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The best restaurants in Ibiza Anyone who follows me on Instagram knows that I recently spent a few days in Ireland and also on the beautiful sunny island of Ibiza. And no matter where in the world I am, food always plays a big role for me. So, here in Ibiza, I not only explored numerous beaches, the entire island, and various villages, but of course, I also sampled a wide variety of restaurants. Let me say right off the bat: it was my first visit to Ibiza, and until now, I couldn't understand or relate to the "Yeah! Ibiza!" hype that so many of my fellow Munich residents seem to have. Now I do, and I have to admit that Ibiza definitely stole my heart during my 10-day stay. That's why, unlike usual, I'd like to share a little more about my experience before we get to the restaurants on the island.
Partying in Ibiza and the beautiful Spaniards
I wasn't there to party, even though the numerous, party-loving young people – depending on the part of the island – are practically impossible to miss, and you're constantly tempted to join in. Ibiza is known – again, depending on the generation and the area – for its excellent party atmosphere (Pasha, party boats, and clubs) and extensive parties. It's not for me, but for those who consider partying an important part of a good vacation, that's the only reason to go to Ibiza – or so they say. The "Munich Ibizans" will probably agree: Ibiza – actually, anywhere – has incredibly beautiful people. I mean, really, and quite clearly, an above-average number of beautiful people. All of them are tanned, toned – men and women alike – and scantily clad. Anyone walking around here and spending time on the island can't help but notice that the Spanish are clearly exceptionally lucky with their genes. Skimpy shorts, six-packs, and beautiful, slim, and toned bodies are everywhere. So, to be perfectly clear: anyone who has a problem with that won't have it easy here, that's my impression, and I can understand every man (and woman ;-)) who simply strolls along the promenades to people-watch. And it's precisely along these promenades, as well as scattered throughout the entire island, that you'll find numerous restaurants. Since I certainly don't have any Spanish genes and my tanning skills are only spotty, I threw in the towel (figuratively speaking) and gave in to my cravings for "good food, lots of food, lots of restaurants" here in Ibiza – bikini body or not.
Basic information regarding the culinary scene in Ibiza
I've already visited several of the well-known and popular Spanish islands, and I've eaten my way through Mallorca, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote. I mention this to show that I have plenty of Spanish islands in this region to compare them to. Ibiza, however—and this simply has to be said—is completely different. The first thing you notice is the price, and that's true almost everywhere—not just when it comes to food. The clientele is also clearly different. In my opinion, Ibiza is by far the most trendy and, in terms of its clientele, probably one of the most stylish islands in Spain. In other words, anyone who comes here needs money, and that includes when it comes to food, at least if they want to treat themselves. From the start, it was clear to me that I would be spending more money on my culinary desires and their satisfaction than on other things, so I was quite comfortable with the prices (e.g., €3 for a small ice cream, €4 for a small bottle of Coke, €28 per person for paella, or even €23 for tagliatelle with Gorgonzola). Again: you can eat much cheaper, really cheaply, on Ibiza, but only with supermarket or street food. You can usually tell from the outside what prices to expect, what kind of clientele dines there, and how the ambiance and atmosphere are. Even very remote and seemingly simple restaurants here typically have high prices.
Here we go: The best restaurants in Ibiza
So… now let's get started: I ate at about 20 different places on Ibiza – sometimes with sand between my toes, sometimes with live music or begging dogs next to the table, or even in chic and somewhat more expensive settings. Here are the restaurants on Ibiza that I consider definitely worth visiting. (The text is always below the pictures for each restaurant).
1. El Caliu | Es Caliu, Carretera C-733, km 10.8, 07840 Santa Eulària des Riu | Website With its unbeatable ambiance and having only opened in June 2016, the El Caliu restaurant impresses with a small but excellent menu. The focus is primarily on meat and fish, while vegetarians can enjoy grilled vegetables – optionally with tofu. Be sure to order the bread with three different dips (garlic, olive, and herb). Everything is prepared on a huge outdoor grill for the guests. Dine under lemon and orange trees while a live band plays Spanish songs. It doesn't get more vacation-like than this. Come with a big appetite and don't order the potatoes on the menu individually, but rather order one portion for two hungry people, as the portions are very generous. The service is friendly and attentive. Reservations are highly recommended.
2. It Savina | Calle Cala Jundal, 0 S/N, 07839 Sant Josep de sa Talaia Here you're just a meter or two from the beach, the sea, and the sunbathing vacationers. It's a very cozy restaurant, mostly outdoors, with tables already set and wine glasses. The menu is concise. Don't be surprised if you find "Spaghetti Bolognese" among the appetizers, but don't let that put you off, because the seafood paella (€24 per person) is really good, and almost all the menus on the island have been creatively translated. 🙂 For appetizers, you should definitely try the generously portioned avocado with shrimp or the melon with prosciutto. I had the "rather minimally portioned" grilled vegetables for €12. Friendly waiters will serve you, and the paella will be served to you in individual portions and replenished as needed. Be prepared to wait a bit here (…which shouldn't be a problem on vacation…), as the atmosphere is extremely relaxed. (From "La quenta, perfavore!" to paying, 25 minutes passed, and another 15 minutes for the change. So, nice and relaxed on the beach. I can recommend the paella – despite it costing almost €50 for two people – even if you have to pick at the crab, prawns, etc.
3. Seasoul – Restaurant & Lounge | Calle Mestral, 42 Urb. Argamassa, 07849 Santa Eulalia del Río | Website Seosoul Beachbar, which only opened about a month ago, is located in one of my favorite spots on Ibiza, right on Cale Pana. Here you can either rent a beautifully padded lounger with a direct sea view for €18 per day (a fair price!) and order your food there (and eat it at the small tables provided), or eat, drink, and relax in the cozy lounge area at the bar with music. The entire area is on a kind of raised platform, so it's not directly at beach level, and you have a fantastic view. Stylish, white-clad waitresses with headsets serve you fresh fruit, wraps, tacos, pasta, salads, and various cocktails. It's the kind of place you'd want to stay for the whole day or just a few hours. A small beach area, a few steps down, leads directly into the clear, turquoise water. Prices are reasonable, although the drinks are rather expensive (for example, the "Sparkling Soul," a strawberry cocktail served in a champagne glass, costs €9). Here too: A clear extra point for the ambience, as you can relax on a lounger like at the beach, but with more peace and quiet, (fairer lounger prices) and good food.
4. El Sol | Playa de Figueretas El Sol is located along the beach promenade at Playa de Figueretas. Numerous restaurants offering Spanish, Italian, Japanese, and Thai cuisine line the promenade. El Sol offers a reasonably priced set menu, as well as a variety of appetizers, egg and pasta dishes, fish and meat dishes, and house specialties. I had a goat cheese salad (€12) and the set menu with melon and ham as appetizers, delicious swordfish with potatoes (the side dish was changed), and melon for dessert (€16.50). The service is very friendly, and the atmosphere is cozy but not fancy. At El Sol, you can eat delicious food at comparatively fair prices—there's simply nothing to complain about.
Additional tip: (Incidentally, the " is located right next door.„fusion“and the Italian-international restaurant „The Prince„"At Fusion, right after landing, I had a baguette with ham and arugula, along with a coconut drink (€5.90/€4.90), at one of the tables set up on the promenade with a sea view. At El Principe, I also tried – as you do at an Italian restaurant 😉 – both the fish paella and the mixed fish and meat paella (€17.50/€16). They were perfectly tasty, and it's one of the few restaurants where the paella is served per person. If you order it here, go for the mixed paella; it contains the same amount of fish (plus meat) as the fish paella for €1.50 less. There's a large blue parrot that lives in the restaurant."
5. Passion Marina | Passeig Joan Carles I, 23 | Website – I (luckily) discovered Passion quite by chance on my last day. A table on the covered terrace happened to be free, so I took a seat for lunch. Passion is perfect for the health-conscious fitness enthusiasts among you. Breakfast is served until noon, and lunch starts at 1 p.m. The menu boasts countless variations of smoothies (averaging around €9), juices, smoothie bowls, power boosters, and more. The food is all healthy, with plenty of vegan options. There are numerous salads, Lebanese appetizer platters for two, hummus with bread (€8.50), dips, and much, much more. Despite not having a sea view (it's about 150-200 meters away), Passion quickly filled up – mostly with women, but not exclusively – and everyone was enjoying a different healthy juice, spooning up an avocado bowl, or nibbling on the goat cheese salad (my choice for €15.50). The chicken, cashew, and avocado salad (€15.95) is also delicious, especially when paired with an "Ecstasy" drink (a smoothie with melon, banana, and honey for €8.50). While the prices are steep, the concept is very popular, and Passion has several locations in Ibiza. It's cozy and inviting, somewhat comparable to Daddy Long Legs or Dean & David in Munich. Despite the high prices, it's worth a visit; you'll feel satisfied but never stuffed. The service is also friendly.
6. YOKUBO | Passeig ses Pitiüses, s/n, 07800 Ibiza | You might assume that a Spanish island has mostly Spanish restaurants. Perhaps that's true in Ibiza, but you can find Asian food just as often. A sushi, Thai, or Asian restaurant is practically never far away, and there's also a great Japanese restaurant on Playa de Figueretas. Unless it's just a simple sushi takeaway (see 9.), most Asian restaurants in Ibiza are quite pricey. This is also true of YOKUBO, which impresses with its mirrored windows, red, black, and gray tables set in advance, and a spacious terrace along the promenade. But more importantly: both the Japanese sushi and the Thai Pad Thai are excellent. The Thai menu includes starters, soups, and wok dishes (for an average of €16-18). The sushi, however, is a bit more expensive; for example, eight vegetarian uramaki cost €10, and two tuna nigiri cost €6. It's definitely worth a visit, and if you're craving Asian cuisine despite the Spanish atmosphere, you should definitely try the pad thai and sushi here.
Bonus tip: A cheaper one A variation of Pad Thai, in roughly the same quantity and with equally good taste, but in a much simpler and somewhat uncomfortable street-side setting, you can find at „Pad Thai Wok“For €9.90. They offer a variety of Asian dishes and appetizers. Pad Thai Wok is a good choice for a quick bite, but it's not the place for a leisurely and substantial dinner.„.
7. Cappuccino | Passeig Joan Carles I, 20, 07800 Eivissa | Website Anyone who enjoys breakfast at the harbor with a view of yachts, freighters, and sailboats coming and going will find Cappuccino to be the perfect spot. The walk there, with one million-dollar yacht after another gliding through the harbor basin, makes it clear that this is a chic place. Cappuccino itself, however, is quite cozy and down-to-earth: covered tables outside along the harbor basin, waiters dressed in black and white, and a comfortable atmosphere await you. The restaurant's prices are a bit higher, but overall, it's a good place to have breakfast that's still affordable. The menu offers either set breakfast options or individual items (egg dishes, croissants, muesli with fruit, various fruit juices, etc.). The service is a bit slow; in other words, it simply takes a while for your food to arrive. But the wait is worthwhile, if only for the vibrant harbor atmosphere and the truly exceptional (albeit small) scrambled eggs.
8. bamboo buddha | Carretera de San Juan, Km. 8.5, 07840 Santa Eulalia del Río | Website Thai cuisine at its finest, so chic that you completely forget where you are. Namely, nowhere in the middle of nowhere, tucked away off a highway running right through Ibiza. That's where you'll find the restaurant Bambuddha. Don't even think about showing up without a reservation, and definitely not in flip-flops with sand between your toes and shirtless. They serve a variety of Thai dishes in a stylish setting. And even if you don't want to see it – which is practically impossible – this is where Ibiza's high society hangs out. Goodness, some of the ladies were dressed up as if they were going to a Paris fashion show afterwards, while I, in my – what I thought was already quite chic – summer dress, felt like I was at a flea market. The portions are small to medium-sized, and the prices are undeniably high. Nevertheless, the ambiance and the whole atmosphere are unbeatable. Incidentally, my number one spot (El Caliu) is relatively close by, diagonally opposite – you can decide what you're in the mood for on the way. At Bambuddha, you almost forget you're in Ibiza. I had smoothies, dumplings, and a Pad Thai, and – pardon my French! – I found the Pad Thai at Yokubo (No. 6) much better.
9. Crazy Sushi | local 2, Carrer de Carles Roman Ferrer, 32, 07800 Ibiza | At Crazy Sushi, you'll find exactly that: sushi. Whether it's truly "crazy" is debatable. But it's definitely different and creative. The owner of this small shop, which only offers a few outdoor tables – admittedly not the most comfortable ones – learned to make sushi in London. He's friendly and very attentive, making sure every single guest is satisfied. Aside from appetizers like edamame, they offer the usual creations such as nigiri, sashimi, maki, and inside-out maki. I had the vegetarian box (€10), two tuna nigiri (€5), and two edamame (€4) bites. Everything is always freshly prepared and tastes really good. A visit – perhaps for takeaway and to eat right there on the beach – is definitely worthwhile.
10. El Dorado | Calle Asturias N8, 07800, Ibiza Perhaps not the world's best, but pretty good burritos, tacos, and other dishes can be found at the rather small, but cozy and colorfully decorated restaurant "Bar El Dorado." I visited in the early evening, when most Spaniards simply aren't eating yet. Around 6 p.m., it was quite empty. The burritos look different from what a Munich resident or German in general might be used to, but they taste good. Be careful with the seasoning and it's best to wait until after the first bite. At the next table, people were trying tacos and small Spanish flatbreads with various fillings. When I asked if they liked it, the Englishman (it feels like half the island is full of English people...) said, "Oh yeah! It's a life-changing experience!" 😉 Maybe not quite that, but it's pretty good here.
11. Café Piadina Casa 13 | Carrer Periodista Francesc Escanellas 13, 07800, Ibiza | A small, charming café. Don't expect anything grand or pretentious. With a feel somewhat similar to Café Lotti in Munich, they offer a variety of paninis, sandwiches, wraps, breads, salads, and more. People usually eat outside on the terrace, which seats about six or seven, just a stone's throw from the sea. If you're planning a day on the island and want a substantial breakfast, this is the place to go. I had a fresh orange juice, an avocado and spinach sandwich, and a chicken baguette. Simple but inviting, and packed every day from a certain hour onwards. The waitresses are friendly and, by Spanish standards, quite efficient. 😉
The Blue Marlin Beach Club
…if you'd like a little more….
As mentioned above, I ate at many more places, or just grabbed a quick snack. I don't want to recommend them all here. Likewise, I couldn't possibly follow all your tips, but I don't want to withhold them from all you Ibiza vacationers. So here are the places that were recommended to me but that I didn't try myself: Blue Marlin Restaurant (I visited both locations on the island, but only had drinks at each. The Blue Marlin offers both a beach bar and a restaurant serving (high-priced) lunch, dinner, and breakfast. The beach club boasts a comfortable beach area with white loungers, parasols with champagne bottle holders, and staff. Anyone missing a bit of the P1 vibe should either check this out or...) NIKKI Beach Club, near Cala Pada. I once walked past it on my way to the Sea Soul Beach Club, and it's already quite lively there at midday. So, if you're looking for a more relaxed, lounge-like party atmosphere during the day, you'll probably feel right at home at the trendy NIKKI Beach Club, located directly on the seafront. Also, the Lips at Playa d'en Bossa (neither visited nor seen), as well as the Cipriani Ibiza – an Italian restaurant with a relatively high-priced menu. It looked quite nice from the outside, though. Then there was the… Casa Colonial Ibiza – According to a reader tip, the food here is great, the value for money is excellent, and there are few tourists. I only saw it from the outside, but it was recommended to me several times. Maybe next time, and finally... Gourmet at the Hard Rock Hotel on Ibiza.
A local supermarket in the north of Ibiza
A fruit cup at the beach for €5
Local supermarkets, beach food, and more.
On most beaches, you'll also be offered cups of freshly cut fruit or coconut. You shouldn't pay more than €5 for this, but you'll get pineapple, coconut, watermelon, honeydew melon, grapes, and other goodies. If the wind doesn't blow your parasol over, the pole doesn't hit you on the head, and half the fruit ends up in the sand, then it's a great thing. 😉 Personally, I preferred to regularly buy fresh fruit from small supermarkets with local produce and eat it – also delicious, and – if it's local – much juicier and fresher than what I get at home. There are plenty of supermarkets; Lidl and Spar dominate, and sometimes you'll find an Aldi. But the small supermarkets are more fun. They're often located in crooked buildings, where you can find various seeds packaged in small plastic bags, misshapen but perfectly good fruit, or even watermelons as heavy as a toddler. Definitely check one of these out.
homemade Spanish cookies and chocolates
Don't be surprised if you're frequently asked – no matter where you are – if you're interested in gansha. A polite "No thanks!" (…I certainly hope so…) is all it takes to leave you in peace. In Germany, people might ask for the time; in Ibiza, it's gansha. At least, that's how it was for me, and I dare say I don't exactly look like the stereotypical user. 😉 It's also quite common to see people smoking it on the beach and sometimes even in restaurants – like chips on the sofa back home. But don't worry… you'll be left alone if you simply signal: No power to drugs. 🙂 If you don't fancy paying an average of €15 per day for a parasol (…and another €15 for the sun loungers and €15 for the cushions – yes, that's right, depending on the beach, up to €45 per person per day), consider bringing something to provide shade, as there's very little shade available on the beach. I visited beaches all over the island and still managed to find a secluded shady spot under trees or along cliffs. You should also definitely check out where local street festivals and markets are currently taking place. I went to one, and there were some great local delicacies there as well.
I hope you have a great time in Ibiza! If you'd like to see more pictures of any of the locations, have questions about how to get there or the location, or have any other questions about Ibiza, feel free to send me an email. I'll get back to you as soon as possible. Have a wonderful holiday! Don't forget the sunscreen and cash.
Battling against the spread of fraudulent medications
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