt-in-your-mouth ham and sharp, delicious cheese. Additional toast toppings include whipped goat cheese with walnuts and agave syrup, or the all-time classic, butter and marmalade.

A concise juice menu has been concocted by The Giri Café team, personally trying and testing recipes until they are j-u-s-t right. Fruits and veggies are grown locally – many onsite in the garden – and are fused with superfoods such as chia seeds, açai and ginger among others. From the simple taste of sunshine in a glass (freshly squeezed Ibiza oranges) to antioxidant-packed blends, health-boosting green juices and homemade lemonade and shakes, it’s the perfect way to start the day. For many, the caffeine fix is essential in the mornings and the organic and sustainable blend from Honduras and Brazil, hand-roasted right here in Ibiza, doesn’t disappoint, while tea lovers can choose from Chai, fresh mint, ginger and lemongrass, organic white or good old fashioned Earl Grey.

Every plate on the menu is just the right size to dine alone, or can easily be ordered as a spread and shared across the table. The presentation is simply beautiful, each plate a thing of beauty that inspires gratefulness for the abundance you’re receiving before it has even crossed your lips. There are no tricks at The Giri Café. No gimmicks. Just delicious, homemade food in an authentically beautiful Ibiza setting. The island’s best wake-up call…