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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!

A resident’s guide to Ibiza restaurants – Part 2

This week saw Ibiza shift into Phase Three of the Spanish government’s de-escalation plan, which gives islanders the freedom to enjoy the best Ibiza has to offer – as much of it that is open, for now, that is. More and more Ibiza restaurants are opening their doors, in a slightly more limited capacity and adhering to the new health, safety and social distancing protocols – we say the more the merrier. Below is part two of our two-part guide to the best places to eat in Ibiza in June, from Dalt Vila and Marina Botafoch to Santa Gertrudis, San Juan, San Lorenzo and San Rafael, plus more – watch this space for the best beach restaurants next week.

Can Mimosa Ibiza, Santa Gertrudis, Centre

When Pedro Cervero, Holly Rees Thomas and chef Tim Payne opened their gorgeous finca restaurant Can Mimosa Ibiza this time last year, they had planned to become a year-round hub for island residents seeking great quality food, warm service and an all-round laid-back ambience that felt like the Ibiza of old. The restaurant celebrated its first birthday this week, after working hard throughout the lockdown to provide home delivery to hungry islanders in isolation – from Sunday roasts to barbecue packs and ready-made meals. Thankfully now, Can Mimosa Ibiza is now open to one and all, from Tuesday to Saturday from 1pm to 5pm for lunch, then again from 7pm to 11pm for dinner. Sundays is an all-day lounge-around lunch affair from 1pm for the roast and barbecue. There’s a daily menu del dia, a new seasonal evening menu and all-day fish and chips on Fridays, all to be enjoyed in the charming garden – its status as island social hub has been immediately resumed.

Visit the Can Mimosa website to read more and request a table.

Nagai, San Lorenzo, North East

From week one of the lockdown, the team at Nagai remained busy feeding Ibiza’s sushi and fusion cuisine lovers – albeit via home delivery. These days, Chef Reina is still in her kitchen but now customers are allowed to come to her, from 7.30pm to late from Monday to Saturday. Start with a bespoke cocktail by the bar, then take a seat on the starlit terrace, where you can feel right at home as you choose between the island’s best sushi and sashimi, and signature Nagai dishes such as Japanese curry, tempura langostinos and veggies, fennel tartare, agedashi tofu, beef pad kra pao, black cod, karaage and so much more. There’s a true sense of community amongst the Nagai regulars – you can be sure to see someone you know, in addition to being warmly welcomed like an old friend by the team.

Kasamore, Mikasa Ibiza, Marina Botafoch, Ibiza

Perched on an unassuming little corner on the cusp of Marina Botafoch, Mikasa Ibiza is a boutique hotel that welcomes islanders – and later, people from all over the globe – to enjoy its two chic terraces, complete with views over the Marina and to Dalt Vila. The venue, which is normally open all year round, reopened its restauarnt Kasamore last week to the happiness of residents looking for a place to enjoy sundowner cocktails and Mediterranean classics like mussels with marinara sauce, grilled fresh carabineros, Andaluz style calamari or a hearty Burrata salad. There’s also delicious rice dishes, such as lobster risottos, mushroom and truffle risotto or linguini with pesto, plus fresh fish, succulent cuts of meat and more. A daily menu del dia is an affordable way to tuck into three courses, while bespoke cocktails and a great wine list are ideal to wash it down. Be sure to either arrive or stay for sunset – the views are incredible.

Shamarkanda, San Juan, North West

Like a glowing beacon on the left hand side of the road as you’re heading up to San Juan, Shamarkanda is a fusion restaurant of epic proportions, offering a soulful collection of dishes from all around the world, hopping from cultures, flavours and textures for a one-of-a-kind dining experience in Ibiza. Now open from Fridays to Sundays, from midday until late, the gorgeous space is ideal for catching up with friends for a sunny lunch or a decadent dinner alike. Fridays in June are ‘Gastro Fridays’, with a special set menu on offer for just 18€, designed to showcase the new 2020 menu. On Sundays, enjoy live music in the garden – which has been laid out to respect the new social distancing measures of course – from 4.30pm. Reservations are essential.

Wild Beets, Santa Gertrudis, Centre

If comfort eating during lockdown has got you seeking a more healthy alternative back out in the ‘real’ world, or if you’re naturally a vegan or plant-based food enthusiast, Wild Beets in Santa Gertrudis serves up some of the most creative and taste sensational healthy food in Ibiza. An institution in Ibiza for its iPurify juice cleanses, raw desserts and of course, its tasty plant-based menu, Wild Beets is also a hub for parents on the post-school run hunt for somewhere to catch up with friends, check emails or just enjoy a great meal. While school runs are a thing of the distant past right now, that’s no reason not to return to your favourite healthy eatery – open from 10am until 8pm daily, plus… kids are always welcome!

Visit the White Ibiza restaurant guide to read more and request a table at Wild Beets

Casa Maca, Ibiza, South East

In just two short winter seasons (literally in the case of 2020, which was unexpectedly cut m-u-c-h shorter than the first), Casa Maca’s in-house restaurant has established itself as the place to eat, drink and socialise in the off-season, as well as in summer. The impressive open-air barbecue is the major drawcard, along with fresh veggies plucked directly from the onsite farm. Dine alfresco on the fairy-lit terraces, which make it easy to be responsible and socially distanced from the next-door table, and take in the iconic view of Dalt Vila in the distance – if that’s not enough to make you swear allegiance to your island home after all these months indoors, well… perhaps the Balearic soundtrack will help you get a little teary-eyed. Just a few minutes outside of Ibiza town, Casa Maca has plenty of parking and is easy to access from anywhere on the island – opening on Friday June 12, 2020, reservations are highly recommended. For the next few weeks, the restaurant will be open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from 7pm.

Visit the White Ibiza restaurant guide to read more and request a table at Casa Maca

Finca La Plaza, Santa Gertrudis, Centre

Just a little over a week until hip Santa Gertrudis hangout Finca La Plaza reopens its stylish little picket gate to island residents. Put Friday June 19, 2020 in your diary – and we’d advise you to make a reservation too, as openings are proving to be very popular right now – and call on your nearest and dearest in Ibiza to join you in the beautiful garden restaurant, where festoon lights hang casually between palm trees and the scent of the grill wafting out from the kitchen is one of the most deliciously tantalizing aromas you’ve ever experienced. With a Mediterranean focus, all dishes are made using season, local and organic produce where possible. This is not just another farm-to-table claim to fame – Finca La Plaza work with local farmers to source their high quality payes chicken, spring lamb and more, only looking to the mainland and beyond when it can’t be found in Ibiza. Support our local farmers, by supporting the restaurants they supply.

The Giri Café, San Juan, North West

It’s been a long time between lunches at The Giri Café – the gorgeous garden restaurant in the heart of San Juan in the island’s north – and the news that it is reopening just in time for the famous Noche de San Juan on Tuesday June 23, 2020 has got island residents buzzing. While the charming little village won’t be able to host its regular fire-jumping Midsummer celebrations to celebrate the night of its patron saint, the restaurant’s re-opening will no doubt be lit – after the initial opening dinner, The Giri Café will be open from Wednesday to Sunday, for lunch and dinner. In addition to the beautiful garden space, the restaurant also boasts a spacious – and easily socially distanced – interior that’s ideal for those nights when it’s still a little cooler up north after dark. Reservations recommended.

La Veranda, San Lorenzo, North East

There are only a few tourist-free days for Ibiza residents to enjoy all the farm-to-fork goodness at La Veranda, the stunning countryside restaurant housed within the iconic Atzaró Agroturismo. When the hotel reopens on June 26, 2020, so too does the restaurant and its stunning onsite farm, bringing back lovely sunny lunches looking out over the orange grove. Of course, that’s not to say you can’t book a table at La Veranda once the borders are open – Atzaró has always welcomed locals and been a much-loved resident’s hangout over the years – it’s just that this may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity (we really hope it’s only once!) to simply relax with just your family, friends and fellow islanders and really savour these authentic Ibiza experiences without any rush or stress. Only 50% of the restaurant space will be used during this time too, so reservations are recommended.

Visit the White Ibiza restaurant guide to read more and request a table at La Veranda

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.

Secret laboratory

Step through the wide glass doors and you will see a bright, airy space where people sit and chat over delicious meals and drinks. Laboratory, you might ask? Doesn’t look like a lab. There’s no straight-faced people in white coats. But deep in the kitchen, and even deeper in the origins of Wild Beets, is science. Food science has been a happening thing since humans emerged from the primordial murk and started figuring out what to eat. It took a while for it to morph into today’s global industrial machine and like so many things, it’s clouded by misinformation, hidden agendas and money. Wild Beets founder Cliff Grubin cuts through all that in order to provide the best possible food options, both environmentally and health wise. How, you may ask?

He reads. A lot. While the rest of us binge watch forgettable television, Cliff sifts through mountains of studies, books and papers written by scientists from all over the world. He deciphers information, cross checks it with other sources and adapts this knowledge to fit the Wild Beets ethos, which is to serve cruelty-free, plant-based, raw, gluten-free and organic cuisine. It requires vigilance, constant adjustment and a firm dedication to ethical and moral foundations. Even the most health conscious person could not dedicate the time required to achieve what Wild Beets does. It’s a herculean task and one that the Wild Beets team tackles with gusto. “It is the path less travelled, but it does end up with the perfect fusion of health and flavor,” says Cliff. “It’s all based on the evidence.” Take one look at anything coming out of the Wild Beets kitchen and it’s soon apparent that the hard work is worth it.

In nature, nuts, seeds and grains employ nutritional inhibitors and other toxins as protection from being eaten before they get a chance to germinate. When there is enough precipitation, these protections are washed away and the nut or seed can sprout. Wild Beets mimics this natural process by soaking nuts, seeds and grains for up to 24 hours to allow the nutritional benefits to become readily available. All the milks at Wild Beets are made from scratch, which means nobody is drinking anything that has been stored on a supermarket or health food store shelf. It also means that you cannot get a fresher almond matcha latte or Bullet Proof Coffee anywhere in Ibiza.

Cliff is currently researching the best alternatives for takeaway cups. Right now, he has sourced biodegradable plastic cups made from vegetable matter. It’s not a perfect solution but Cliff accepts that many people cannot manage to bring in their own reusable cups. Which is why he will soon be stocking a range of gorgeous bamboo reusable cups for sale – just as soon as he has found one that meets the strict Wild Beets guidelines. Naturally, this intense attention to ethics is not limited to just the biodegradable and compostable take away containers. All the food served at Wild Beets is organic. Further, everything is vegan and chemical-free. Everything is made in-house, right down to the condiments. Homemade ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise is so much tastier

Cooking oil is likely one of the trickiest health and food science topics for lay people to get their heads around. Study after study has proven that canola, corn, sunflower and are high in polyunsaturated fats, which are detrimental to heart health. They also contain dangerously high amounts of 6, which is essential but not at these levels. Unfortunately, these oils are used in huge quantities in the food industry – almost anything you find at the supermarket will contain one or more of them. Over consumption can be a factor in the most common diseases such as heart disease, cancer, arthritis and diabetes. “All the evidence available indicates that this is a huge problem,” says Cliff. “Not just for our health but environmentally too. We only use organic olive oil, sesame or coconut oil at Wild Beets.”

When it comes to science the critical ingredients are curiosity and adaptability. As new knowledge emerges, the way we eat will change. However, Cliff himself puts it best when he says: “There is the science. We use that to back up everything we do here. But in the end, I always turn back to food writer Michael Pollan, who said it the best. ‘Eat food, not too much, mostly plants’.”

Self-care is not a hashtag

“That doesn’t mean you can be an asshole though,” he clarifies, taking a swig at a steaming matcha latte. What he’s talking about is self-care. Not as a handy hashtag for when you cane it in yoga or book a spa visit. He’s not talking about #selfcare. He’s talking about intention and realisation. But with a certain dose of coy, gritty comedy thrown in. We all get lost in the labyrinth of wellbeing, forgetting the basic element keeping everything running – physically and emotionally – is food. There’s too much going on, running here, rushing there, pinging phones, waiting for emails. And here in Ibiza, it’s also really, really hot. The first error in that downward spiral is eating anything we can find – something fast and quick. In compromising self-care, we end up sacrificing more than our health and mood – we sacrifice our ability to serve others.

“The ultimate goal of self-care is that it leads to service,” says Cliff. “Doing things for others feels really good. That’s where self-care should end up – helping others. It doesn’t mean you won’t complain about it on the way or forget sometimes. Or feel like a hypocrite occasionally.” The first pillar of taking care is eating well. There are no compromises at Wild Beets, where everything is aimed at maximum health benefits and prepared in a way that’s hard to achieve at home. Things happen behind the kitchen door that you won’t necessarily notice within the vibrant dishes on the menu. Vegetables are fermented (good for the digestive system), nuts and grains are soaked (releasing important minerals), and milks (rice, oat and almond) are made from scratch. Juices are cold-pressed (making the nutrients more readily available) and super charged elixirs are added to boost everything from the immune system to your mood.

It’s not just about eating healthy and delectable food. “The menu is plant-based, organic, cruelty free cuisine prepared via methods based on scientific evidence,” Cliff explains. “We never sacrifice the moral foundation of the restaurant.” Even in the height of a crazy day, you can stop by Wild Beets and get exactly what your body, mind and conscience needs. Good, homemade, plant-based, nutrient-rich deliciousness. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and juices – it’s all there waiting to help you take care of yourself. The Wild Beets offshoot, iPurify, provides cold-pressed juice cleanses either for home or with the guidance of the expert team. Or you can just grab a juice from the chiller for an instant, healthy pick-me-up. Naturally, everyone needs a little sweetness occasionally. Decadence is permitted and comes in the shape of beautiful raw desserts and cheeky homemade truffles.

Most parents are familiar with the age worn trope of getting kids to eat healthy food. The Wild Beets kids’ menu takes all the pain away serving up child friendly dishes that follow the same principles as the rest of the menu. The menu is so popular amongst the little ones that grown-ups are often caught sneaking nibbles from their children’s plates. It’s never too early to show kids how to take care of their health. While other establishments close down for the winter, Wild Beets is open all year round. “We hold it together throughout summer and winter so you don’t have to,” laughs Cliff. “If life catches up on you, come here. We do the hard work for you.” And in that lies the root of the Wild Beets reason for being. If self-care is ultimately about service, then Wild Beets does self-care by providing it for others.

Visit the White Ibiza restaurants guide to read more and contact Wild Beets
Warming up the winter

Set in the year-round village of Santa Gertrudis, the stylish modern eatery is known for its nutritious and creative menu, fresh juices and smoothies (it’s also the home of the renowned iPurify juice cleanse program) and spacious set-up, which now includes the addition of a roaring fireplace. This new cosy atmosphere, combined with some winter warming menu additions, makes Wild Beets the kind of place you can pop in for breakfast… and then stay for lunch and afternoon tea!

From its inception in 2014, Wild Beets always intended to cater to island residents and holidaymakers 12 months a year – not only serving up healthy and nutritious dining options but also providing valuable year-round jobs to locals. Rather than shutting up shop when high tourist season is over, the restaurant simply switches into a more appropriate winter mode. Think less raw dishes (because let’s face it, when it’s chilly outside, you naturally want a steaming bowl of goodness under your nose!) and more hearty, healthy bowls and delicious warm drinks. Breakfast (served from 9am until 12pm) has been given a winter upgrade, with hot oatmeal, warm grain bowls and quinoa blends now appearing as specials alongside the classics. Lunch service begins at 12.30pm with new additions for winter 2017 including the Buddha Bowl, Dragon Bowl, Protein Bowl and Macro Bowl – vibrant, colourful and above all, nutrient-dense dishes designed to sate all appetites and dietary requirements. Whether you’re looking for an energy boost, a post-workout protein replenishment or a completely macrobiotic meal, these new warm bowls showcase a variety of different grains, quinoa and rice mixtures ideal for winter climes.

Hot drinks become the star of the show in winter with Matcha being one particular specialty of Wild Beets. Owner Cliff Grubin has scoured the globe for the very finest Matcha, and personally brings in the high quality, health-packed tea blend from small specialist producers in Japan. “It’s an amazing product,” he says emphatically. “No other Matcha anywhere else comes close to this. It’s out of this world.” Above and beyond the silky taste and texture – choose between tea or a latte, created with Wild Beets’ homemade almond or coconut milks – the health benefits are extraordinary, chock full of amino acids and boasting powerful cancer fighting properties. Another buzz-drink on the Wild Beets winter menu is Golden Milk Tea, another wonderfully warming drink ideal for winter, made with the natural anti-inflammatory and health boosting turmeric. Just because it’s cold outside however, doesn’t mean the Wild Beets juice bar slows down – in fact, Cliff says these past few weeks have seen the iPurify juice detoxes increasing in popularity – perfect for treating post NYE indulgence or those New Year’s resolutions kicking in! Juices can be snapped up as single doses, daily packages or more intensive weeklong programs – enquire within to find out more.

Open daily from 9am until 6pm (kitchen closes at 5pm), Wild Beets welcomes one and all to pull up a pew by the fire and make the space their own. With the international school nearby and a local school practically next door, it’s the perfect place for a post-school run catch-up, or to grab a healthy snack or meal between Pilates and yoga classes (with plenty of studios and teachers in the area). Large tables make it great for long lunches while quiet corners are perfect for more intimate dates and on a sunny day, you can even enjoy the open-air terrace – there really is something for everyone at Wild Beets. Also famed with the island’s digital nomads for its high-speed WiFi connection and ample table sizes, Wild Beets has also become a hotspot for meetings and popular mobile office that’s always nice and cosy, with a warm ambience making it easy to be productive… especially when you don’t have to get up and boil the kettle yourself every time you crave another warm drink! Photography by Maria Simon

Visit the White Ibiza restaurants guide to read more and reserve a table at Wild Beets
Meet the chef, Wild Beets

Food awareness is emerging as the boldest direction the culinary world has taken since, well, sliced bread. Leading the way in Ibiza is Wild Beets in Santa Gertrudis, the latest venture from Cliff Grubin of Sejuiced juice bar on Benirras Beach and iPurify juice cleanses. Pepe Costa heads up the innovative and wholesome kitchen that pumps out a menu of mostly raw dishes that defy any fixed ideas of vegetarian cuisine. Matching the skills and techniques gleaned in culinary school with years of working professional kitchens, Pepe creates beautiful dishes that bring the palate alive. And almost as a side note, each plate is supremely healthy, carefully calibrated to deliver a dense nutritional boost. Luckily for residents and visitors alike, Wild Beets is open all year round. We stole a moment with Pepe to talk food, life and, food.

Tell us a bit about yourself? I was born in Valencia, the city of the paella. My inspiration was my mother. She said to me “Do you want to study or work?” and I said work so she sent me to the kitchen! I went to culinary school in Valencia and afterwards went to work in a classic Basque restaurant. The Basque food is just… well, it’s one of the best cuisines in the world. What brought you to Ibiza? I came here around four years ago, to work. For me, as a chef, it’s a good mix of cultures and ideas. Ibiza is a meeting place; I’ve learned so much in my time here. I worked for two years in a rural spa hotel then came here to Wild Beets. At what point in your life did you think ‘Yes, this is the job for me’? I realised it working here at Wild Beets. When I got the job I was in a moment of doubt about where I was going and then when I came here, Cliff was so open. I really liked the health aspect of the concept, that’s what convinced me. I am learning so much here. It takes a lot of effort to break old habits but it gets easier to be healthier when you start to understand the processes and routines of the body.

How do you describe the type of cuisine at Wild Beets? The simplest way is to say it’s healthy cuisine. It’s a system of life and there has to be a consciousness – about the environment, the body. Food is a way of transmitting harmony via a plate. It is about balance and of course, enjoyment. How do you describe your style in the kitchen? Very free, lots of creativity and passion. And calm, no shouting, no stress, if you are stressed then the food notices it. Each product needs the time it needs to taste its best. Above all the base must be solid, the techniques are very traditional but from there we can create. What is your signature dish here? That’s really hard to answer because we have lots of very popular dishes. I suppose that the Macro Bowl is one that represents Wild Beets quite well – it’s a complete plate, very healthy and very tasty. For desserts it has to be the superfood cake – no one can believe it when they see it. It’s a beautiful deep turquoise colour and so smooth.

What are your thoughts on food having curative properties? When you make food for your friends or family it sustains your body and mind, it’s nurturing those things. It’s all love. It all passes to the plate, between the cook, the plate and the eater. If it’s done with love it will be received with love. That’s what I aim for in my work and in my life. What do you like most about living and working in Ibiza? For me it’s the freedom. In life and work. Wild Beets is a very collaborative kitchen. I am just learning so much here. I love the tranquillity of winter too. The restaurant is open but we have a bit more time. We create new dishes, we try a lot of things, it’s all about exploration and investigation. It’s great!

Visit the White Ibiza restaurants guide to read more and reserve a table at Wild Beets